What is the World Congress and what is it about?
The IAPSS World Congress is the largest annual event hosted by IAPSS – the International Association for Political Science Students. As a flagship event with hundreds of students participating each year, it serves as a platform to present and discuss research with fellow students from the political science discipline. During the conference, the participants will be involved in a broad range of different activities: attending student-run panels, academic lectures, and networking. This year’s World Congress will be held south of Johannesburg, in Vanderbijlpark, at Campus Vaal of North-West University from the 5th to the 9th of May, 2026. This year’s event will be in-person with a limited number of virtual spots (two panels) available for those who cannot afford to travel to South Africa (by application). Students choosing to apply for virtual spots will not have access to in-person panels or activities. The event will be held under the theme of Academic Freedom.
Where and when will the Congress take place?
This year’s World Congress will be held south of Johannesburg, South Africa, in Vanderbijlpark, at Campus Vaal of North-West University from the 5th to the 9th of May, 2026.
How to register for the Congress?
Your first step is to submit your abstract here. If your abstract is accepted to our conference, your second step would be to secure your spot by purchasing your WC ticket here. Thirdly, you should book your accommodations necessary to attend. Lastly, submit your full paper here (only if your abstract is accepted). In order to register for the event, an active and valid IAPSS membership is required. Make sure this step is complete as you cannot purchase your WC ticket without an IAPSS membership. You have to create a website account before you can purchase your membership. If you are experiencing issues with this, email worldcongress@iapss.org.
Can I attend the World Congress online?
The 2026 World Congress will have limited spots for virtual panelists, with a maximum of two panels being hosted online for in-person attendants. Those wanting to apply for a virtual presentation spot should apply to the form here. Virtual attendants will only have access to their own panel and will not have access to in-person panels and activities. Any questions can be asked to worldcongress@iapss.org.
How much does it cost to attend the conference?
In order to attend the IAPSS World Congress, you need to:
- Become an IAPSS Member. Prices range from 4 to 19 USD – check your eligibility here. Be sure to create a website account to be able to purchase membership.
- Get your Early Bird ticket between August 1st, 2025 and January 1st, 2026. The regular tickets will be available starting on January 2nd, 2026.
- Book accommodations potentially including air travel and hotel. IAPSS is committed to deliver discounts wherever possible and will update this spot when our current partnership dialogues are confirmed.
The World Congress registration fee is based on a participant’s country of residence. Citizens of Upper-Middle Income Economies and Low and Lower-Middle Income Economies have access to reduced fees to attend the 2026 World Congress.
Where can I find information about the event agenda and schedule?
Find important information about the important dates and deadlines here or through the links on the main page. Make sure to check the news page frequently for updates, including the event programme (schedule and agenda), which will be posted closer to the event date.
I would like to volunteer at the conference. Who should I contact?
Volunteers are a critical part of ensuring a smooth and successful conference, and if you want to volunteer but not present your research, we waive the full cost of your ticket. If you are interested in volunteering opportunities at the 2026 World Congress, please contact worldcongress@iapss.org, by submitting your CV, cover letter, and using the reference World Congress 2026 Volunteer Application as your email title.
Registration
What is the price of a ticket?
Ticket prices are listed here on this page under “Registration.” Ticket prices vary depending on your group (Group 1, Group 2, or Group 3), which is determined by your country of residence. Countries are classified into groups based on their Gross National Income as determined by the World Bank and your geolocation is automatically detected, displaying your price. For more information on how this works please see this page.
Is there an early bird price available for tickets?
Yes, if you would like to take advantage of the early bird registration special please register before January 1st, 2026. Early bird prices will display automatically until the deadline, where the main price will take its place.
When is the deadline to register?
Participants who have a role in the program must register and purchase their ticket by April 30, 2026. More information on important dates can be found here.
Where can I buy a ticket?
We recommend purchasing your ticket once your abstract has been accepted and you can ensure you will obtain the necessary accommodations to participate in the World Congress.
You can purchase your in-person panelist ticket here.
You can purchase your virtual panelist ticket here (if granted a virtual spot).
I purchased a ticket, but I can no longer attend. What should I do?
If you can no longer attend the conference, please get in touch with us at worldcongress@iapss.org. Refunds are only available up until four weeks before the Congress begins. No refunds for WC tickets within four week of the first day of the World Congress.
What cost am I expected to incur?
