The Canadian Rare Disease Network (CRDN) – Réseau Canadien des Maladies Rares is proud to announce the launch of the RAREvolution Scholarship Program, the first pan-Canadian, pan-rare disease scholarship initiative designed to support students living with rare diseases as they pursue post-secondary education.
Funded through a partnership with Alexion Canada, the RAREvolution Scholarship Program will award a minimum of 15 scholarships of up to $5,000 CAD each to undergraduate and graduate students across Canada. Beyond financial assistance, the program is intentionally designed to build community, fostering peer connection, shared learning, and leadership among students navigating post-secondary education within the rare disease context.
“Students affected by rare diseases face unique and often invisible barriers to accessing and succeeding in higher education,” says Dr. Francois Bernier, chair of CRDN, professor of Medical Genetics and Pediatrics, University of Calgary and project lead, One Child Every Child. “RAREvolution is about more than funding — it’s about recognition, opportunity, and creating a national community where students know they belong and can thrive.”
Accessing post-secondary education can be particularly challenging for youth living with rare diseases.
Rare diseases collectively affect more than three million people in Canada, many starting in childhood. Families often experience significant long-term financial strain due to ongoing medical expenses, travel for specialized care, time away from work, and gaps in publicly covered services. Over time, this cumulative burden can limit the resources available to support post-secondary education.
“Pursuing post-secondary education while living with a rare disease often means navigating challenges that others don’t see — from managing health alongside coursework to coping with financial and emotional strain,” says Andrea, a youth patient partner and advocate. “RAREvolution sends a powerful message that students like me are seen, supported, and valued, and that our ambitions matter.”
By providing financial support alongside opportunities for peer connection and community-building, the RAREvolution Scholarship Program aims to reduce barriers to post-secondary education, acknowledge the resilience of students affected by rare diseases, and support their success as they pursue academic, professional, and leadership pathways
“Education is fundamental to unlocking an individual’s full potential and pioneering future possibilities,” says Karen Heim, General Manager of Alexion Canada. “Recognizing the many inequities experienced by young people across Canada living with a rare disease, we are dedicated to fostering equitable access and investing in their success through the RAREvolution scholarship program.”
Learn more
Applications for the RAREvolution Scholarship Program are now open, with scholarships awarded later in August 2026. For program details, eligibility criteria, and application timelines, visit: www.canadianrdn.ca/scholarship/
About the Canadian Rare Disease Network (CRDN)
The Canadian Rare Disease Network (CRDN) is a pan-Canadian initiative launched in 2024 to connect, coordinate, and strengthen Canada’s rare disease ecosystem to improve rare disease care and research in Canada. Built by and for the rare disease community, CRDN connects key actors across research, healthcare, patient communities and others to reduce fragmentation, advance equity, and accelerate impact across the rare disease ecosystem. It is co-led by a diverse group of experts spanning disciplines, sectors, and lived experience, and is organized around four interrelated pillars: Diagnostics & Registries; Innovative Therapies; Care, Support, and Empowerment; and National and Global Collaboration.
About Alexion
Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease is focused on serving patients and families affected by rare diseases and devastating conditions through the discovery, development and delivery of life-changing medicines. A pioneering leader in rare disease for more than three decades, Alexion was the first to translate the complex biology of the complement system into transformative medicines, and today it continues to build a diversified pipeline across disease areas with significant unmet need, using an array of innovative modalities. As part of AstraZeneca, Alexion is continually expanding its global geographic footprint to serve more rare disease patients around the world. Alexion has been operating in Canada since 2009 and is guided by a steadfast commitment to innovation, and dedication to health equity and access. Through partnerships, scientific collaborations and clinical trial investments with partners across the Canadian rare disease ecosystem, Alexion is helping to improve outcomes for more people impacted by rare diseases in Canada.
Media Contact:
Karishma Samra
Engagement Coordinator
Canadian Rare Disease Network
ksamra@ucalgary.ca