Lupus Scholarship for Canadian Students

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 Canada lupus scholarship 2026 banner featuring three students with purple backpacks that say Hope life without lupus

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:

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Scholarship Overview
English

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Scholarship Application
English

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Scholarship Overview
French

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Scholarship Application
French

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:

Headshot of Angelina, Lupus Canada Scholarship Winner, wearing a red tie and black vest.
Angelina Kalamenchuk
Smiling headshot of Edwina Winston, Lupus Canada Scholarship Winner, with curly hair and light top.
Edwina Winston
Portrait of Joelle Dussault, Lupus Canada Scholarship Winner, with straight blonde hair and striped shirt.
Joëlle Dussault
Graduation portrait of Leanne Langlois, Lupus Canada Scholarship Winner, with long dark hair and blue background.
Léanne Langlois
Photo of Victoria Fraser, Lupus Canada Scholarship Winner, seated during a medical treatment with IV in arm.
Victoria Fraser
Portrait of Diana Rodriguez, Lupus Canada Scholarship Winner, with curly hair and a grey top.
Diana Rodriguez Blanco
Photo of Jahmeila Moore, Lupus Canada Scholarship Winner, wearing a purple Lupus Ontario T-shirt outdoors.
Jahmeila Moore
Young woman smiling in a graduation cap and gown with a gold and black stole.
Kaylyn Sands
Portrait of Alex Krnel, Lupus Canada Scholarship Winner, smiling outdoors under a yellow umbrella.
Alex Krnel
Portrait of Zerrin Hospedales, Lupus Canada Scholarship Winner, wearing a black gown and pearl necklace.
Zerrin Hospedales-Alexander

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