(Fully Funded to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
The International AIDS Society (IAS) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 IAS Conference Scholarship Programme, offered in conjunction with AIDS 2026, the 26th International AIDS Conference. The conference will be held from 26 to 31 August 2026, taking place both in-person in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and virtually, allowing global participation regardless of physical location.
AIDS 2026 is the world’s largest conference on HIV science, policy, and advocacy, bringing together researchers, health professionals, community leaders, policymakers, and activists to advance the global HIV response. The Scholarship Programme exists to ensure that individuals who would otherwise be unable to attend due to financial barriers can participate fully and meaningfully in this global gathering.
About the Scholarship Programme
The IAS Conference Scholarship Programme aims to support individuals who are actively involved in work related to HIV—whether through community initiatives, research, advocacy, or healthcare delivery. The scholarship is designed for those who can contribute to the conference and who will later apply the knowledge and skills gained in their home communities or organizations.
The IAS will award two categories of scholarships for AIDS 2026:
In-person scholarships
Virtual attendance scholarships
Both categories aim to promote inclusivity, diversity, and global representation across the HIV response.
Support for In-Person Attendance
Selected in-person scholarship recipients will receive comprehensive support to attend the conference in Rio de Janeiro, including:
In-person + virtual conference registration, which provides:
- Access to all in-person sessions, including plenaries, oral presentations, satellite sessions, and symposia
- Entry to poster discussions, the exhibition area, and the Global Village
- Access to all pre-conference events
Full virtual access, including:
- Live-streamed conference sessions
- On-demand session recordings
- Access to e-posters
- Participation in the virtual Global Village
Travel support, including:
- A pre-paid economy round-trip ticket from the nearest international airport in the applicant’s country of residence
- Travel arranged specifically for the conference dates
Accommodation:
- A single room in an affordable hotel for the entire duration of the conference
Daily living allowance:
- A stipend provided for each day of the event to cover meals and basic expenses
This comprehensive package ensures that financial limitations do not hinder promising individuals from attending this globally significant event.
Support for Virtual Attendance
Virtual scholarship recipients will receive:
- Online access to all live-streamed conference sessions
- Access to session recordings, on-demand content, and e-posters
- Participation in virtual satellite sessions, pre-conferences, and the virtual Global Village
This allows participants who cannot travel to still benefit fully from the conference’s rich scientific and community content.
Additional Benefits
All selected scholarship recipients—whether in-person or virtual—will receive free IAS membership for two years following the conference. This includes access to IAS resources, networking opportunities, publications, webinars, and community engagement initiatives.
Application Timeline:
- 20 November 2025: Submissions open
- 27 January 2026: Submissions close
- February/March 2026: Review and selection
- Early April 2026: Announcement of results
Eligibility & Priority Criteria
While the scholarship is open to applicants worldwide, priority will be given to:
1. Applicants contributing to the conference
This includes:
- Abstract presenters
- Workshop facilitators and co-facilitators
- Global Village organizers and co-organizers
Candidates whose submissions are selected for presentation will receive strong priority in the selection process.
2. Applicants from low- and middle-income countries
The programme strongly supports individuals from regions disproportionately affected by HIV or with limited access to international scientific events.
3. Key populations and people living with HIV
Applicants who belong to key populations—such as LGBTQ+ individuals, sex workers, people who use drugs, migrants, and others disproportionately affected by HIV—are encouraged to apply.
4. Young people and early-career professionals
Applicants under the age of 35, including students, emerging researchers, young advocates, and early-career health workers, will receive priority consideration.
5. Applicants who have never received IAS scholarship support
To maximize diversity and fairness, priority is given to candidates who have not previously been awarded a scholarship for an International AIDS Conference.
Why You Should Apply
This fully funded opportunity is more than just conference attendance—it is a chance to:
- Learn from world-leading experts
- Share experiences and innovations
- Gain global exposure for your work
- Strengthen your community’s HIV response
- Network with researchers, practitioners, and advocates from around the world
- Bring back valuable knowledge to your organization or community
If you are passionate about contributing to the global fight against HIV and committed to applying the skills you learn, this scholarship can be a life-changing opportunity.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates must complete the official online application form, providing accurate and detailed information about their:
- Organization, institution, or community affiliation
- Experience and involvement in the HIV field
- Motivation for attending AIDS 2026
- Plan for how the knowledge gained will benefit their community, organization, or network
Applicants should ensure that their responses clearly reflect their commitment to HIV-related work and their potential to make meaningful contributions during and after the conference.
Required: Letter of Recommendation
As part of the application, you must upload one (1) letter of recommendation that meets all of the following criteria:
Language & Referee
- The letter must be written in English
- It must be written by a manager, supervisor, academic advisor, or colleague who is familiar with your professional or volunteer work in the HIV field
- The referee should be someone who can confidently support your scholarship application
Format & Presentation
- The letter must appear on the official letterhead of the referee’s organization, company, or institution
- It should include the organization’s name, address, and logo (if applicable)
Date & Signature
- The letter must be dated within two months of your application submission
- It must be signed by your referee (digital signatures are accepted)
Content Requirements
- The letter must clearly identify you as the applicant
- It should express strong support for your AIDS 2026 Scholarship Programme application
- The referee should briefly explain:
- Your qualifications
- Your contributions to HIV-related work
- Why you are an excellent candidate for the scholarship
- How attending the conference would enhance your impact
For More Information
To learn more about the International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference Scholarship Programme, including eligibility criteria and the application portal, please visit the official IAS webpage.