ICMDA World Congress Bursary Awards - Terms & Conditions

Please read this page carefully before completing the bursary application form.

 

The Bursary Fund is only possible because of the generous donations of ICMDA member organisations and individual donors. The purpose of this fund is to assist medical and dental graduates and students who would otherwise be prevented from attending the 18^th World Congress due to financial constraints.

By applying for the ICMDA World Congress Bursary Fund you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by these Terms and Conditions.

1. Eligibility

• Applicants must be active members or associates of an ICMDA-affiliated national organisation.
• Applicants must demonstrate financial need and provide supporting documentation as requested.
• Applicants must be committed to attending the 18th ICMDA World Congress in its entirety.
• Preference may be given to:
  • Applicants who are already official ICMDA volunteers (Fieldworkers, translators, breakout/pre-congress speakers, etc)
  • Applicants from the most strategic regions for ICMDA development and growth
  • Applicants who are already in national leadership position or are potential leaders
  • Applicants who have completed ICMDA training tracks as trainees or facilitators
  • Applicants who have proven themselves to be FAT (Faithful, Available, Teachable)
  • Applicants who have not received a bursary grant for a previous congress

2. Application Process

• Applications must be submitted by the specified deadline through the official ICMDA application portal.
• Applicants must provide accurate and complete information, including personal details, financial need statement, and any required references.
• Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
• No application will be considered for financial assistance at the congress venue.
• Submission of an application does not guarantee receipt of a bursary.
• Closing date for receipt of applications is 31 December 2025.

3. Bursary Scope

• The bursary will ordinarily be awarded to cover part of the registration fees for the 18^th ICMDA World Congress.
• No applicant shall receive 100% of the costs of attending the congress.
• In exceptional circumstances a bursary may cover the associated costs of attending the 18^th ICMDA World Congress, including travel expenses, as determined by the ICMDA Bursary Committee.
• Bursaries are non-transferable and may only be used for the intended purpose of attending the 18^th ICMDA World Congress.
• Funds will ordinarily be disbursed directly to service providers (eg congress organisers or airline) or at the discretion of ICMDA reimbursed to the recipient upon submission of valid receipts.

4. Applicant Obligations

• Recipients must attend the full duration of the 18^th ICMDA World Congress unless otherwise agreed by the ICMDA Bursary Committee.
• Recipients agree to provide a brief written report or testimony within 30 days of the congress, detailing their experience and the impact of the bursary, for use by ICMDA in promotional or reporting materials.
• Recipients must comply with all congress rules, codes of conduct, and applicable laws during the event.
• Recipients are responsible for obtaining necessary travel documents (eg visas, passports) and ensuring compliance with health and safety requirements.
• Unsuccessful applicants are still welcome to attend the congress and will be offered the Super Early Bird registration rate, even if the deadline for this rate has passed.

5. Selection Process

• Bursaries will be awarded at the sole discretion of the ICMDA Bursary Committee based on eligibility, financial need, and alignment with ICMDA’s mission and values.
• The committee’s decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
• Receipt of the completed bursary and registration forms will be acknowledged, and all applications will be considered as they are received. Applicants will be notified of the decision.
• The initial decision may be YES/NO/MAYBE depending on the amount of money still available in the bursary fund
• Once an applicant has been awarded a bursary, they must confirm their acceptance of the award within ten days.
• Bursary awards that are not confirmed within the specified timeframe may be withdrawn.

6. References

• Each applicant must submit contacts for two referees supporting their application.
• A referee ought to have known you for a minimum of two years.
• The first referee should be from an official in your National Association, an ICMDA fieldworker from your region, or a local church leader.
• The second referee should be a professional eg a doctor, present supervisor, medical school lecturer.

7. Cancellation or Non-Attendance

• If a recipient is unable to attend the congress, they must notify the ICMDA Bursary Committee immediately.
• Funds allocated for non-attendance will need to be repaid to ICMDA, unless non-attendance is due to exceptional circumstances (eg medical emergencies, visa denials), as determined by the ICMDA Bursary Committee.
• Failure to attend without valid justification may result in ineligibility for future ICMDA bursaries.

8. Privacy and Data Protection

• Personal information provided during the application process will be used solely for evaluating eligibility and administering the bursary, in accordance with ICMDA’s privacy policy.
• Applicants consent to the use of their names, photographs, and congress-related testimonials in ICMDA promotional materials, unless otherwise requested in writing.

9. Limitation of Liability

• ICMDA is not responsible for any loss, injury, or damage incurred during travel to or participation in the congress.
• ICMDA reserves the right to modify or cancel the bursary program at any time due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to financial constraints or event cancellation.

10. Amendments

• ICMDA reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time. Applicants will be notified of significant changes, and continued participation in the application process constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.