The International AIDS Conference 2026 is now accepting applications for its 26th edition, set to take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and online from 26–31 July 2026. This premier event brings together experts, researchers, volunteers, policymakers, and students working in the field of HIV from around the globe. Participants will have the chance to engage with cutting-edge research, exchange ideas, and contribute to shaping the future of HIV prevention, treatment, and policy.
Open to anyone aged 18 and above, the AIDS 2026 Conference offers a fully inclusive program, with no application fee. In 2025, 247 fully funded scholarships were awarded, highlighting the conference’s commitment to global accessibility. Here, you will find detailed information on eligibility, application requirements, and the financial benefits available for attendees of the International AIDS Conference 2026.
Benefits
The Scholarship covers:
- Travel support (pre-paid economy class return ticket from the nearest international airport in your country of residence).
- Accommodation (single room in a budget hotel) for the duration of the conference.
- Daily living allowance for the duration of the conference.
- All scholarship holders will also receive a 2-year paid IAS membership.
- Read about the AIDS 2026 Scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates from all countries are eligible.
- Abstract presenters, workshop facilitators and co-facilitators, and Global Village organizers and co-organizers whose submission has been selected for the conference.
- Applicants from low and middle-income countries are encouraged to apply.
- Applicants who are part of key populations or people living with HIV
- Young people and junior investigators below the age of 35
- Media Representatives.
How to Apply?
- Sign in or register for your AIDS 2026 account to access the scholarship application.
- Open the scholarship application form from your profile and start filling in your details.
- Provide information about your institution or organization, your experience in the HIV field, and your motivation for attending AIDS 2026.
- Indicate whether you plan to attend in person or virtually, and select the type of financial support you require, such as registration, travel, accommodation, or virtual participation.
- Upload one letter of recommendation in English from someone familiar with your work, on official letterhead, signed and dated within two months of your application.
- Carefully review your application to ensure all information and documents are correct before submitting. Applications close on 27 January 2026, 23:59 CET.
- Wait for the decision, which will be communicated by email in early April 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The International AIDS Conference 2026 offers fully funded scholarships for in-person and virtual attendance. Applicants must be 18+, working or studying in HIV, with priority given to first-time participants, young professionals, and low- and middle-income country applicants.
What is the International AIDS Conference 2026?
The International AIDS Conference 2026 is the 26th global gathering of HIV professionals, researchers, volunteers, and students. It will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and online from 26–31 July 2026, providing a platform to share knowledge and best practices.
Who is eligible to apply for the AIDS 2026 scholarship?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old by 26 July 2026 and be working, volunteering, or studying in the field of HIV. The scholarships are open to global participants, including students, researchers, policymakers, and professionals in HIV-related fields.
What types of scholarships are available for AIDS 2026?
The conference offers both in-person and virtual scholarships. In-person support includes registration, travel, accommodation, and daily allowance, while virtual scholarships provide online access to all sessions, e-posters, and the virtual Global Village experience.
What does in-person scholarship support include?
In-person scholarships cover registration for all sessions, satellite sessions, poster discussions, pre-conferences, and the exhibition. Travel support, budget hotel accommodation, and a daily living allowance for the duration of the conference are also included.
What does virtual scholarship support include?
Virtual scholarships grant online access to all conference sessions, satellite sessions, pre-conferences, session recordings, on-demand content, e-posters, and the virtual Global Village. This ensures participants can fully engage without attending in person.
What are the priority criteria for scholarships?
Priority is given to abstract presenters, workshop facilitators, and Global Village organizers selected for the conference. Applicants from low- and middle-income countries, key populations, people living with HIV, young professionals, and first-time scholarship applicants are prioritized.
When do scholarship applications open and close?
Applications for the International AIDS Conference 2026 scholarships open on 20 November 2025 and close on 27 January 2026 at 23:59 CET. Late applications will not be accepted, so timely submission is essential for consideration.
When will applicants be notified about their scholarship status?
All applicants will receive notification of the scholarship results by email in early April 2026. This allows successful candidates enough time to make travel arrangements or prepare for virtual participation before the conference in July.
Is IAS membership included with the scholarship?
Yes, all scholarship recipients receive free IAS membership for two years following the conference. This membership offers ongoing access to resources, professional networks, and opportunities to stay connected with the global HIV research and policy community.
Can previous scholarship recipients apply again?
Applicants who have previously received a scholarship for any International AIDS Conference are less likely to receive priority. The program encourages new participants, young investigators, and those from underrepresented regions to apply for the 2026 conference.
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