The International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV) 2026 has officially opened applications for its scholarship programme, offering accepted paper authors the opportunity to attend one of the world’s leading conferences on digital governance with financial support.
Organized by the United Nations University Operating Unit on Policy-Driven Electronic Governance (UNU-EGOV), the ICEGOV Scholarship Programme is designed to increase participation from students and researchers, particularly those from emerging economies. The initiative helps reduce financial barriers, enabling scholars to present their research, engage with global experts, and strengthen their academic and professional networks.
Since its introduction in 2014, the programme has awarded approximately 300 scholarships to researchers from 56 countries, with about 85% of recipients coming from low-, lower-middle-, and upper-middle-income economies.
Applications are currently open and must be submitted by 24 July 2026.
What is the ICEGOV Scholarship Programme?
The ICEGOV Scholarship Programme supports authors whose research papers have been accepted for presentation at ICEGOV 2026.
The scholarship aims to encourage broader global participation by assisting researchers who may otherwise face financial challenges in attending the conference.
Successful applicants receive support that allows them to participate in discussions on electronic governance, digital transformation, public policy innovation, sustainable development, and citizen engagement while presenting their own research before an international audience.
About ICEGOV
The International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV) is one of the world’s most respected conferences focusing on Digital Governance.
Established in 2007, ICEGOV serves as an international platform where:
- Researchers present cutting-edge studies.
- Governments share policy innovations.
- International organizations exchange best practices.
- Industry leaders discuss technological advancements.
- Civil society organizations contribute practical perspectives on governance.
The conference has been hosted in 16 cities across 15 countries on six continents, reflecting its truly global reach.
Today, ICEGOV is coordinated by the United Nations University Operating Unit on Policy-Driven Electronic Governance (UNU-EGOV), headquartered in Guimarães, Portugal.
UNU-EGOV functions as a policy-oriented think tank within the United Nations system, focusing on:
- Digital Governance
- Sustainable Development
- Public Sector Innovation
- Social Inclusion
- Active Citizenship
- Evidence-Based Policymaking
Scholarship Benefits
Selected applicants will receive:
- Free registration for ICEGOV 2026.
- A lump-sum financial support of USD $300.
The scholarship is intended to reduce participation costs and make attendance more accessible for researchers from developing and emerging economies.
Expenses Not Covered
Applicants should note that the scholarship does not cover:
- International airfare
- Local transportation
- Accommodation
- Visa expenses
- Personal expenses during the conference
Recipients are expected to finance these costs independently.
Because travel arrangements and visa processing can take considerable time, applicants are encouraged to begin preparations as early as possible after their papers have been accepted.
Who Will Receive Priority?
As scholarship funding is limited, preference will be given to applicants who satisfy both of the following conditions:
- They are enrolled as students during the 2025/26 academic year.
- They are citizens or residents of countries classified by the World Bank as:
- Low-income economies
- Lower-middle-income economies
- Upper-middle-income economies
Applicants meeting both conditions have the strongest likelihood of selection.
Student Eligibility Requirements
For scholarship purposes, a student is defined as someone officially enrolled in one of the following programmes during the 2025/26 academic year:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- Doctoral (PhD) Degree
Applicants enrolled in postdoctoral programmes are not considered students under this scholarship policy.
Student applicants must also submit proof of enrolment in English (PDF format) by email to the conference organizers to verify their eligibility.
Scholarship Payment Conditions
The USD $300 grant is subject to attendance requirements.
Recipients must:
- Attend the conference in person.
- Participate throughout all four conference days.
- Attend the Doctoral Colloquium if their accepted paper is scheduled for that session.
The financial support will be transferred to the recipient’s bank account after the conference.
Applicants should note that payment processing may take up to two months following the event.
Required Information for the Scholarship Application
Applicants will be required to provide the following details:
- Full name (matching passport or national ID)
- Email address
- Gender (for statistical purposes only)
- Country of residence
- Nationality
- Institutional affiliation and country
- Accepted paper title and paper ID
- Student status
- Scholarship motivation statement explaining why financial assistance is needed
Student applicants must additionally email proof of enrolment for the 2025/26 academic year.
Important Application Rules
Applicants should carefully follow the scholarship guidelines.
Key rules include:
- Submit only one scholarship application.
- If multiple applications are submitted, only the most recent submission will be considered.
- Only one author from each accepted paper may apply.
- If multiple co-authors of the same paper submit scholarship applications, all related applications may be disqualified.
Following these rules carefully is essential to avoid losing eligibility.
Why You Should Apply
Receiving an ICEGOV Scholarship offers numerous academic and professional advantages.
These include:
- Presenting your research at an internationally recognized conference.
- Networking with researchers, policymakers, government officials, and international organizations.
- Learning about the latest developments in Digital Governance and Electronic Governance.
- Gaining international visibility for your research.
- Building collaborations for future academic and professional opportunities.
- Receiving financial support that reduces conference participation costs.
For students and early-career researchers, the programme provides valuable exposure to the global research community while enhancing academic development.
Application Deadline
Deadline: 24 July 2026
Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications well before the deadline and ensure all required documents, including proof of enrolment (where applicable), are submitted correctly.
For more scholarships, visit the OFY website HERE
Conclusion
The ICEGOV 2026 Scholarship Programme represents an outstanding opportunity for researchers and students whose papers have been accepted for presentation at one of the world’s leading conferences on digital governance. By providing free conference registration and a USD $300 financial contribution, the programme helps make international academic participation more accessible, particularly for scholars from emerging economies. If you meet the eligibility requirements and have an accepted paper, submitting a strong scholarship application before 24 July 2026 could significantly enhance your opportunity to participate in this prestigious global event while expanding your professional network and contributing to discussions shaping the future of electronic governance.
