The Lazord Fellowships is a fully funded, year-long leadership development program designed for recent university graduates from Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, and Greece who are passionate about civic engagement and social change. Since its launch in 2010, the Lazord Fellowship has placed hundreds of young leaders with local host organizations, giving them hands-on professional experience in fields such as education, women’s rights, human rights advocacy, youth empowerment, and social entrepreneurship. The program is run by the Lazord Foundation in partnership with the Gerhart Center and is widely regarded as one of the top leadership fellowships in the MENA region.
Fellows selected for the Lazord Fellowships spend a full year embedded in a host organization, working on real-world social challenges while receiving structured mentorship, leadership training, and access to a regional network of changemakers. Beyond the workplace experience, fellows attend international conferences that bring together the entire regional cohort, creating lifelong professional connections. If you are a recent graduate looking to turn your passion for social impact into a meaningful career, the Lazord Fellowship offers the platform, funding, and training to help you get there.
Lazord Fellowship Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | Lazord Fellowship |
| Level | Post-graduate leadership fellowship |
| Duration | One year (full-time) |
| Host Countries | Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, Greece |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Organized By | Lazord Foundation |
| Eligible Countries | All countries (subject to local residency requirements) |
Eligibility for Lazord Fellowship
General Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Lazord Fellowship, applicants must meet the general requirements below:
- Applicants must hold a valid local residency status and work authorization in the country they are applying to.
- Applicants must demonstrate a genuine passion for civic engagement and social impact.
- Male applicants from Egypt must have completed military service, hold an official exemption certificate, or be otherwise exempt.
- Applicants must be able to commit fully to a year-long, full-time placement.
- Applicants must be available to attend the annual international conference associated with the fellowship year.
Age and Academic Requirements
- Applicants are generally expected to be between 21 and 27 years old.
- Applicants must be recent university graduates, typically from the most recent two to three graduating classes.
- Graduates of public universities are eligible from any field of study.
- Graduates of private universities may qualify for a need-based track, generally requiring a minimum of two years of prior scholarship support.
Benefits of Lazord Fellowship
Financial Benefits
- A monthly living stipend calculated based on local cost of living in the host country.
- A housing stipend based on the fellow’s placement location and individual needs.
- Coverage of costs associated with attending the required international conferences.
- No tuition or program fees, making the Lazord Fellowship a genuinely fully funded opportunity.
Academic and Personal Benefits
- Placement with a respected local host organization for a full year of hands-on professional experience.
- Structured leadership and technical skills training across multiple sectors.
- One-on-one mentorship from experienced professionals in the field.
- Access to a growing regional network of Lazord Fellowship alumni and changemakers.
- A strong, resume-building credential that opens doors to careers in civil society, international organizations, and government.
Documents Required for Lazord Fellowship
Applicants to the Lazord Fellowship should prepare the following documents in advance:
- A completed online application form
- An updated CV or resume
- University degree certificate or proof of graduation
- Academic transcripts
- A valid national ID or passport copy
- Proof of local residency and work authorization
- A personal statement or motivation letter
- Military service exemption certificate (for male applicants from Egypt, where applicable)
- Contact details for professional or academic references
How to Apply for Lazord Fellowship
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the official Lazord Fellowship website to review the current cycle’s requirements and countries participating.
- Create an account on the official application portal.
- Fill out the online application form with accurate personal, academic, and professional details.
- Upload all required documents, including your CV, transcripts, and personal statement.
- Submit your application before the stated deadline.
- Shortlisted candidates are typically contacted for an interview as part of the selection process.
- Selected fellows go through a matchmaking process to be placed with a suitable host organization.
Application Tips for Lazord Fellowship
- Apply well before the deadline, since the Lazord Fellowships receives a high volume of applications each cycle.
- Tailor your personal statement to clearly show your passion for civic engagement and social impact.
- Highlight any prior volunteer work, internships, or leadership experience relevant to the fellowship’s focus areas.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents are complete, clear, and correctly formatted.
- Prepare thoroughly for the interview stage by researching the Lazord Foundation’s mission and past fellow projects.
Deadline for the Lazord Fellowship
The Lazord Fellowships typically opens applications in the spring, with deadlines historically falling in early June. Exact dates for the 2027 cycle have not yet been officially announced, so applicants should regularly check the official Lazord Fellowship website for the confirmed deadline and avoid missing out due to late submission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Lazord Fellowships fully funded?
Yes, the Lazord Fellowships covers living and housing stipends with no program fees.
Who can apply for the Lazord Fellowships?
Recent graduates from Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, and Greece with valid local residency can apply for the Lazord Fellowships.
How long does the Lazord Fellowships last?
The Lazord Fellowships is a full-time, one-year program.
Does the Lazord Fellowships require work experience?
No formal work experience is required for the Lazord Fellowships, though relevant experience strengthens your application.
What is the age limit for the Lazord Fellowships?
The Lazord Fellowships generally accepts applicants between 21 and 27 years old.
What documents are needed for the Lazord Fellowships?
Key documents for the Lazord Fellowships include a CV, transcripts, ID, and a personal statement.
Where are Lazord Fellows placed?
Lazord Fellowship placements happen with local host organizations in the applicant’s home country.
Is there an interview for the Lazord Fellowships?
Yes, shortlisted Lazord Fellowships candidates typically go through an interview stage.
When does the Lazord Fellowships application open?
The Lazord Fellowships usually opens applications in the spring each year.
Can private university graduates apply for the Lazord Fellowships?
Yes, private university graduates can apply for the Lazord Fellowships under a need-based track.
