France changes housing aid rules for international students: Here's what to know

France has changed its housing aid rules for international students, ending rent assistance for non-scholarship students from outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland from July 1, 2026.

The change follows the adoption of France's 2026 budget. Under the new rules, non-scholarship students from countries outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland, including those holding long-stay VLS-TS visas, will no longer be eligible for the country's APL housing benefit, which helps students cover part of their rent.

Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland, as well as scholarship holders of any nationality, will continue to qualify for the housing benefit.

Government says move will reduce spending

The French government said the measure is intended to better target public assistance and reduce government spending. The 2026 budget also freezes APL payments at their 2025 level, with no adjustment for inflation.

According to official estimates cited in the article, the changes are expected to save more than €100 million from 2026 onwards.

The APL housing benefit typically provides students with between €100 and €250 per month to help meet rental costs.

New rules take effect from July 1

The new eligibility rules for APL housing aid take effect from July 1, 2026.

Under the revised rules, non-scholarship international students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland are no longer eligible for APL housing benefits. Students from the EU, EEA, Switzerland and scholarship holders continue to qualify for the assistance.

The article notes that some implementation details, including how the French Family Allowance Fund (CAF) will handle existing beneficiaries and transition arrangements, are still awaited.

Students affected by the change are advised to review their housing budgets and check for further updates on the implementation of the new rules.