Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program
Scholarship Sponsored by UBC, Inc.
Overview
In 2026, UCB will award a total of 33 one-time scholarships to students affected by epilepsy—either individuals living with the condition, their family members, or their caregivers—who are pursuing further education. Thirty of these awards will be for up to $5,000 each, and three special awards (two Epilepsy Leader Scholarships and one Joe D’Souza Memorial Scholarship) will be available for up to $10,000 each.
About the memorial scholarships
- Epilepsy Leader Scholarships: Established in 2016 in honor of Dr. Jack Pellock and Dr. Sandy Helmers—two respected leaders in the epilepsy community—these two $10,000 awards will go to applicants who demonstrate academic and personal achievement and who reflect the legacy of Drs. Pellock and Helmers: a commitment to serving and advocating for others, meaningful contributions to the epilepsy community, and perseverance.
- Joe D’Souza Memorial Scholarship: Created in 2019 to honor UCB’s late global medical director, this single $10,000 award recognizes the applicant who best reflects Dr. D’Souza’s spirit. Dr. D’Souza was internationally respected for his dedication to people with epilepsy, his leadership in advancing epilepsy treatments, and his integrity, honesty, and genuine concern for colleagues and the broader epilepsy community.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible to apply, you must confirm that you meet all of the following:
1. You are a legal resident of the United States.
2. You are either:
- a person diagnosed with epilepsy by a physician, or
- an immediate family member (parent, spouse, child, or sibling) or caregiver of a person with epilepsy.
3. You are pursuing an associate’s, bachelor’s, or graduate degree, or enrolled in a trade school program.
4. You demonstrate academic and personal achievement, participate in activities outside the classroom, and serve as a positive role model.
5. You are graduating from high school in 2026 or have already graduated from high school.
6. You are enrolled in, or awaiting acceptance to, a United States–based institution of higher learning for the fall 2026 term.
7. You have not previously received a UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program™ award.
8. You are not an employee of UCB, nor an immediate family member of a UCB employee. For UCB purposes, “immediate family” includes spouses, domestic partners, children, parents, grandchildren, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, stepchildren, stepsisters, and stepbrothers. Immediate family members of healthcare professionals who directly or indirectly influence prescribing of epilepsy medications are also ineligible.
9. In the past two years you have not advocated on behalf of UCB nor received compensation from UCB (including consulting, speaking, or advisory fees).
What makes this program distinctive
- The longest-running pharmaceutical company–sponsored epilepsy scholarship program.
- No minimum GPA requirement.
- Awards are not based on financial need.
- Open to students in any field of study.
- Eligible recipients can attend any accredited, U.S.-based institution of higher learning.
- SAT/ACT scores are not required.
Selection process and award disbursement
A review panel selected by UCB—made up of neurologists and patient advocates from around the country—will choose scholarship recipients. Whether an applicant uses UCB products will not be considered and does not affect chances of receiving an award.
After UCB verifies each winner’s enrollment for the fall 2026 semester, scholarship funds will be issued in July 2026 as a check made payable to, and mailed directly to, the recipient’s educational institution. Scholarship funds may be applied toward tuition and/or required educational materials. If a recipient does not owe at least the minimum award amount in educational expenses ($5,000 for the standard scholarships; $10,000 for the Epilepsy Leader and Joe D’Souza awards), the scholarship will be limited to the remaining balance owed. If UCB determines a selected applicant has no outstanding educational charges, that applicant will be rendered ineligible for the award.
How to apply and required materials
Submit a completed online application and all required attachments through the application portal by no later than Sunday, March 15, 2026.
- Certain portions of the application must be completed by others as applicable: the applicant; a parent/guardian (if the applicant is under 18); a school official; a community member; and a member of the applicant’s healthcare team—or, if the applicant is a family member or caregiver, a member of the patient’s healthcare team.
- Required materials and selection criteria include:
- A one-page applicant essay that explains why you should be selected and how the scholarship would help you. The essay should address: (i) academic accomplishments; (ii) community service and/or advocacy activities; (iii) how you have contributed or plan to contribute to the epilepsy community; and (iv) the impact of epilepsy on your life (whether as a person living with epilepsy or as a family member/caregiver).
- Three letters of recommendation (three total are required; they do not have to come from each category listed below, but may include letters from): a school official, a community member, and a healthcare team member. Please see the FAQ for additional guidance.
- A completed medical history form for the person living with epilepsy.
- A copy of your most recent academic transcript.
- Optional: Applicants pursuing arts-related degrees may submit an artistic presentation.
- If you need more room for responses, additional pages may be attached to the application.
If you have questions about specific documentation or the application process, consult the program FAQ or contact the program administrator before the March 15, 2026 deadline.