The International AIDS Society has opened applications for the AIDS 2026 Scholarship Programme, offering support to individuals who want to attend the AIDS 2026 conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, or join virtually. The event runs from 26 to 31 August 2026.
The scholarship is designed for people who may not have the financial means to participate but are actively involved in HIV work through research, advocacy, community engagement or study. Applicants are expected to show how attending the conference will strengthen their work and help them transfer new knowledge back to their communities or organisations.
Scholarship Benefits
The programme offers both in-person and virtual scholarships. Applicants can select their preferred mode of attendance and the type of financial support they need, although full support is not guaranteed due to high demand.
In-person support may include:
- Full in-person and virtual conference registration
- Access to all sessions, exhibitions, poster discussions, Global Village and pre-conferences
- Online access to live-streamed sessions, recordings, on-demand content, e-posters and the virtual Global Village
- Pre-paid return economy flight from the nearest international airport
- Accommodation in a budget single room for the duration of the event
- Daily living allowance during the conference
Virtual support includes:
- Online access to all sessions, workshops, pre-conferences, recordings, on-demand content, e-posters and the virtual Global Village
All recipients also receive two years of free IAS membership after the event.
Eligibility
The scholarship is open to anyone working, volunteering or studying in the HIV field, aged 18 or older as of 26 July 2026.
Priority is given to:
- Selected abstract presenters, workshop facilitators and Global Village organisers
- Applicants from low- and middle-income countries
- Members of key populations and people living with HIV
- Young people and early-career professionals under 35
- Applicants who have not previously received an International AIDS Conference scholarship
Successful applicants must be available for the entire conference duration.
Application Guidelines
- Applications are free and must be submitted in English.
- All supporting documents must also be in English.
- Only one application is allowed per person; duplicate entries lead to automatic disqualification.
- AI-generated applications are invalid.
- A letter of recommendation must be included before submission.
- The deadline is 27 January 2026, 23:59 CET.
- Applicants will receive decisions by email in early April 2026.
- Successful candidates must accept the offer within 10 days to secure their place.
- By applying, you agree that an anonymous version of your application may be shared with scholarship reviewers.
Timeline
- 20 November 2025: Submissions open
- 27 January 2026: Submissions close
- February–March 2026: Review and selection
- Early April 2026: Results announced
How to Apply
Interested applicants can submit their application through the IAS portal:
Visit the IAS application page: profile.aids2026.org
More details can be found on the IAS Scholarship webpage.
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