The Scholarship Programme

Special Information for Scholarship Applicants:

Choose from the following topics:

Funding:

The Scholarship Programme will be awarding full and partial scholarships. A full scholarship includes:

• Registration for the Conference (value 1000 Swiss Francs)
• Airfare to & from the Conference (value determined by country of origin)
• Accommodation in Geneva (includes morning meal)
• Per Diem Living Expenses (50 Swiss Francs given per day, to cover lunch, dinner and other expenses while in Geneva)

A partial scholarship would include at minimum a Registration, which could then be augmented with any of the other 3 categories. For example, it is possible to receive a scholarship that includes only Registration and Accommodation.

You are strongly urged to investigate other sources of funding in addition to applying for a Conference Scholarship. Available funds are limited, and it is quite possible that you will not receive a full scholarship even if you qualify.

You may wish to approach local companies or funding organizations to request help---they may have money with which to sponsor you, or they may have ideas of where else to go for help. You may also wish to hold a fundraising event, such as organizing a party at a local club or restaurant, where all proceeds go towards paying for your participation in the conference. You could seek help from your local church or hospital, or you could try a 50/50 Raffle (this is where you sell lottery or raffle tickets and the winner takes 50% of the proceeds---you keep the other 50%).

Remember, the more people hear about the Conference, the better. People want to know that their money is going to a good cause. The more you tell them about your goals for the Conference, or how you intend to use the information and skills you learn at the Conference, the more willing they will be to give you money. Be excited when you explain the conference to people---enthusiasm is contagious!!!

Note: Being awarded a partial scholarship may be excellent leverage for getting other people to help you with funding---it shows that you are serious and that you have been given the approval of the Conference itself. Don't hesitate to use this to your advantage.

Return to Top of Page

Filling Out Your Application

There are several things you should know before you submit your Scholarship Application:

• At the top of the application you will see the heading "Scholarship Options", followed by the four categories of possible scholarships (as outlined above under Funding). You are asked to "Please indicate the support you really need." It is important that you choose ONLY the support you need---many people will not receive full scholarships. If you check all the boxes, then you leave it up to us to decide, and you may not receive what you really need.
• It is important that you answer all questions on the application that apply to you. Your application will be evaluated on how well you answer the questions. If you skip questions, then you damage your chances of receiving a scholarship. Make sure you fill out all four pages to the best of your ability.
• If you are submitting an abstract to the conference, you must attach a copy of the abstract to your scholarship application.
• Your application must include a letter of support, either from an employer, AIDS group or support group. Your application is not complete without a letter of support, and you will not be considered for a scholarship without it. It is important that your letter includes contact information (name and phone number) of the person who wrote it.
• For questions 10a and 10b (essay questions): it is a good idea to write out your answer on a separate piece of paper first, so you know exactly what you want to say before you fill out the application. Once you have decided on your answers, then print or type them neatly in the space provided. If we can't understand what you have written, then you will not get the credit you deserve for your answers. (Note: We will not accept text that is not contained in the space provided---i.e. do not attach additional paper to complete your answer.)

Return to Top of Page

Travelling to Geneva

It is important that you know in advance what you need to do in order to travel to Geneva. You must have a valid passport to enter Switzerland, and you should check with your local Swiss Consulate or Embassy to see if you need an entry visa. If you do need a visa, then you must apply for it as soon as you receive notification of your award. Each country has different regulations applying to visas and passports, so you should check with your local authorities if you have any questions. Please note that if you are unable to obtain a passport or visa, we cannot award you a scholarship.

Return to Top of Page

Important Dates

• February 2---Application Deadline for Scholarships and Abstracts. Note, we will not accept applications or abstracts by fax, and late applications will not be considered.
• Month of April---notification of Award Letters Sent.
  You must confirm your acceptance of the award via fax as soon as possible. If you do not confirm your acceptance within 2 weeks of receiving your award letter, we will assign your award to someone else.
• Month of May---Pre-conference Info Kits sent to Award Recipients. Also, travel tickets sent to recipients of travel award.

Return to Top of Page

[Scholarship] [Main Page] [Email Us] [Join our List ] [Registration ]

© The 12th World AIDS Conference,1997. All rights reserved.
Text and images on this page may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes only.