BAICE Opens Applications for 2026 Conference Bursaries to Expand Access to Global Education Research

The British Association for International and Comparative Education (BAICE) has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 Conference Bursaries, designed to support wider participation in the upcoming BAICE Conference. The event is scheduled to take place from 3–5 September 2026 at the University of Glasgow under the theme “Constructive encounters: divergent voices, dialogues, and shared futures in CIE”.

The bursary programme aims to reduce financial barriers for emerging scholars, early career researchers, and academics based in lower-income countries, enabling more equitable participation in international and comparative education discussions.

Strengthening Inclusion in International Education Scholarship

BAICE has positioned the bursaries as a mechanism to strengthen global engagement in the field of comparative education. By supporting travel, accommodation, and conference fees, the initiative seeks to ensure that diverse academic voices contribute to shaping debates on education systems, policy, and practice.

The association states that the bursaries are intended to:

• Promote equitable participation in international academic dialogue
• Strengthen the global comparative education research community
• Support emerging scholars and underrepresented academic voices
• Encourage collaboration across diverse educational contexts

Through these objectives, BAICE aims to broaden access to scholarly exchange and reduce disparities in conference participation.

Conference Theme and Academic Focus

The 2026 BAICE Conference will be hosted by the University of Glasgow and will explore the theme “Constructive encounters: divergent voices, dialogues, and shared futures in CIE”. The focus reflects growing interest in how comparative education can respond to global challenges through dialogue, inclusivity, and knowledge sharing across different educational systems.

The conference is expected to bring together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers engaged in international and comparative education (CIE), providing a platform for discussion on:

• Global education inequalities
• Policy development and reform
• Cross-cultural educational research
• Shared futures in education systems

Bursary Categories and Financial Support

BAICE has introduced two categories of bursary support for the 2026 conference, targeting specific groups of applicants based on location and career stage.

The two categories include:

• UK-based students and early career researchers (within five years of PhD completion)
• Applicants based at institutions in lower-income countries

Indicative funding levels are structured as follows:

• Up to £1,500 for applicants from lower-income countries
• Up to £500 for UK-based students and early career researchers

The bursaries are intended to contribute toward key conference-related costs, including:

• Conference registration fees
• Economy-class travel expenses
• Accommodation
• Subsistence costs

BAICE has stated that funding will be provided on a reimbursement basis, subject to the submission of valid receipts and invoices.

Eligibility Requirements for Applicants

To qualify for the BAICE 2026 Conference Bursaries, applicants must meet several eligibility conditions. These requirements are designed to ensure that funding is allocated to individuals who are actively engaged in the conference programme and demonstrate financial need.

Applicants must:

• Belong to one of the eligible categories outlined by BAICE
• Have submitted an abstract to the BAICE 2026 Conference
• Have received confirmation of acceptance to present at the conference

Additionally, applicants are required to submit supporting documentation confirming their eligibility and participation status.

Selection Criteria and Evaluation Process

The selection process for the bursaries will be based on a structured review system. BAICE has outlined clear criteria to ensure transparency and fairness in awarding funding.

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Quality of the submitted abstract, including originality, clarity, and contribution to knowledge
• Evidence of acceptance to present at the conference
• A supporting letter from a supervisor or line manager confirming lack of institutional funding support

In cases where applicants achieve identical evaluation scores, a lottery system will be used to determine final awardees. BAICE has indicated that up to seven bursaries will be awarded in this cycle.

Application Process and Required Documentation

Applicants must submit their materials using the official BAICE Conference Bursary application form, available through the organisation’s downloads section. All submissions must be completed by 25 May 2026 at 12 noon UK time.

Required documents include:

• A completed bursary application form in PDF format
• Proof of acceptance to present at the conference
• A formal letter confirming lack of institutional funding support

Applications submitted after the deadline or without required documentation will not be considered.

Outcomes, Reporting, and Expectations

Successful applicants will be notified following the completion of the review process, with results expected by 5 June 2026. This timeline is designed to allow recipients sufficient time to take advantage of early registration discounts for the conference.

BAICE also requires funded participants to acknowledge bursary support in any academic outputs or publications arising from their conference participation. This ensures visibility of the funding programme and recognition of its role in supporting academic mobility.

Supporting Equitable Academic Participation

The BAICE Conference Bursary programme reflects a broader commitment to increasing equity in academic participation within international and comparative education. By reducing financial barriers, the initiative enables scholars from diverse backgrounds to contribute to global research conversations and strengthen collaborative knowledge production.

The bursaries are expected to play a key role in ensuring that the 2026 conference in Glasgow reflects a wide range of perspectives, particularly from underrepresented regions and early career academics.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.