Student housing in France
How student housing works in France, including providers, queues, deposits, contracts and practical risks to check before signing.
Read the complete France study abroad guide.
Housing
CROUS residences remain one of the cheapest housing options and are heavily oversubscribed, so apply early. In the private market, Visale can provide an eligible tenant with a free rental guarantee and is particularly useful when a landlord asks for a guarantor.
The old advice that CAF housing aid is broadly available to all international students is no longer accurate. From 1 July 2026, a non-EU/EEA/Swiss student holding a residence permit issued for studies can receive personal housing aid only in specified cases, including receipt of a qualifying social-criteria scholarship, carrying out professional activity, or being in an apprenticeship/professionalisation contract. Separate protected categories such as refugees/stateless persons and certain spouses have their own rules. Check CAF/Service-Public against your exact status before building APL/ALS into your budget.
Paris is a much tighter and more expensive market than most other French university cities. Never transfer money for an unseen private rental without verifying the landlord, contract and property.
Source: https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F35848
Common questions
What should international students know about housing in France?
Since 1 July 2026, CAF housing aid is restricted for many non-EU students; do not budget on APL/ALS without checking eligibility.