RAREvolution Scholarship Program
A national scholarship supporting youth living with rare diseases to pursue post-secondary education in Canada
Ages 17–29 • Up to $5,000 • Open across all rare diseases
About the Scholarship
For many youth living with a rare disease, pursuing post-secondary education comes with additional challenges—health-related barriers, financial strain, and systems that weren’t designed with them in mind. The RAREvolution Scholarship was created to help change that.
Financial Support
Up to $5,000 to help students pursue their academic and career goals while recognizing the resilience and leadership they bring.
Connection & Community
Opportunities for recipients to feel seen, heard, supported, and connected to peers across Canada.
Everything You Need to Know
Full details, eligibility, and application tips are available in the Application Guide
Who Can Apply?
You are eligible if you:
- Are 17–29 years old (at the time of application)
- Are a citizen or permanent resident of Canada
Are living with a rare disease, with either a confirmed diagnosis or a condition suspected by a healthcare professional*
- Are enrolled, or have applied to enroll, full-time or part-time in a recognized undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution
*Important: You do not need proof of diagnosis when applying. If selected, you will be required to provide documentation.
What is the Amount of the Scholarship?
Scholarships are awarded up to $5,000 CAD, based on enrolment status:
- Up to $5,000 for full‑time students
Up to $2,500 for part‑time students
What Can the Scholarship Be Used For?
Scholarships must be used to support education-related costs, including:
- Tuition and academic fees
- Required text books and course materials
- Other eligible education-related expenses (e.g., accessibility support not covered by other programs)
More Than Financial Support
Beyond financial support, recipients may also:
- Join a national peer network
- Connect with other students across Canada
- Participate in mentorship, community, or leadership opportunities
For full scholarship benefit details, please refer to the Application Guide.
Key Dates
How to Apply
- Click Apply Now and access the application platform.
- Create an account or log in.
- Complete your application and upload all required documents.
- Review and submit before the deadline.
Please note:
- You will receive a confirmation email.
- Applications cannot be edited after submission.
- Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
For full information about how to apply and what you’ll need, please refer to the Application Guide.
What You’ll Need
As part of your application, you will be asked to submit the following:
- Completed online application
- Personal statement (English: max. 750 words | French: max. 850 words)
- Proof of enrollment in, or application to, a Canadian post-secondary institution
- Contact information for one reference (referee)
Personal Statement
Your personal statement is an opportunity to share:
- Your educational and career goals
- Your lived experience with a rare disease
- What this scholarship would mean to you
There is no single “right” way to approach this—we encourage you to be thoughtful, authentic, and reflect on your own experiences and aspirations.
To help you prepare a strong and application with all required documents, please refer to the Application Guide.
How Decisions are Made
Applications are reviewed through a fair, confidential, and consistent process. Reviewers consider:
- Lived experience and resilience
- Educational and career goals
- How the scholarship would support your journey
- Contributions to others, leadership, or engagement
- Clarity and authenticity of your personal statement
Please note that meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection.
Notification of Decisions
All applicants will be notified of the outcome via email. Successful applicants will be contacted to confirm eligibility and enrollment details before receiving a formal offer.
Questions?
We recommend you start early to allow time to prepare documents and references. You can save your application and return anytime
Questions? We are here to help. Contact us at info@canadianrdn.ca
What is considered a rare disease?
Rare diseases are typically chronic conditions that can be serious, complex, and sometimes life-threatening.
In Canada, the European definition is commonly used, which states that a disease is considered rare if it affects fewer than 1 in 2,000 people.
There are thousands of rare diseases, and many people are still navigating a diagnosis. If you are living with a diagnosed or suspected rare disease, you are eligible to apply.
Do I need a confirmed diagnosis to apply?
No. You are eligible to apply if you are living with a diagnosed or suspected, but undiagnosed rare disease. Proof of diagnosis is not required at the time of application but will be requested if you are selected.
Can I apply if I'm still waiting on university acceptance?
Yes. You can apply if you have applied to a Canadian post-secondary program. You may upload a conditional offer and proof of enrolment will be required if you are selected.
What do I need to apply?
Can my reference (referee) be a family member?
No. Your reference should be someone who can speak to your character, experiences, or goals (e.g., teacher, mentor, employer, or community leader).
Can I apply if I’ve received other scholarships?
Yes. You are still eligible to apply even if you have received other scholarships.
When will I hear back about my application?
All applicants will be notified of the outcome via email in August 2026. Successful applicants will be contacted to confirm eligibility and enrolment details before receiving a formal offer.
I’m having trouble with the application portal. What should I do?
If you are experiencing technical issues with the application platform, please contact us at Good Grants support for assistance or contact the CRDN team at info@canadianrdn.ca.
Who can I contact if I have questions about the application?
If you have questions or need support, please contact us: info@canadianrdn.ca.
Still have questions?
Join our live information webinar to walk through the application process and ask questions.
🗓 May 27, 12:00 pm MT (2:00 pm ET)
👉 Register HERE
Founding Partner
Looking for other Scholarships?
While the RAREvolution Scholarship Program supports students affected by any rare disease, there may be other disability- and diagnosis-related scholarships available in Canada. We’ve compiled a list to help you explore additional opportunities.