As the Congress will be held South Africa, we expect airfare and hotel costs for people travelling to Vanderbijlpark to attend and participate in-person. Those who applied for and received a limited virtual panelist spot are expected to only incur the ticket cost.
IAPSS is always committed to lowering costs for students and we are working on partnerships with air travel companies and a hotel to offer discounts to participants. We will update this section of the FAQ and publish all announcements as information becomes available.
Is there a scholarship?
IAPSS will offer three (3) scholarships for presenters (IAPSS membership plus the participation fee will be waived). You can submit your application here.
If you are looking for more opportunities to apply for scholarships, please check your university’s webpage, as most universities offer scholarships and general funding for their students to participate in academic conferences.
Can I attend/participate in the World Congress if I did not submit an abstract?
Absolutely! Students do not need to have submitted an abstract to attend the World Congress as an observer. Tickets will be offered at a reduced price for observers. Purchase your ticket here.
I am not an IAPSS member. Can I still attend/participate?
An IAPSS Membership is required to be a panelist and to present at the World Congress. Prices range from 4 to 19 USD – check your eligibility here. Be sure to create a website account to be able to purchase membership.
Observers are not required to purchase a membership.
Abstracts and submission guidelines
Where can I submit my abstract?
Abstracts can be submitted to the following form here.
When is the deadline to submit my abstract?
The deadline to submit an abstract is February 1st, 2026.
Can I submit a paper if it has previously been published?
Yes, there is no restriction to paper submission. IAPSS will not claim any right to your paper or draft that you present during the World Congress.
When will I know if my abstract is accepted?
Acceptances and rejections will be released on a rolling basis after the deadline for submission has passed. If you haven’t heard back by the end of February, reach out to worldcongress@iapss.org, or check your spam folder.
Can I present at the conference with my co-author?
Yes, it is possible and even encouraged to present a paper with co-authors. Each author much still purchase their panelist ticket to present, but co-authors often save money on shared accommodations.
My abstract was accepted by the World Congress Abstract Committee - what is the deadline for submitting the paper and where can I find paper requirements?
The deadline to submit your paper is March 31st, 2026. Further information on paper submission requirements can be found here.
My abstract was accepted by the World Congress Abstract Committee, and I need a letter of acceptance to show to my university and/or employer.
Panelists that present their work at the World Congress will receive a certificate of participation. No certificates will be provided before panelists’ presentations, with the exception of proof of acceptance for university funding to attend. Please contact worldcongress@iapss.org for a copy of your acceptance letter.
Panels
Can I participate as a panel chair or discussant?
Yes! Serving as a panel chair and/or discussant is an opportunity to enhance your academic experience, and these positions are crucial for the best reciprocal outcome of the conference, as you will be giving our panelists valuable feedback on their work. You will also gain experience on reviewing papers as well as being part of an academic panel. If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please offer your help at worldcongress@iapss.org.
What is expected of the panel chairs and discussants?
As a panel chair you are expected to:
- Read the papers in your panel carefully and prepare thoughtful questions.
- Start and keep your panel on time.
- Take and manage questions from the audience directed to panelists.
- Keep audience questions on the topic.
As a discussant you are expected to:
- Carefully read the papers that you are assigned and be prepared to discuss their contributions, strengths and weaknesses.
- Be prepared to discuss your reactions to the papers and why, answering such questions as what the author can improve.
- Be prepared to stimulate conversation among the audience by posing questions for discussion.
Technical details
Will the Congress only consist of us presenting papers, or will there be other social activities for us to anticipate?
Absolutely! We pride ourselves on making the experience as enjoyable as possible, including through both academic and social streams.
Academic Fun: The World Congress is not just an academic conference, but also an opportunity for students to learn more about current issues in political science, meet renowned professors, and explore various career options available to political science graduates. We always host expert panels and methods workshops.
Social Fun: Along with our hard work on partnerships and accommodations, we are currently working on activities for all attendants. We anticipate a couple of tours, potentially a trip to a theatre, and a social drinks night at the end of the GA to cap off a successful World Congress!
Will I be able to choose what time I present at?
No, but you are free to request which day you present on. We cannot, however, guarantee the negotiated date.
Location/Travel
Do I need a visa to come to the World Congress?
Depending on your home country, you may need a visa to travel to and stay in South Africa. IAPSS is not responsible in any way regarding the research, application, and the acquisition of travel visas for panelists and attendants.
I have special accessibility needs; can you accommodate me?
If you have specific needs, please reach out to worldcongress@iapss.org.
