Bursaries

Bursaries are an important mechanism for the SVRI to ensure justice, and foster equity, diversity and inclusion at the Forum.

Funding for bursaries depends on our ability to secure the necessary funding, and more news on available bursaries will be shared during the course of 2025 / 2026.

Types of bursaries

SVRI Forum Young Professionals Programme (YPP) – Applications NOW OPEN!

The SVRI Forum Young Professionals Programme aims to equip the next generation of researchers and practitioners to undertake high quality research and programming on violence against women and violence against children. The Programme provides new and emerging researchers from low- and middle-income countries with feedback on their conference presentations prior to the Forum by pairing them with a more experienced researcher/practitioner as a mentor.

“One of the most beneficial outcomes of the YPP was the opportunity to gain insights and guidance from an experienced mentor with a deep understanding of gender-based violence in the region. This was invaluable in shaping my approach to presenting my study. My mentor provided me the space to discuss my research in depth, gain feedback on complex aspects, and explore potential challenges that may be encountered while discussing differing yet interesting findings within my field” ~ SVRI Forum 2024 YPP

VAW and VAC Open Bursaries

Full or partial bursaries may also become available. Open Bursaries are highly competitive, and priority is given to people from low- and middle-income countries who had their abstracts accepted for presentation at the Forum. Applications will be open to people working on violence against women, violence against children, and other forms of violence driven by gender inequality.

“Attending this conference was a dream come true for me, and it would not have been possible without your support, especially the bursary award, which enabled me to participate. Meeting esteemed professionals with similar interests has inspired me immensely, giving me the motivation to aim higher and work with greater passion to support survivors” ~ SVRI Forum 2024 Bursary

Bursary selection criteria

Criteria include:

The applicant has an abstract accepted for oral presentation, poster, or for a four-minute presentation.

Preference will be given to applicants from low- and middle-income countries.

Preference will be given to applicants who have not received a bursary from the SVRI previously.

Submission of a CV and letter of support from the applicant’s organisation/institution where the applicant is working/studying.

Provision of a clear motivation for attendance submitted.

Proof of travel documents.

The applicant is willing to act as an ambassador for the SVRI at the Forum and agrees to the expectations set out below.

What is expected of bursary delegates?

Before the SVRI Forum:

Bursary recipients must have valid travel documents and are responsible for obtaining appropriate travel approvals to attend the conference.

Bursary recipients may be held liable for any/all expense incurred if awardee does not attend the conference. Cancellations must be communicated one month before the event to avoid liability costs.

Priority will be given to applicants from low- and middle-income countries who will not be able to otherwise attend the Forum.

During the SVRI Forum:

Bursary recipients will be required to attend an opening meet and greet. More information will be provided by the SVRI.

Bursary recipients will be required to act as SVRI Forum Ambassadors through live tweeting of sessions, and sharing posts and photos on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. A social media plan will be shared prior to the event.

Bursary recipients will be asked to provide a blog post of their learning and experience at the SVRI Forum 2026 and provide a short-written summary of one or two parallel sessions at the Forum. SVRI will communicate directly with you in this regard.

Bursary recipients will receive the SVRI’s Code of Conduct for the conference and will be expected to honour this.