FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Application related questions
How do I apply?
Follow the instruction on Apply & Attend, come back here if you are stuck.
What is required to apply?
The Apply & Attend page gives detailed information and links to a .PDF that contains all the questions, such that you can prepare your application in parallel to waiting for the OpenReview registration. If you have an institutional e-mail, there should be no wait and you can ignore the PDF.
I don't have an institutional e-mail account. My institution does not hand out e-mail accounts. How to register?
You can still register with your gmail or other personal account with OpenReview. It is just a manual approval process that may take some days (see next question). If unsuccessful a day before the deadline, reach out to acvss@googlegroups.com
OpenReview gives me a warning that my account registration will take two weeks. What can I do?
Individual accounts require manual processing by the OpenReview team. Give them enough information in the registration form for them to uniquely identify you. Typically it takes only 1-3 days. The two weeks they state is an absolute maximum. If unsuccessful a day before the deadline, reach out to acvss@googlegroups.com
I can't get OpenReview to work, despite trying for three days. Is there an alternative way to register?
So far, everyone who contacted us with issues was approved by OpenReview in less than three days. If you cannot make it work after repeatedly trying and giving the OpenReview team time to process the application, please reach out to the organizers. We would like to give everyone the opportunity to apply.
How to apply if I cannot get a support letter from the supervisor?
In that case, upload a PDF explaining your situation instead of the letter.
Financial Support (Scholarship and travel grants)
Are there scholarships, financial support or travel grants for the ACVSS?
Yes, our goal is to enable everyone to come to the ACVSS. The application form contains the application to the travel grant and scholarship (see Apply & Attend on how to apply).
Can the financial support cover my flight tickets?
For recipients of the travel grant, we will book flight tickets and other means of transportation. That means, we cannot reimburse flight tickets but we can buy them for you (see Apply & Attend on how to apply).
Can the financial support cover my fees for attending ACVSS?
For recipients of the scholarship, the entire fees for ACVSS will be covered, effectively your registration fee with be $0 (see Apply & Attend on how to apply).
What does 'African student' mean in context of the scholarship? Am I eligible?
Everybody with a link to Africa is eligible for the scholarship and travel grants, including residential or fractional ancestral ties. Decisions are made individually and preference is given to those in need (see next question).
What are my chances for receiving financial support (scholarship and travel grant)?
TL;DR: Your chances are high if you are living in Africa. The scholarships will be given on a need basis, we will consider each application individually. Typically Africans in Africa have a larger need than Africans living abroad or internationals living in Africa.
Booking and Visa
Can I book my own accommodation?
No, the ACVSS fees include accommodation, meals and venue costs. It is not possible to opt out. A major goal of the ACVSS is community building, which includes socials. Please reach out to the organizers if you require special accommodation or have concerns about safety.
Can I arrange my own travel?
Flights etc. will be booked for the travel grant recipients. Personal bookings cannot be reimbursed. You have to arrange your own travel if you are not a recipient of the travel grant.
How do I apply for a visa/ETA?
Upon accepting to the school, you will be provided with an invitation letter. Use this to apply for the Visa/ETA.