Fondation Fernand Lazard
Interest-free loans for Master’s graduates studying abroad
The Fernand Lazard Foundation is a Belgian non-profit organisation that provides interest-free loans to recent graduates from Belgian universities at a key moment in their academic journey.
It enables students to pursue post-Master’s studies, PhD programmes, fellowships, or research projects, usually abroad.
Applications open until 5 February 2026
We’ve helped students from universities across Belgium, such as:
Interest-free loans
What the Foundation supports
The Fernand Lazard Foundation grants interest-free loans of up to €25,000. These are loans, not scholarships, provided by a non-profit foundation with no commercial objectives.
The loan is intended for university graduates who hold the nationality of a Member State of the European Union and who obtained their degree in Belgium.
For students pursuing post-Master’s studies or specialisation abroad, the loan can be used to help cover study-related costs, including:
Tuition and enrolment fees
Accomodations and transportation
Academic materials, insurance, and other costs directly linked to the academic programme
The application process
How it works
A simple and transparent application process
Online application
Students apply independently via the Foundation’s online application platform (in French or Dutch). The 2026 deadline is 5 February.
Review and decision
Applications are reviewed by the Foundation’s Board of Directors, which notifies applicants of its decision approximately two months after the application deadline.
Disbursement and repayment
Approved loans are disbursed according to the type of expense. Major expenses are paid directly by the Foundation while housing costs are covered through periodic rent payments to the student. Smaller expenses are reimbursed upon presentation of supporting documents.Repayment applies only to the amount of the loan actually used and takes place after the study period.
About the foundation
Supporting young people as they shape their future
Founded in 1949, the Fernand Lazard Foundation has supported generations of young graduates in Belgium.
Its mission is to:
- Remove financial barriers at the transition between studies and professional life
- Support specialisation and further academic training
- Act independently, transparently and without profit motive
The Foundation operates nationwide and works with graduates from a wide range of Belgian higher education institutions.
FAQs
Questions? We're here to help!
Graduates who obtained a Master’s degree in Belgium, hold EU nationality, and are pursuing a post-Master’s specialisation or further studies abroad.
Yes, general inquiries may be made to the Foundation in English, however, the application process is in French or Dutch.
Yes. All loans made by the foundation are completely interest-free, and have been for over 70 years. There are no application fees for the loan.
Applications are made via our online form and require:
- A cover letter
- A Europass CV with a recent photo
- An estimated budget
- Two recommendation letters from the candidate's professors
Repayment takes place over eight annual instalments, starting from the third year following the granting of the loan.
Example: For a loan of €20,000 granted in March 2026, repayment amounts to €2,500 per year, from April 2029 to April 2036.