26th International AIDS Conference in Brazil (Funded)

AIDS 2026 Scholarship Programme | Attend the 26th International AIDS Conference, Rio & Virtual

 AIDS 2026 Scholarship Programme: Your Opportunity to Attend the 26th International AIDS Conference

The AIDS 2026 Scholarship Programme, offered by the International AIDS Society, provides a remarkable chance for individuals engaged in HIV work — whether research, advocacy, clinical care, community services or policy — to attend the 26th International AIDS Conference in Rio de Janeiro and/or participate virtually. The programme is designed to broaden participation by offering financial assistance for both in-person and virtual attendance.

 Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include anyone 18 years or older by the conference start date, who is studying, volunteering or working in the area of HIV. Priority is given to:

• Participants from low- and middle-income countries
• Early-career investigators under 35 years old
• Individuals from key populations and people living with HIV
• Applicants who have not received a previous IAS scholarship
• Those whose work includes a submitted abstract, workshop or activity for the conference

 What Support Is Offered

For in-person attendance:

• Full conference registration (in-person plus virtual access)
• Economy-class return travel from nearest international airport
• Accommodation (single room in budget hotel) during conference dates
• Daily living allowance for the period of the conference
• Access to live sessions, poster discussions, exhibitions, pre-conferences and Global Village
• Free membership of the International AIDS Society for two years

For virtual attendance:

• Full virtual conference registration including access to all live and on-demand sessions, virtual Global Village and e-posters
• Free IAS membership for two years

Note: Not all applicants will receive full funding; some may receive partial support.

Key Dates & Process

• Applications open: 20 November 2025
• Application deadline: 27 January 2026, 23:59 CET
• Review period: February–March 2026
• Scholarship results announced: Early April 2026
  Applicants must submit via their conference profile and upload required documents including a recommendation letter dated within two months of application submission.

 Application Tips

• Clearly describe your engagement in HIV-related work and how attending AIDS 2026 will advance your impact.
• If you submitted or plan to submit an abstract, workshop or Global Village activity, mention this — such applicants receive priority.
• Demonstrate why you need financial support and what you will do with the knowledge gained (e.g., how you will transfer skills in your country or community).
• Ensure your recommendation letter meets requirements: on letterhead, dated, signed, and supports your scholarship application.
• Specify whether you prefer in-person or virtual attendance and the types of support you require (e.g., travel, accommodation, registration).
• Be honest, original, and connect your narrative to real-world impact.

 Why It Matters

Attending the International AIDS Conference is more than networking — it is about being at the forefront of global HIV research, policy, community action and innovation. For professionals, students and activists in HIV work, receiving this scholarship can:

• Provide access to cutting-edge scientific findings and large-scale global networks
• Elevate your profile in the HIV field
• Enable you to bring back insights and skills to your local context
• Empower community-led change and capacity-building in your region