If you are at least 18 years old on 26 July 2026 and working, volunteering, or studying in the area of HIV, you are welcome to apply for a scholarship for the AIDS 2026 Scholarship Programme.
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When is the Application Deadline:
27 January 2026 at 23:59 CET
(Applications opened on 20 November 2025)
Tell Me About The Award:
The AIDS 2026 Scholarship Programme, offered by the International AIDS Society (IAS), provides financial support for individuals working, volunteering, or studying in the HIV field to attend the AIDS 2026 Conference—one of the world’s most influential global health and HIV gatherings.
The scholarship aims to increase accessibility for early-career researchers, community advocates, healthcare workers, and individuals from low- and middle-income countries by offering in-person or virtual participation support, along with free IAS membership. This initiative ensures that emerging global HIV leaders can contribute to and benefit from major scientific, policy, and community discussions shaping the global HIV response.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Eligible areas include any field directly connected to HIV work, including:
- HIV research
- Public health
- Community health work
- Policy and advocacy
- Medical sciences
- Social sciences
- HIV-related volunteering
- Youth leadership in HIV
- Clinical support and healthcare
- NGO and community-based HIV initiatives
Type:
Fully Funded / Partially Funded / Virtual Scholarship for an International Global Health Conference.
Who can Apply?
- Must be at least 18 years old by 26 July 2026
- Must be working, volunteering, or studying in the HIV field
Priority is given to:
- Abstract presenters, workshop facilitators, & Global Village organizers selected for AIDS 2026
- Applicants from low- and middle-income countries
- Key populations & people living with HIV
- Young professionals and early-career investigators under 35
- Applicants who have never received an IAS scholarship before
How are Applicants Selected?
Selection is based on:
- Quality of motivation statement
- Relevant HIV-related work or volunteer experience
- Demonstrated impact and commitment to community
- Strength and authenticity of the required recommendation letter
- Priority criteria (explained above)
All applications undergo review in February/March 2026, with results released in early April 2026.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Open to all nationalities worldwide, with preference for applicants from low- and middle-income countries.
Where will the Award be Taken?
AIDS 2026 will be held in Brazil (city to be confirmed by IAS).
Scholarship includes both in-person and virtual attendance options.
How Many Awards?
IAS does not specify an exact number, but offers a large, global scholarship pool for both in-person and virtual participants.
Due to high demand, not all selected candidates will receive full funding.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
In-Person Scholarship Includes:
- Full in-person + virtual conference registration
- Access to all sessions, exhibitions, Global Village, and pre-conferences
- Live & on-demand online access
- Pre-paid economy return airfare
- Accommodation in a budget hotel (single room)
- Daily living allowance
- Two-year free IAS membership
Virtual Scholarship Includes:
- Full online access to all live-streamed sessions
- On-demand session recordings
- E-posters & virtual Global Village access
- Two-year free IAS membership
How Long Will the Award Last?
The scholarship covers the entire duration of the AIDS 2026 Conference, including travel dates for in-person participants.
- Conference dates: 26–30 July 2026 (approximate, subject to IAS official programme)
- Scholarship support and IAS membership: 2 years after the event
How to Apply:
- Complete the official online application form on the IAS website.
- Specify your preferred participation type: in-person or virtual.
- Indicate the financial support you require.
- Upload the required recommendation letter:
- On letterhead
- Written in English
- Signed & dated (within 2 months)
- Written by a professional familiar with your HIV-related work
- Provide details about your HIV experience, motivation, and expected impact.
Visit the Award Webpage for Details:
You can apply and find full information on the IAS AIDS 2026 website.

