ICEGOV 2026 Scholarships at United Nations University Open

If your research paper has been accepted at ICEGOV 2026, you may also be eligible for a United Nations University (UNU-EGOV) Scholarship that waives your conference registration fee and provides a US$300 grant to help you attend one of the world’s leading international conferences on digital governance.

Unlike many conference funding opportunities that require a separate nomination, the ICEGOV 2026 Scholarship allows eligible authors of accepted papers to submit their own application. While the scholarship is open to all authors of accepted papers, students from low-, lower-middle-, and upper-middle-income economies receive priority consideration, making it an attractive opportunity for Master’s, PhD, and undergraduate researchers from emerging countries.

Since its launch in 2014, the scholarship programme has supported 300 researchers from 56 countries, with 85% of awards going to authors from emerging economies.

What is ICEGOV?

The International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV) is one of the United Nations University’s flagship academic conferences focusing on:

• Digital Governance
• Electronic Government (e-Government)
• Public Sector Innovation
• Artificial Intelligence in Government
• Digital Public Services
• Smart Cities
• Digital Inclusion
• Cyber Governance
• Sustainable Digital Transformation
• Public Policy and Technology

Established in 2007, ICEGOV brings together:

• Researchers
• Government officials
• International organisations
• Policymakers
• Industry experts
• Civil society organisations

The conference is coordinated by the United Nations University Operating Unit on Policy-Driven Electronic Governance (UNU-EGOV) in Portugal. For many early-career researchers, ICEGOV serves as a networking platform where academic work reaches policymakers and international development organisations.

What Does the ICEGOV 2026 Scholarship Cover?

Selected applicants will receive:

The US$300 grant is transferred after the conference once attendance requirements have been fulfilled.

What Is Not Covered?

One question frequently asked by researchers on Reddit and academic forums is whether ICEGOV is a fully funded conference scholarship.

The answer is no.

Applicants must arrange and pay for:

• International airfare
• Local transportation
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Visa expenses
• Travel insurance

Because travel is not funded, UNU advises participants to begin visa applications and travel planning as early as possible.

Who Can Apply?

You can submit a scholarship application if:

• You are an author of an accepted ICEGOV 2026 paper.
• Only one author per accepted paper applies.
• Your paper has not already been used for another scholarship application by a co-author.

Priority is given to applicants who satisfy both of these conditions:

• You were enrolled as a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD student during the 2025/26 academic year.
• You belong to a low-income, lower-middle-income, or upper-middle-income economy according to the latest World Bank classification.

Who Is Not Considered a Student?

This is another point that often creates confusion among conference applicants. For the purpose of the ICEGOV Scholarship, postdoctoral researchers are not treated as students. Only those officially enrolled in:

• Bachelor’s programmes
• Master’s programmes
• Doctoral (PhD) programmes

during the 2025/26 academic year qualify under the student preference category.

How to Apply for the ICEGOV 2026 Scholarship?

The application process is straightforward.

First, ensure your paper has already been accepted for presentation at ICEGOV 2026. Then complete the online ICEGOV scholarship application form before the deadline. Student applicants must also email proof of enrolment for the 2025/26 academic year in English (PDF format). Finally, submit a clear and convincing explanation of why receiving the scholarship would help you participate in the conference. Only one application is allowed per accepted paper, so co-authors should decide who will apply before submitting.

Applicant Questions Answered

Can I apply if my paper has multiple authors?

Yes. However, only one author from each accepted paper may submit a scholarship application. If multiple co-authors apply for funding from the same paper, the organisers may invalidate every application connected to that paper.

Can PhD students apply?

Yes. Doctoral students enrolled during the 2025/26 academic year fall within the preferred applicant category.

Can postdoctoral researchers apply?

You may apply if you are an accepted paper author, but you will not receive student priority because postdoctoral researchers are not considered students under the scholarship rules.

Does the scholarship pay for flights?

No. The scholarship only includes:

• Free conference registration
• US$300 grant

Travel and accommodation remain the participant’s responsibility.

When will I receive the US$300?

The grant is not paid before travelling. It is transferred after the conference, provided you attend all required sessions. Processing may take up to two months after the conference concludes.

Is attendance mandatory?

Yes. You must attend the conference in full to receive the financial grant. If your paper is part of the Doctoral Colloquium, attendance there is also required.

Do I need to send proof that I am a student?

Yes. Applicants claiming student status must email an official proof of enrolment for the 2025/26 academic year in English.

Is this scholarship only for developing countries?

No. Authors from all countries may apply if they have an accepted paper. However, priority is given to students from low-, lower-middle-, and upper-middle-income economies, reflecting the programme’s goal of widening participation from emerging countries.

What makes a strong scholarship application statement?

Conference organisers ask applicants to explain why they need the scholarship. A persuasive response typically describes your financial circumstances, how presenting your research will support your academic or professional goals, and the impact attending ICEGOV could have on your future work. Generic statements are less effective than clear, personal, and evidence-based explanations.

Why This Opportunity Matters?

Conference scholarships are becoming increasingly competitive as international research travel costs continue to rise. The ICEGOV Scholarship does not fully fund attendance, but it significantly reduces participation costs by removing the conference registration fee and providing a financial contribution.

More importantly, it offers student researchers an opportunity to present their work before an international audience of academics, policymakers, and digital governance experts connected to the United Nations University network. For applicants from emerging economies, it can also open doors to future collaborations, doctoral opportunities, and research partnerships.

Application Deadline

The last date to apply for the ICEGOV 2026 Scholarship is 24 July 2026. Scholarship applications must be submitted through the official application form, and student applicants must also email their proof of enrolment before the deadline,