The 2026 IAPSS World Congress

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.

The 2026 edition will be held in Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg, at the Campus Vaal of North-West University, from 5 to 9 May 2026. The 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.

Submission deadline: 1 January 2026.