The International AIDS Society (IAS) has officially opened applications for its 2026 Conference Scholarship Programme. The 26th International AIDS Conference, AIDS 2026, is scheduled to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from August 26 to 31, 2026, with options for both in-person and virtual attendance. This scholarship initiative aims to financially support selected participants from across the globe, enabling them to partake in the conference without bearing the financial burden personally.
Designed specifically for individuals who face economic barriers that prevent their participation, the AIDS 2026 Scholarship Programme prioritizes applicants who actively contribute to the conference's agenda or demonstrate a clear plan to apply acquired knowledge and skills within their communities or organizations after the event. The IAS is offering scholarships for both physical attendance in Rio de Janeiro and virtual participation through online platforms.
Scholarship Benefits for In-Person Attendance
- Full registration for the conference, covering both in-person and virtual components.
- Access to all onsite conference activities including main sessions, satellite sessions, poster discussions, exhibitions, the Global Village, and pre-conference events.
- Online access to live-streamed sessions, recordings, on-demand content, e-posters, and the virtual Global Village.
- Travel expenses covered with a prepaid economy class return ticket from the nearest international airport in the applicant’s country of residence, valid for the duration of the conference.
- Accommodation provided in a single room at a budget-friendly hotel throughout the conference period.
- A daily living allowance intended to cover meals and incidental expenses during the conference.
Scholarship Support for Virtual Attendees
- Complete online access to all conference activities including live-streamed sessions, satellite sessions, pre-conferences, session recordings, on-demand content, e-posters, and the virtual Global Village.
Furthermore, all scholarship recipients will enjoy complimentary IAS membership for two years following the conference, granting ongoing access to resources and a professional network within the HIV/AIDS field.
Eligibility and Priority Criteria
The scholarship programme prioritizes candidates who meet the following criteria:
- Those presenting abstracts, facilitating workshops, or organizing/co-organizing Global Village activities whose submissions have been accepted for the conference programme.
- Applicants hailing from low- and middle-income countries.
- Individuals who belong to key populations or are living with HIV.
- Youth and early-career researchers or professionals under 35 years of age.
- Applicants who have not previously been awarded a scholarship for any International AIDS Conference.
Important Dates and Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Opening of Application Submissions | 20 November 2025 |
| Application Deadline | 27 January 2026 |
| Review and Selection Period | February to March 2026 |
| Announcement of Scholarship Recipients | Early April 2026 |
How to Submit Your Application
Eligible candidates must complete an online application form where they will provide detailed information about their institution or organization, their professional or volunteer involvement in the HIV sector, and their motivation for attending the conference. Applicants must also articulate how their participation will positively impact their communities or organizations.
In addition to the application form, a letter of recommendation is a mandatory requirement. The letter must adhere to the following conditions:
- Written in English by a supervisor, colleague, or someone well-acquainted with the applicant’s HIV-related work, volunteer activities, or studies.
- Printed on the official letterhead of the referee’s organization, company, or institution.
- Be dated within two months of the application submission date and bear an original or digital signature.
- Clearly identify the applicant and strongly endorse their candidacy for the AIDS 2026 scholarship, explaining the reasons why the applicant is a suitable candidate.
For comprehensive details and to apply, please Visit the Official Webpage of the International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference Scholarship Programme.
