Higher education is often an exciting time of personal development for many students in France. And yet the cost of living can sometimes be a bit of a problem. Fortunately, different kinds of financial assistance are available to help students.
CROUS student grants
Needs-based grants are one of the most important sources of financial assistance for students. These grants, which are awarded by CROUS based on a student's income and family situation, are designed to cover some of his or her tuition fees, and accommodation, food and transport costs. Eligible students, who can file an application online, receive an annual, renewable grant according to their financial circumstances.
Financial support for housing (APL & ALS)
Housing costs represent a sizeable chunk of a student’s outgoings. The state provides various types of financial assistance to help students meet these housing costs. Aide Personnalisée au Logement (PLA) financial aid is intended for students renting state-subsidised accommodation. The level of the APL depends on the student’s rent, his or her resources (a grant holder or not), and the location of the accommodation. The Allocation de Logement Sociale (ALS) housing allowance works on the same principle with one slight difference: it is awarded to students who are not in a position to claim the APL because their accommodation is not state-subsidised.
MOBILI-JEUNE aid: a helping hand for students on work-study programmes
Mobili-Jeune assistance is a form of government support that aims to facilitate the mobility of young students in France. It is intended for individuals under the age of 30 who are renting accommodation and are taking part in work-study programmes. This aid gives students a helping hand with their finances to cover some of their accommodation costs while they are on an internship or training programme (a short-term assignment or long-term training) outside their usual place of study. Mobili-Jeune may be combined with the APL, thereby encouraging geographic mobility and promoting access to learning. Applications are made directly online via the Action Logement website.
Mobility assistance for master’s students
Students must meet the following criteria to benefit from this assistance:
- They graduated in the previous year.
- They are enrolled for the first time in the first year of a master's degree.
- They receive the grant based on social criteria or an allowance designed specifically for students in financial difficulties.
Student bank loans
Loans are another way to fund your studies. Banks offer loans designed specifically for students that may cover tuition fees, equipment (books, materials for specific schools), accommodation and other study-related expenses.
Emergency financial support
Students may be given emergency financial support if they experience specific difficulties. This assistance, which is handled by the student support teams in higher education establishments, aims to offer immediate support to students suffering hardship.
Don’t forget that FAC-HABITAT provides accommodation in state-subsidised student residences (APL). This aid is automatically paid into the FAC-HABITAT account and deducted directly from the student’s rent.
