French Financial Aid
ALL STUDENTS (EU and non-EU citizens) have the opportunity to apply and pursue financial aid resources while in France. To benefit from the French financial aid system, you are required to create an account with the CAF (Caisses d’Allocations Familiales).
What is the purpose of CAF? …The CAF manages financial aid for housing. The CAF serves the public to help individuals pay for living accommodations. Therefore, the CAF provides most students residing in France with a valid resident’s permit are eligible for financial aid. If you are staying in the same residence for MORE THAN three months, the CAF will offer a rent rebate. The level of help from CAF depends on your income, type of housing and rent paid. In case of shared property, every tenant can benefit, but only his proportion of the rent (each individual must apply separately).
There are a few types of financial assistance available through CAF, ALS (Allocation de Logement Sociale) and APL (Aide Personnalisée au Logement). The ALS is the rebate that you will receive in the form of an allowance. The rebate will be paid DIRECTLY into your French bank account every month (note that ALS and APL are never paid during the first month of residency).
For more information concerning CAF and Financial Aid information, look to the following links, http://www.cnous.fr/_vie_33.htm (English version)
Important: During the orientation week, IESEG will arrange group trips to CAF for all the MIB international students.
