Not every student in France can get a housing allowance. The rules and eligibility criteria changed in July 2026. This article gives you the latest information.
Who can receive housing allowance in France?
If you are a student, you may get housing support from the French government to help with your rent if you meet these 4 conditions:
- You are an international student with a valid residence permit (student visa).
- You rent decent housing.
- You are not related to the owner of the place you are renting.
- Your income is below certain limits.
Starting in July 2026, only students from the European Union, European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, or those with a scholarship can get housing allowance. Students from other countries without a scholarship are no longer eligible.
Scholarships must be awarded by the French government, a recognized international institution, or the student’s home country government. Private grants or funding from family or employers usually do not qualify as a scholarship.
EU/EEA countries include : Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
What is considered decent housing or a decent room to live in?
To count as decent, your housing must meet five basic but important criteria:
- Minimum surface area: typically ≥ 9 m² floor area and ≥ 2.20 m ceiling height, or ≥ 20 m³ habitable volume
- Good energy performance: the housing is rated between A and F on the energy performance diagnostics (EDP).
- No risk to health and the safety of the tenant
- It is not infested by pests (like rats) or parasites (such as bedbugs or cockroaches).
- It has certain equipment, like a heating system that fits the size of the home, a water supply, a kitchen area, and bathroom facilities.
What are the income limits for eligibility?
The Caisse d’Allocation Familiale (CAF), which handles allowances, does not set strict income limits. Instead, it gives reference amounts:
| Situation | Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single person | €13,338.72 | €11,656.27 | €10,461.11 |
| Couple | €18,597.50 | €16,242.50 | €14,507.24 |
| Household + 1 dependent | €21,915.87 | €19,161.05 | €17,090.45 |
| Per additional dependent | +€3,317.37 | +€2,918.54 | +€2,583.21 |
These amounts depend on your household size and where you live:
- Zone 1 covers Paris, its nearby suburbs, and some other large, high-demand cities.
- Zone 2 includes other big cities and their close suburbs, plus some expensive coastal and border areas.
- Zone 3 covers the rest of France, including medium and small towns, rural areas, and less expensive regions.
Find your zone by entering your zip code here
How much is the student housing allowance in France?
The amount you can receive depends on your income, the size of your accommodation, and its location. In general, students receive between €100 and €300 per month, but the exact amount varies based on your personal situation and eligibility.
You can get an estimate here: CAF Housing Allowance
