The AIDS 2026 Scholarship is now open, offering a unique opportunity for students, professionals, researchers, advocates, media representatives, and community members from around the world to attend the 26th International AIDS Conference in Brazil.
Organized by the International AIDS Society, AIDS 2026 is the world’s most influential global gathering on HIV, public health, policy, and human rights. The scholarship program is designed to ensure broad global participation by removing financial barriers to attendance.
At Potenue, we spotlight elite opportunities that create access, visibility, and global exposure—regardless of background or professional field.
Full Financial Support: What’s Included
The AIDS 2026 Scholarship offers both in-person and virtual support options.
In-Person Scholarship Benefits
- Full Conference Registration: Access to all scientific sessions, satellites, and the Global Village
- Travel Support: Pre-paid economy return flight from your country of residence
- Accommodation: Single room in a budget-friendly hotel for the full conference duration
- Daily Living Allowance: Support for meals and daily expenses in Brazil
- IAS Membership: Complimentary two-year membership after the conference
Virtual scholarship recipients receive full online access to live sessions, session recordings, and e-posters.
Critical Dates & Application Timeline
- Application Deadline: January 27, 2026 (23:59 CET)
- Review Period: February – March 2026
- Results Announced: Early April 2026
- Conference Dates: July 2026
- Application fee: $0
- Apply: Scholarships | AIDS 2026 | International AIDS Society (IAS)
Late submissions are not accepted.
Who Can Apply?
The AIDS 2026 Scholarship is open to everyone aged 18 and above, regardless of profession, academic background, or prior experience in the HIV sector.
While the program welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, the International AIDS Society prioritizes diversity and representation across regions and communities.
Priority Consideration Is Given To:
- Applicants whose abstracts or workshops are accepted
- Individuals from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)
- Key populations, including people living with HIV
- Youth and early-career applicants (under 35)
- Media professionals and communicators
Potenue Tip: Even if you do not belong to a priority category, a strong application that clearly explains why your presence matters and how you will use the experience can still secure a scholarship—especially for virtual attendance.
How to Build a Strong Application
To stand out among thousands of global applicants, focus on clarity and intent.
- Show Purpose: Explain why attending AIDS 2026 is important for your learning, work, or advocacy
- Demonstrate Impact: Share how you plan to apply insights from the conference in your community or field
- Complete Your Profile: Ensure your IAS conference profile is accurate and complete
- Media Applicants: Apply through the dedicated Media Scholarship Programme for tailored evaluation
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
Unlike many conference grants, the AIDS 2026 Scholarship prioritizes inclusion, global representation, and real-world impact, ensuring participants from diverse backgrounds can meaningfully engage with policymakers, scientists, and advocates on a global stage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need prior experience in HIV or public health?
No. The scholarship is open to applicants from all fields and backgrounds. Interest, intent, and impact matter more than prior experience.
2. Can I apply only for virtual attendance?
Yes. You may select Virtual Attendance, which includes full access to online sessions, recordings, and digital materials.
3. Is the scholarship fully funded?
In-person scholarships are fully funded, covering registration, travel, accommodation, and daily expenses. Virtual scholarships provide full digital access.
4. Will the IAS assist with visas for Brazil?
Selected applicants receive guidance and documentation support for visa applications, though travel costs are covered by the scholarship.
Conclusion: Global Access, Global Impact
The AIDS 2026 Scholarship is not limited to specialists—it is an open, inclusive opportunity to engage with one of the world’s most important global health conferences. By lowering financial barriers, the International AIDS Society ensures that voices from diverse backgrounds are part of critical global conversations.
👉 Ready to apply? Submit your application through the official AIDS 2026 portal.