Scholarship success stories inspire new round of MG applications
$10K award covers tuition, fees, or books for MG patients, immediate family
Fifteen college or trade school scholarships are now available for people with myasthenia gravis (MG) and their immediate family members through the second annual UCB U.S. Myasthenia Gravis Scholarship program. The scholarships, worth up to $10,000, will help ease the financial burden of continuing education or career training for individuals affected by the chronic neuromuscular disorder.
As with the first edition, the scholarships are open to people of all ages and backgrounds who reside in the U.S. They support studies in trades, college, or other fields and can be used to pay for tuition, fees, or books.
“The UCB U.S. Myasthenia Gravis Scholarship is dedicated to supporting people impacted by myasthenia gravis,” Kimberly Moran, PhD, UCB’s senior vice president and head of U.S. Rare Diseases, said in a company press release. “It’s one of the many ways UCB is committed to empowering patients and caregivers — beyond medicine — through meaningful resources that help them thrive.”
UCB markets two MG-approved therapies, Rystiggo (rozanolixizumab-noli) and Zilbrysq (zilucoplan).
Who can apply
Those who are interested in applying must have an MG diagnosis or be an immediate family member of someone diagnosed with it. They should be pursuing a degree or trade certification, demonstrate a positive outlook, and be enrolled in or awaiting acceptance for the fall 2026 semester. The deadline to apply is Jan. 31, 2026.
Selection is based on: a one-page personal essay about living with MG and being involved with the community or advocacy efforts, a signed medical history form, three letters of recommendation, and the most recent academic transcript. Artistic submissions are optional for arts students.
A panel of neurology experts and patient advocates will choose this year’s scholarship recipients by June 2026, and all applicants will be notified by email, with winners receiving personal calls. Checks of up to $10,000 will be sent to educational institutions in July to cover tuition or materials.
The inaugural program helped a dozen scholars last year reach for a wide range of educational goals.
“This scholarship is more than financial support,” said Deanna C., who has MG and was one of last year’s awardees. “It’s a symbol of the work that still needs to be done. Advocacy is no longer something I do. It’s who I am.”
Deanna plans to use her scholarship to study American Sign Language at the University of New Hampshire, which will allow her to communicate better with her 4-year-old daughter, who is deaf.
Deric S., who lives with MG in Alabama, is using the scholarship to finish his master’s degree. “This scholarship is actually going to take care of the rest of my Master’s in Public Administration program, so that’s a financial burden that I don’t have to worry about. It’s a really good feeling to know that you can have people to support you in your endeavors,” he said.
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