The “unlucky generation” includes the students in higher education who received no basic grant in the period from September 2015 to September 2023. These students have, on average, built up a larger student debt than the generation of students before (or after) them.
Why does Fonds Stoop support these students?
The starting point of Fonds Stoop is that a course of study is an investment in yourself and thus offers the best basis for later income. A student debt can hinder the development of an independent life. A contribution from the Fund to reduce this debt therefore fits within the objectives of the fund.
All descendants born between 1990 and 2005 received a letter from the administrator by email in February 2025. We wanted to be sure that no one was overlooked. So even those who never studied or had no student loan in the “unlucky period” received an email with the message that Fonds Stoop offers compensation of €300 per “unlucky year” studied, up to a maximum of €1,200 per descendant. These “unlucky students” did have to provide proof from DUO showing that they are eligible for compensation from the government, with the difference that Fonds Stoop only pays out where there is a student debt.
Total paid out
The invitation was sent by email to 119 family members. The board of Fonds Stoop then received 55 applications, of which 41 applicants were entitled to the maximum amount of €1,200.
One application was rejected and referred to support. In total, €56,600 was paid out to the unlucky generation.
The responses from the students of the “unlucky generation” show that there is much appreciation for this action by the Fund.
