🔎 Recap
No time to read it all? Here’s a quick summary of what you need to know! 😊
What’s the student card?: It’s your official student ID in France. You’ll need it often during your stay—to access the university library (BU), eat at the Resto’U, or get student discounts. It shows your name, student number, university, and gives you access to plenty of perks.
What are the benefits?: On-campus services (university restaurants, libraries, sports facilities), discounts on public transport, cultural venues, some shops, and even support for housing or healthcare.
How long is it valid?: Your student card is valid for the full academic year, until October 31 of the following year.
Traveling abroad: The French student card isn’t usually accepted outside France. If you’re planning to travel, the ISIC (International Student Identity Card) is a great add-on, with discounts in over 130 countries.
Intro : Your student card: more than just an ID
In France, being a student comes with a lot of benefits—and your student card is what makes it all accessible.
On campus, it lets you eat at the Resto’U for a few euros, borrow books from the BU, and access campus services. Off campus, it helps you get discounted tickets for transport, museums, or even Spotify.
In short, it’s something you’ll use all year long. Want to know how to get it, what it’s for, and all the benefits that come with it? We break it all down for you! 😉
So, what exactly is the student card?
First and foremost, it’s a way to prove your student status. You’ll find:
- Your first and last name
- Your unique student number
- The name of your institution
- A photo of you
You’ll use it almost daily—whether for exams, library access, or printing documents. Some universities even allow you to use it to pay for meals on campus via the Izly system.
But its use goes way beyond the university walls: it’s your ticket to discounts and student benefits all over France.
Start planning your stay in France with the Student Hub 🙌
Top student benefits in France
💰 Discounts & financial perks
- Reduced fares on public transport (metro, bus, trains, etc.)
- Cheaper (or free) access to museums, cinemas, concerts, and more
- Student rates for cultural subscriptions
- Student deals at shops and food chains (tech, stationery, fast food…)
🍽️ Affordable meals
- Meals for €1 or €3.30 at university restaurants (RU) via CROUS
- Food aid or vouchers from local associations and universities
🏠 Housing support
- CAF housing allowance (APL) to reduce rent
- Priority access to CROUS student housing, often cheaper than private rentals
🧑⚕️ Healthcare and support
- Access to student social security
- Low-cost consultations at university health centers
- Free or affordable psychological support
📚 Culture & campus resources
- Access to university libraries and online databases
- Free or reduced entry to national museums and landmarks
- Student culture cards available in some cities or regions
🌍 International mobility
- Grants for exchange programs (Erasmus+, regional scholarships, school grants)
- Discounted rates on travel (trains, buses, flights)
🧾 Simplified admin
- CVEC fee covers multiple student services
- Discounted student insurance plans (health, housing, liability)
🧑💻 Jobs & digital tools
- Access to student job boards, internships, and apprenticeships
- Discounts on digital tools for your studies (Office, Adobe, etc.)
How do you get your student card?
Super easy:
- Complete your university registration
- Make sure your CVEC and tuition fees are paid
- If your card is delayed, just check in with the admin office—they’ll help you sort it out
Some universities also offer a digital version of the card 😉
How long is it valid?
Your card is valid for the current academic year and stays active until October 31 of the following year. Renewal is automatic when you re-enroll.
Can you use it abroad?
Not always. It’s usually not accepted outside France. If you’re traveling, we recommend getting the ISIC card (International Student Identity Card), which offers discounts in 130+ countries and even includes travel insurance.
Conclusion
Your student card is your everyday essential. On campus or in the city, it helps you save money and access services reserved for students. So keep it close—you’ll be using it more than you think!
