Lupus Canada William Birchall Foundation Scholarship | 2026 Applications
Apply for the 2026 Lupus Scholarship
The Lupus Scholarship program from Lupus Canada is now open for 2026. Through the William Birchall Foundation, Lupus Canada is offering ten one time scholarships of $2,500 CAD to students diagnosed with lupus who are entering or currently enrolled in post secondary education in Canada.
This lupus scholarship was created to recognize resilience, academic ambition, and advocacy while helping reduce financial barriers faced by students living with lupus.
Application Deadline: May 29, 2026
Lupus Scholarship Overview
- Ten one time scholarships available
- $2,500 CAD each
- Awarded for Fall 2026 enrollment
- Paid directly to the educational institution
- May be used for tuition or educational expenses
Recipients will be notified in July 2026.
Why a Lupus Scholarship Matters
Navigating higher education with a chronic illness like lupus can be incredibly challenging. This scholarship program aims to acknowledge the additional hurdles faced by students with lupus and provide tangible support toward their academic and personal growth.
Through the generosity of the William Birchall Foundation, Lupus Canada is proud to uplift and empower young individuals who are shaping their future while managing lupus.
Lupus Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Lupus Canada William Birchall Foundation 2026 Scholarship the applicant must be:
- A legal and permanent resident of Canada.
- Diagnosed with lupus by a physician.
- Seeking an undergraduate degree from a Canadian university; a diploma or certificate from a Canadian college or enrolled in a trade school educational program.
- Enrolled in or waiting acceptance from a Canadian-based institution of higher education for the fall semester of 2026.
- Taking a minimum 50% of a full course load; and,
- A student who demonstrates academic success, ambition and willingness to continue to advocate for lupus and raise awareness.
*Previous recipients of the Lupus Canada scholarship program are not eligible. Incomplete or late applications will be ineligible for consideration.
Lupus Scholarship Selection Process
Selection of award recipients will be at the sole discretion of the Lupus Canada Scholarship Selection Committee.
Applications will be reviewed and evaluated on the following:
- Academic results for most recent school year
- Quality/structure of essay
- Educational and Career Goals
- Impact of Lupus on Student Life
- Scholarship Benefit
- Lived Experience and Advocacy
- Financial Need
- Extracurricular Activities and Community Involvement
- Reference Letter
Lupus Scholarship Award and Notification
Recipients of the lupus scholarship will be notified in July 2026 through a personal telephone call followed by a confirmation letter.
After a recipient’s educational enrollment has been verified for the fall 2026 semester, the scholarship will be made payable directly to the educational institution. The scholarship of $2,500 CAD will be awarded to cover the recipient’s tuition and/or educational materials and expenses.
How to Apply for the Lupus Scholarship
Applicants must submit all materials in a single PDF file by May 29, 2026. Required materials include:
A Complete Application Form
In a single PDF File (other formats will not be accepted).
Completion Of The Following (maximum length per section 300 words)
- Educational and Career Goals
- Impact of Lupus on Student Life
- Scholarship Benefit
- Lived Experience and Advocacy
- Financial Need
- Extracurricular Activities and Community Involvement
Supporting Documentation
- Letter of recommendation
- An official academic transcript from your most recent year of education;
- Confirmation of your diagnosis of lupus from a physician
Lupus Scholarship Program Resources
Access the scholarship overview and application materials for the 2026 Lupus Canada William Birchall Foundation Scholarship below:
Questions About the Lupus Scholarship?
If you have any questions about the Lupus Canada Scholarship Program or future application opportunities, please contact us and we would be happy to connect.
The 2025 Lupus Canada William Birchall Foundation Scholarship Recipients:

Angelina Kalamenchuk

Edwina Winston

Joëlle Dussault

Léanne Langlois

Victoria Fraser

Diana Rodriguez Blanco

Jahmeila Moore

Kaylyn Sands

Alex Krnel

Zerrin Hospedales-Alexander
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