# Student housing in France

> How student housing works in France, including providers, queues, deposits, contracts and practical risks to check before signing.

Source of record: https://versityspot.com/study-abroad/france/housing
Confirmation: 26 of 26 sections confirmed against their official source (last 2026-08-08).

## 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.