KohaCon 2026 – Open Fifth bursary places
Last updated on: 18th May 2026| 14th April 2026 | Open Fifth
This year we are delighted to offer three bursary places to our library customers for KohaCon 2026. The event is taking place across 5 – 9 October 2026 and will be hosted by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Karlsruhe, Germany.
KohaCon is a fantastic event that we look forward to each year and we’re excited for our library customers to be able to attend in person. It’s a great opportunity to learn, network and collaborate with the community of library staff, developers, contributors and supporters committed to Koha. Several members of the Open Fifth team will be attending, presenting and workshopping at this year’s event.
Bursary recipients will receive £500 towards their travel and accommodation costs to attend KohaCon 2026.
Following the event, we ask that you submit a blog post about your KohaCon experience and what you’ve learnt that we can share via our website, social media and online communications.
Event Schedule
- Conference Days 1 and 2: 5 – 6 October
- Cultural Day: 7 October
- Working Together Days (Bugfest/Hackfest): 8 – 9 October.
Find out more and see the schedule on the KohaCon 2026 website.
To benefit from the bursary, recipients are expected to attend both conference days (5 and 6 October) at minimum, with the remaining days and events optional.
How to apply
Applications have now closed, applicants will be notified of bursary awards by 29 May.
Bursary recipients must be staff at Open Fifth customer libraries and institutions.
- Application deadline: Friday 15 May, 12:30 PM (BST)
- Bursary award notification date: Friday 29 May, 12:30 PM (BST).
Arrangements
The bursary covers travel and accommodation costs to attend KohaCon 2026 in person up to the value of £500. Following confirmation of the award, bursary recipients must make their own travel and accommodation arrangements, with costs claimed back from Open Fifth up to the value of £500. Travel claims should be submitted by completing the provided expense form with receipts. Reimbursement will be made via payment to your bank account.
There are no conference fees for KohaCon and main events, but attendee registration will be required.
Bursary recipients are responsible for ensuring they have valid travel insurance coverage and that they meet the requirements for entry into Germany.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Lauren Purton – [email protected]
