Apply Link:https://profile.aids2026.org/

 

Scholarship Overview.

The AIDS 2026 Scholarship Programme is intended to provide financial aid to those who are working in, volunteering for, or studying HIV and who have been selected as recipients. One of the aims is to facilitate worldwide participation, with a focus on allowing individuals from low, and middle, income countries, early career professionals, key populations, and other financially disadvantaged groups who are likely to face procedural barriers to attend, to participate.

Different Types of Financial Support

You can apply for only two main types of support:

A. In, Person Scholarship (Fully / Partially Funded)

Selected applicants attending the event in person in Brazil will be granted:

Full conference registration you will have the right to attend all scientific sessions, satellite events, poster discussions, exhibitions, Global Village and more.Travel support a prepaid return economy class ticket will be issued from your nearest international airport to Rio de Janeiro.Accommodation your single room in a budget hotel will be booked for the conference days.Daily living allowance you will be allowed to use the money to pay for your meals and local expenses.IAS Membership two years of free membership after the conference.

B. Virtual Scholarship

This will be for those who are going to attend the conference online:                             

Online registration and thus the right to participate in all live as well as on, demand sessions.Access to virtual Global Village, e, posters, satellite sessions, and recordings.IAS Membership free for two years.

Note: The IAS may provide non, fully funded packages for some applicants

 

Application Requirements

To submit your scholarship application successfully through your IAS profile: Information That Must Be Provided Your application will question you on: personal and contact detailsDetails of your institution, organization, or educational statusYour experience in the HIV field research, work, volunteer service, community engagement, etc.Motivation statement essence of your work and community attending AIDS 2026.Indicate your preferred attendance mode (in, person or virtual)Choose the types of financial support you will require. Documents That Must Be Submitted.

You need to submit:

Letter of Recommendation (mandatory)

In English from a person who knows your work in HIV.

On the official letterhead of the referee’s organization/institution.

Signed and dated (the date should be within two months of your application date).

Cv or professional resume

Any relevant additional documents that support your application (optional but helpful).

Note: Documents produced purely by AI, partial applications, or without recommendation letters can be deemed invalid.

Key Dates & Timeline

 

 

Applicants from the below categories are given priority in the selection process:

Conference abstract presenters, workshop facilitators/co, facilitators, and Global Village organizers with accepted submissions for the conference.Applicants from low, and middle, income countries.Members of key populations and people living with HIV.Youth professionals and early, career researchers under 35 years of age.Applicants who have never been recipients of an IAS Conference scholarship. However, priority is not exclusive any eligible applicant who meets the basic criteria can still be considered if they demonstrate a strong motivation, contribution, and impact.

 

Scholarship Tips & Best Practices:

Below are the tips that you may take into account applying for the grant:

1. Write a compelling letter of the motivation:

2. Make your HIV, related work stand out:

Show your involvement in the first line research, advocacy, programs, volunteer service, community outreach, etc. your direct contributions.

3. Obtain a great letter of recommendation:

Make sure your referee is well aware of your work and can talk about your achievements with some specific examples.

4. Draft your CV meticulously:

Make your CV comprehensive and clear, listing your education, work experience, achievements, and HIV, related activities.

5. Submit Your Application Early: 

The last day is not the time to submit your work. Avoid last, minute technical difficulties by submitting your work early.

6. Do Not Combine With Media Scholarship:

You are not allowed to submit applications for the main scholarship and the Media Scholarship simultaneously pick the category that suits your profile the most.             

 

Important Tips for AIDS 2026 Scholarship (READ CAREFULLY):

 

Write a Strong & Personal Motivation Statement

Clearly explain why AIDS 2026 is relevant to your work or studies.

Show impact, not just interest:

How will the attendance help your community, organization, research, or country?

Avoid generic sentences like This conference will improve my knowledge.

Make Your HIV, Related Involvement Very Clear

IAS gives more points to applicants who are actively working in HIV, related fields.

Point your:

Research projects

Volunteering

Clinics, public health, policy jobs

Awareness campaigns

Even student projects or voluntary work can be countedjust make sure to explain them properly.

 

Your recommendation letter can be the deciding factor for your application.

You should pick a referee who is very familiar with your work rather than just a big title person.

The letter has to:

Be up to date (not older than 2 months)Be signedBe on the official letterheadIdentify specifically your contributions related to HIV Do not use general letters only stating that you are “hard working” or “motivated”.

 Applicants from Low, & Middle, Income Countries Should Put Forward Their Financial Need:

If funding is a barrier:

Give a clear reason why you cannot attend without the financial supportPoint to the limited local or personal funding optionsIAS prioritizes but does not guaranteebeing clear in your justification is important.

Young Professionals & First, Time Applicants Are at an Advantage.

Submit an Abstract or Workshop Proposal (If Possible).

Applicants who have:

Their abstracts acceptedWorkshopsGlobal Village activities…are far more likely to be granted scholarships.

Even though it is optional, this significantly increases your profile strength.

Apply Early Dont Procrastinate to the Last Day.

Applications that come in late get rejected automatically

Uploading the documents early helps to prevent technical issues

Applications made early look more serious and well, organized

Deadline: 27 January 2026 (23:59 CET) no extensions.

Steer Clear of Common Mistakes.

Letters of purpose copy, pasted or generic ones

Recommendation letter missing

Unprocessed or outdated documents

Low, quality English or answers that are not clear

Application for both Main Scholarship & Media Scholarship (not allowed).