Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program
Scholarship Sponsored by UBC, Inc.
Supporting achievement within the epilepsy community
UCB honors outstanding achievement by continuing its long-running scholarship program for people affected by epilepsy. For more than two decades UCB has awarded scholarships to individuals living with epilepsy, as well as to their family members and caregivers. Recipients are a resilient, motivated, and diverse group who demonstrate academic and personal success and who serve as positive examples in the epilepsy community.
2026 awards
- Total awards: 33 one-time scholarships.
- Thirty awards of up to $5,000 each, given to applicants who show academic and personal accomplishment.
- Two Epilepsy Leader Scholarships of up to $10,000 each.
- One Joe D’Souza Memorial Scholarship of up to $10,000.
About the Epilepsy Leader Scholarships
The Epilepsy Leader Scholarships were established in 2016 to honor the memories of Dr. Jack Pellock and Dr. Sandy Helmers, two respected epilepsy specialists who died that year. Recipients will be selected based on academic and personal achievement and on qualities associated with Drs. Pellock and Helmers — a commitment to advocacy and service, a desire to contribute positively to the epilepsy community, and perseverance.
About the Joe D’Souza Memorial Scholarship
Created in 2019 to commemorate UCB’s former global medical director, the Joe D’Souza Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to the applicant who best reflects Dr. D’Souza’s dedication and character. Dr. D’Souza was internationally recognized for his work in advancing epilepsy treatments and antiepileptic drug development, and for his integrity, honesty, and genuine concern for colleagues and people living with epilepsy.
Eligibility (you must certify that you meet all criteria)
1. U.S. legal resident.
2. Either a person diagnosed with epilepsy by a physician, or the immediate family member (parent, spouse, child, or sibling) or caregiver of someone with epilepsy.
3. Pursuing an associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree, or enrolled in a trade school program.
4. A student who demonstrates academic and personal achievement, significant extracurricular/community involvement, and serves as a positive role model.
5. Graduating high school in 2026 or already a high school graduate.
6. Enrolled in, or awaiting acceptance by, a United States-based accredited institution for the fall 2026 semester.
7. Not a prior recipient of the UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program™.
8. Not an employee of UCB or an immediate family member of a UCB employee. For this program, immediate family includes spouses, domestic partners, children, parents, grandchildren, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, stepchildren, stepsisters, and stepbrothers. Also ineligible are immediate family members of healthcare professionals who directly or indirectly influence prescribing of epilepsy medications.
9. Not someone who, within the past two years, has advocated on behalf of UCB or received payments or other compensation from UCB (including consulting, speaking, or advisory roles).
What makes this program different
- The longest-running pharmaceutical company–sponsored epilepsy scholarship program.
- No minimum GPA requirement.
- Awards are not determined by financial need.
- Open to students in any field of study.
- Available to students attending any accredited U.S.-based institution.
- SAT/ACT scores are not required.
Selection process and award payment
A selection committee made up of neurologists and patient advocates appointed by UCB will evaluate applications. Ownership or use of UCB products will not be considered and gives no advantage. Winners’ fall 2026 enrollment will be verified; scholarship checks will be issued directly to each recipient’s educational institution in July 2026. Funds may be applied to tuition and/or required educational materials. Awards will be limited to the amount of outstanding educational expenses: up to $5,000 for standard scholarships and up to $10,000 for the Epilepsy Leader and Joe D’Souza awards. If, after verification, a recipient has no balance due to the school, they will be ineligible to receive the scholarship; if the school balance is less than the scholarship amount, the award will cover only the remaining balance.
Application procedures and required materials
Deadline: submit a complete application and all supporting documents by Sunday, March 15, 2026.
- Completion requirements: Application sections must be completed by the applicant and may also require input from a parent/guardian (if the applicant is under 18), a school official, a community member, and a member of the applicant’s healthcare team. If the applicant is a family member or caregiver, one section must be completed by a member of the patient’s healthcare team.
- Required selection materials:
- A one-page essay written by the applicant describing why they should be selected and how the scholarship would help. The essay should address: (i) academic achievements; (ii) community service and/or advocacy activities; (iii) ways the applicant has contributed or plans to contribute to the epilepsy community; and (iv) how epilepsy has affected the applicant’s life, whether as a person with epilepsy or as a family member/caregiver.
- Three letters of recommendation (three total are required; they do not all need to come from the distinct categories listed below — see FAQ for guidance). Suggested sources include:
- School official
- Community member
- Healthcare team member
- Medical history form for the person living with epilepsy.
- Copy of the applicant’s most recent academic transcript.
- Optional: Applicants studying the arts may submit an artistic presentation.
- Additional pages may be attached if more space is required for responses.
Program history
UCB launched the Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program in 2005 as part of its commitment to support people affected by epilepsy. In 2026 UCB celebrates more than 20 years of this program. To date, UCB has provided over $3.5 million in scholarships to more than 680 recipients. Visit the program’s video library to view highlights from the first 20 years and hear from past awardees.