Student grants — all benefits in France
CROUS scholarships, regional aid, merit grants, state-backed loans, Erasmus+ funding: a complete overview of student support in France.
Studying must not be a luxury
In France, more than 720,000 students benefit each year from a need-based CROUS scholarship (MESR, 2024). Yet many eligible students miss the deadline for the Dossier Social Étudiant (DSE), or are unaware of regional and private grants that can complement a CROUS scholarship.
The LORD "Student grants" program informs and supports students — particularly the first in their family to enter higher education, students from working-class backgrounds and students in precarity.
Need-based CROUS scholarships
CROUS need-based scholarships are the most widespread student aid in France, awarded based on household income, family composition and distance from home to study location.
Levels
The CROUS scholarship has multiple levels (from 0 bis to 7), corresponding to increasing annual amounts. Level 0 bis only exempts from registration fees and CVEC.
Calendar
The DSE must be filed between 1 March and 31 May on messervices.etudiant.gouv.fr, for the following academic year.
Documents
Parents' tax notice (N-2), ID documents, school enrollment certificates, RIB.
Conditions
Student enrolled in a recognized program, age limit (variable), nationality (French, EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, and certain special cases).
Beyond CROUS scholarships
Merit grant
Reserved for high school graduates with "Très bien" mention who already receive a CROUS scholarship: €900/year for 3 years (verify current conditions).
International mobility aid
For scholarship students going abroad in an exchange program. Combinable with the Erasmus+ grant.
Regional aid
The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region (and others) offers specific scholarships: study aid, mobility, equipment.
State-backed student loan
Loan up to €20,000, guaranteed by the state, without income condition, available from partner banks.
Private grants and foundations
Many foundations (Fondation de France, Fondation Vinci, Fondation Mercedes-Benz, etc.) offer targeted scholarships.
CROUS emergency aid
One-off aid for students in great financial difficulty. Request via the CROUS social service.
Frequently asked questions
"I forgot to submit my DSE before 31 May — is it too late?"
No, you can still file a DSE after the deadline, but processing will be slower and the scholarship payment may be delayed. File as soon as possible and report your situation to CROUS.
"My parents won't share their income — what should I do?"
If you are estranged from your family, you can request to be considered an "independent student" under strict conditions. Contact your CROUS social service.
"What grants for studying abroad?"
International mobility aid (€400/month for grant holders), Erasmus+ for Europe, and certain regional aid. Apply 8 to 12 months before departure.
"I'm an international student — am I eligible for CROUS scholarships?"
Subject to conditions of nationality, residence duration and previous schooling. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals have access on the same terms as French nationals.