Entries open: International AIDS Society Scholarship Programme
The International AIDS Society Scholarship Programme has officially opened applications for the AIDS 2026 Scholarship Programme, offering hundreds of fully or partially funded opportunities to attend the world’s largest conference on HIV/AIDS – the 26th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2026) – in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and virtually from 26–31 August 2026.
This is one of the most generous and inclusive scholarship programmes in global health, specifically designed for people who contribute to the HIV response but lack the resources to attend the conference on their own.
About the International AIDS Society (IAS)
Founded in 1988, the International AIDS Society is the world’s largest association of HIV professionals, with more than 19,000 members from over 170 countries. The IAS organizes the International AIDS Conference (every two years), the IAS Conference on HIV Science, and HIV Research for Prevention (HIVR4P), and leads global advocacy through initiatives like the Me and My Healthcare Provider campaign and the Differentiated Service Delivery framework.
As the official custodian of the AIDS conferences, the IAS ensures that science, community voices, and human rights remain at the heart of the global response. It has awarded over 4,000 scholarships since 2001, enabling young investigators, community advocates, healthcare workers, and people living with HIV from low- and middle-income countries to participate in cutting-edge discussions and bring new knowledge back home.
What the AIDS 2026 Scholarship Covers
| Type | In-Person Scholarship (Rio de Janeiro) | Virtual Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Full in-person + virtual access (all sessions, Global Village, exhibitions, pre-conferences, on-demand content) | Full virtual access (live streams, recordings, e-posters) |
| Travel | Pre-paid economy return flight from your country of residence | — |
| Accommodation | Single room in a budget hotel for the entire conference duration | — |
| Daily Allowance | Per diem to cover meals and local transport during the conference dates | — |
| IAS Membership | Free 2-year IAS membership for all scholarship recipients | Free 2-year IAS membership |
Who Gets Priority?
While everyone working in HIV is encouraged to apply, the selection committee gives strong preference to:
- Abstract presenters, workshop facilitators, and Global Village organizers whose submissions are accepted
- Applicants from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)
- Members of key populations and people living with HIV
- Young investigators and early-career professionals under 35
- First-time scholarship recipients (those who have never received an IAS conference scholarship before)
Key Dates – Mark Your Calendar
- 20 November 2025 – Applications open
- 27 January 2026 – Applications close (23:59 CET)
- February–March 2026 – Review and scoring
- Early April 2026 – Results announced
How to Apply – Simple but Competitive
- Complete the online scholarship application form (available from 20 November).
- Answer questions about:
- Your role in the HIV response
- Your organization/community work
- Why you need the scholarship
- How you will share the knowledge gained after the conference
- Upload one letter of recommendation in English that:
- Is on official letterhead
- Is dated within two months of submission
- Is signed (original or digital signature)
- Explicitly supports your AIDS 2026 scholarship application
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Why Attend AIDS 2026?
- Hear the latest breakthroughs in HIV cure, prevention (Lenacapavir, Doxy-PEP, new PrEP options), and treatment
- Network with 15,000+ scientists, activists, policymakers, and community leaders
- Influence global and national HIV policies
- Bring cutting-edge science and advocacy tools back to your community
- Experience the legendary Global Village – a vibrant space for activism, art, and culture
Whether you join in the sun-drenched streets of Rio or virtually from anywhere in the world, AIDS 2026 is where the global HIV movement gathers to share, learn, and recharge.
For More Information and to Apply (from 20 November): Visit the Official Webpage of the International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference Scholarship Programme
Application Deadline: 27 January 2026
Don’t miss this life-changing opportunity. Submit your strongest application before 27 January 2026 and help shape the future of the HIV response!
