The International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference Scholarship Program 2026 provides financial assistance to selected applicants globally to attend the 26th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2026) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from August 26 to 31, 2026, or to attend virtually. The program is specifically designed for individuals who lack the financial means to attend and who can demonstrate how they will contribute to the conference or transfer the knowledge gained back to their work and communities. Priority is given to applicants from low- and middle-income countries, young people/early-career investigators (under 35), and those who have a selected submission (abstracts, workshops, etc.) for the conference. Applications open November 20, 2025, and close on January 27, 2026.
IAS Conference Scholarship Program 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Program Name | IAS Conference Scholarship Program 2026 |
| Host Organization | International AIDS Society (IAS) |
| Category | Conference Travel & Attendance Scholarship |
| Eligible Countries | Global (Priority for low- and middle-income countries) |
| Program Level | Professional/Investigator/Community Advocate |
| Reward Value | Full coverage of attendance (In-person or Virtual) |
| Program Duration | Duration of the AIDS 2026 Conference (Aug 26-31, 2026) |
| Application Deadline | January 27, 2026 |
IAS Conference Scholarship Program 2026 Details
The International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference Scholarship Program for AIDS 2026 aims to ensure that individuals who are crucial to the global HIV response—including researchers, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and advocates—have access to the latest science and networking opportunities at the conference.
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IAS Conference Scholarship Program 2026 Benefits
Tier 1: In-Person Full Coverage Scholarship (Highest Value)
This tier represents the most comprehensive financial support, enabling attendance at the conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Recipients receive full coverage for participation, accommodation, and travel.
- In-person Plus Virtual Registration: Includes full access to all conference sessions, satellite sessions, poster discussion sessions, the exhibition, the Global Village, and pre-conferences (in-person and streamed online).
- Travel Support: Pre-paid economy class return ticket from the nearest international airport in the country of residence.
- Accommodation: Single room in a budget hotel for the duration of the conference.
- Daily Living Allowance: Per diem provided for each day of the conference to cover incidentals and meals.
Tier 2: Virtual Attendance Scholarship
This tier supports applicants who need financial assistance to participate remotely, ensuring they have full access to the conference’s educational content without the costs associated with international travel.
- Online Access: Full access to all conference sessions, satellite sessions, and pre-conferences streamed live on the platform.
- On-Demand Content: Access to session recordings, on-demand content, e-posters, and the virtual Global Village.
Tier 3: Universal Benefit (All Recipients)
All individuals selected for both In-Person and Virtual Scholarships will receive this long-term professional development benefit.
- IAS Membership: Free IAS membership for two years following the conference.
Eligibility Requirements for IAS Scholarship Program 2026
The program is intended for individuals who would otherwise not have the financial means to attend AIDS 2026. Priority selection is given to candidates who fit specific criteria related to their professional status, geography, and population.
- Academic/Leadership:
- Priority 1: Abstract presenters, workshop facilitators/co-facilitators, and Global Village organizers/co-organizers whose submission has been selected for AIDS 2026.
- Priority 2: Young people and early-career investigators below the age of 35.
- Study Status:
- Applicants must demonstrate that they will transfer the skills and knowledge acquired at the conference to the work they undertake in their own organizations and communities.
- Visa Status:
- Applicants from low- and middle-income countries receive priority consideration.
- Applicants who are part of key populations and people living with HIV receive priority consideration.
- Program Admission:
- Priority is given to applicants who have not previously received a scholarship for an International AIDS Conference.
How to Apply for IAS Conference Scholarship Program 2026 (Step by Step)
Eligible candidates must complete the online application form and provide a recent letter of recommendation.
- Prepare Letter of Recommendation: Secure a letter from a manager or colleague familiar with your work, volunteer experience, or studies in HIV. The letter must:
- Be written in English on the official letterhead of the referee’s organization.
- Be dated within two months of your application submission.
- Be signed (original or digital signature) by the referee.
- Clearly mention you and support your application, explaining your suitability.
- Access the Online Form: The submission platform opens on November 20, 2025.
- Complete the Application: Complete the online form, providing details about your organization/institution, experience in the HIV field, and your motivation for attending.
- Upload Documents and Submit: Upload the required letter of recommendation and submit the complete application before the deadline.
Application Deadline: January 27, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the deadline to submit the application for the AIDS 2026 Scholarship Program?
The application deadline is January 27, 2026. Submissions open on November 20, 2025.
2. Where and when will the AIDS 2026 conference take place?
The 26th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2026) will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and virtually, from August 26 to 31, 2026.
3. What does the scholarship cover for in-person attendance?
The in-person scholarship covers: in-person and virtual registration, round-trip economy class airfare, accommodation (single room, budget hotel) for the conference duration, and a daily living allowance.
4. What is included in the virtual attendance scholarship?
The virtual scholarship provides online access to all conference sessions, satellite sessions, pre-conferences (live streams), session recordings, on-demand content, e-posters, and the virtual Global Village.
5. What are the key priority groups for scholarship selection?
Priority is given to (1) Abstract presenters/facilitators, (2) Applicants from low- and middle-income countries, (3) Key populations and people living with HIV, (4) Young people and early-career investigators below the age of 35, and (5) Applicants who have not previously received the scholarship.
6. Do I need to have an accepted abstract to apply for the scholarship?
No, while abstract presenters and workshop facilitators are given priority, the scholarship is open to all who demonstrate a financial need and a plan to transfer acquired knowledge to their communities.
7. What are the requirements for the letter of recommendation?
The letter must be written in English by a manager or colleague, be on the organization’s official letterhead, be dated within two months of the application, and be signed by the referee.
8. Is the scholarship open to applicants from high-income countries?
Yes, the scholarship is open globally, but priority consideration will be given to applicants from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
9. What commitment is required from scholarship recipients regarding their participation?
Recipients must demonstrate a clear plan to transfer the skills and knowledge acquired at AIDS 2026 back to the work they undertake in their own organizations and communities.
10. Does the scholarship include any post-conference benefits?
Yes, all scholarship recipients (in-person and virtual) will receive free IAS membership for two years after the conference concludes.
