🔎 Recap
No time to read everything? Here’s what you need to know about housing benefits in France:
What exactly is housing assistance (APL)?: It’s financial aid that helps students reduce their rent while studying in France. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive a monthly payment to lighten the load!
Who can benefit?: All students, including international ones, as long as they meet certain conditions. If you’re renting a place in France, it’s worth checking if you qualify!
How much can you receive?: On average, between €100 and €280 per month, depending on your location, type of housing, and personal situation. It’s a great way to make rent more affordable.
How to apply?: Applications are done online, in French, on the CAF website (the organization managing APL). If you need help, EasyAPL is a service that simplifies the process for international students.
Introduction
Finding student housing in France is already quite a challenge. Financing it? That’s a whole different story! With rent prices steadily rising in major cities and a tight rental market, things aren’t exactly easy for both French and international students.
Thankfully, France offers Housing Assistance (APL) to ease the burden. Managed by CAF, this aid can cover part of your rent, helping to lighten your monthly expenses.
Good news: as an international student, you may also qualify, provided you meet certain criteria. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about APL: what it is, who’s eligible, and how to apply.
Ready? Let’s dive in! 😊
What Is Housing Assistance, and Who Can Benefit?
CAF and APL: What You Need to Know
The APL (Aide Personnalisée au Logement) is a monthly subsidy distributed by CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales). It is designed to help low-income tenants cover part of their rent.
Students account for a large portion of beneficiaries, so you can apply as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
What Are the Eligibility Criteria?
To qualify for APL, you must meet the following conditions:
- Type of housing: Your accommodation must be eligible (e.g., CROUS residence, private rental with a registered lease).
- Status: You must be a tenant or co-tenant with a lease in your name.
- Financial situation: Your income must be modest (which is usually the case for students).
- Age: There is no specific age limit for students, unlike other types of aid.
- Nationality:
- EU/EEA students: A national ID or residence permit is sufficient.
- Non-EU students: A valid residence permit is required. VLS-TS visas qualify, but VLS-T visas do not.
👉 Note: Family housing or undeclared subletting is not eligible for APL.
How Much Can You Receive Per Month?
The amount of APL you receive depends on several factors:
- Location: Higher subsidies for accommodations in Paris and major cities.
- Personal situation: Students with no income generally receive higher aid.
- Type of housing: Single occupants receive more aid than those in shared housing.
On average, students receive between €100 and €280/month. For a precise estimate, use the CAF simulation tool (available in French only).
Start planning your stay in France with the Student Hub 🙌
How to Apply for APL
Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting Your Application
Applying for APL may seem intimidating, especially if French isn’t your first language. Here’s how to navigate the process:
- Sign up on the CAF website: Create an account to access your personal space.
- Gather your documents: Ensure everything is up to date (see list below).
- Complete the online form: Enter details about your housing, income, and personal information.
- Track your application: Regularly check your personal space for updates.
Tip: CAF offers online tutorials to guide you through each step (see below).
Required Documents for Your Application
To avoid delays, make sure you have the following:
- A rental agreement in your name or proof of residence.
- A rent certificate signed by your landlord.
- A valid ID or residence permit (for non-EU students).
- A French bank account (IBAN).
- A tax declaration (if applicable) or a non-taxation certificate.
Processing Times and Application Tracking
- Processing time: Applications typically take 3 to 6 weeks to be processed.
- First payment: Payments are retroactive to the month following your move-in date.
👉 Note: Processing times may be longer during peak periods (July–September and December–January). If your application is delayed, contact CAF through their helpline or online form.
Practical Resources for International Students
CAF Multilingual Tutorials
CAF provides explanatory videos and translated guides to help international students complete their applications. These are particularly useful if French isn’t your first language. You can find them on the International Student Hub 😉
EasyAPL: A Dedicated Service for International Students
If you’re worried about making mistakes or want to save time, EasyAPL is a paid platform that handles your application from start to finish.
- Convenience: 100% online, available in French and English.
- Cost: €120 for full application management.
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed: EasyAPL refunds your application fee if you’re not eligible for housing assistance (APL).
“Welcome Weeks” on Campus
Many universities and student associations (like ESN France) organize events to help students navigate administrative tasks. Use these opportunities to ask all your APL-related questions.
Conclusion
Getting APL can make a significant difference in your monthly budget. While the administrative process may seem daunting, it’s absolutely worth the effort!
Take advantage of CAF’s resources and the support available on your campus to submit your application as soon as you’ve signed your lease. And don’t forget to notify CAF of your move-out date once you leave your accommodation.
