The International AIDS Society (IAS) has officially opened scholarship applications for AIDS 2026, one of the world’s most influential global health conferences. This is a major opportunity for young professionals, researchers, volunteers, and community leaders working in the HIV field to gain international exposure and participate in high-level discussions shaping global HIV response strategies.
The scholarship program aims to empower individuals from around the world—especially those who do not have the financial means to attend—by offering in-person and virtual participation support. This year’s call places a strong focus on elevating early-career investigators, community activists, and voices from low- and middle-income countries.
News Starter: A Global Call for HIV Talent
If you are 18 years or older by 26 July 2026 and currently working, volunteering, or studying in the HIV field, you are now eligible to apply for the prestigious AIDS 2026 Scholarship Programme. This is one of the most influential platforms globally where science, policy, and community come together—and IAS is inviting emerging and established talent to be part of it.
What the Scholarship Offers?
IAS is offering two categories of scholarships: in-person and virtual. Due to high demand, the committee may not be able to grant full support to all selected candidates, but both options come with significant benefits.
In-Person Scholarship Package includes:
- In-person + virtual conference registration
- Full access to all sessions, satellite events, poster discussions, exhibition, Global Village, and pre-conferences
- Live and on-demand online access
- Pre-paid economy class return airfare from your nearest international airport
- Accommodation in a budget hotel (single room) for the duration of the conference
- Daily living allowance
- Two-year free IAS membership
Virtual Scholarship Package includes:
- Full online access to all live-streamed sessions
- Access to recorded content, on-demand materials, and e-posters
- Entry to virtual Global Village
- Two-year free IAS membership
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility & Priority Groups)
The scholarships are open to all global candidates meeting these basic requirements:
- Must be 18 years old by 26 July 2026
- Must be working, volunteering, or studying in the HIV field
Priority will be given to:
- Abstract presenters, workshop facilitators, and Global Village organizers
- Applicants from low- and middle-income countries
- Applicants who identify as key populations or are people living with HIV
- Young professionals under 35 and early-career investigators
- Applicants who have never received an IAS scholarship before
IAS strongly encourages applications from community advocates, youth leaders, researchers, healthcare workers, and civil society organizations.
How to Apply for the AIDS 2026 Scholarship?
Candidates must complete an online application form detailing:
- Their organization or institution
- Professional or volunteer experience in HIV
- Motivation for attending AIDS 2026
- Expected community impact after participation
Required Document: Letter of Recommendation
You must upload a properly formatted recommendation letter, meeting the following criteria:
- Written in English
- Written by a supervisor, manager, colleague, or professor familiar with your HIV-related work
- Typed on official letterhead
- Signed (digital or original)
- Dated within two months of application
- Clearly supporting your application to the AIDS 2026 Scholarship
Invalid, plagiarized, incorrectly uploaded, or AI-generated letters will result in rejection. IAS acknowledges English barriers and permits the use of translators or spell-check tools—but applications must be original and authentic.
You may choose your preferred attendance type (in-person or virtual) and specify financial support needs directly in the form.
Application Dates & Timeline
Applications for AIDS scholarship opened on 20 November 2025 and will close on 27 January 2026 at 23:59 CET. Selected applicants will be notified in early April 2026.