APL and ALS — CAF Housing Aid for Students
€100 to €250/month for all eligible students — apply on caf.fr the day you sign your lease
The APL (Aide Personnalisee au Logement) and the ALS (Allocation de Logement Sociale) are the two forms of housing aid managed by the CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales — Family Allowance Fund) for students renting in France.
The CAF automatically determines which aid applies based on your housing type:
- APL → government-approved housing (CROUS, HLM, approved private residences)
- ALS → private rental housing not approved by the state
You cannot receive both at the same time.
How much will you receive? (2026 estimates)
| City | Average APL/ALS per month |
|---|---|
| Paris and Ile-de-France | €150 – €250 |
| Lyon, Marseille | €120 – €200 |
| Toulouse, Bordeaux, Nice | €100 – €180 |
| Medium-sized cities | €80 – €150 |
| CROUS residences | Often €100 – €200 (deducted automatically) |
Use the CAF simulator on caf.fr for your exact amount based on your specific rent and income.
Eligibility
- Be at least 18 years old
- Rent accommodation as your primary residence in France
- Have a lease in your name
- Hold a valid French bank account (RIB)
- For non-EU students: hold a valid VLS-TS or residence permit
- Not be living with parents
Step-by-step application
- Sign your lease (required before applying)
- Open a French bank account and get your RIB
- Create a CAF account on caf.fr
- Fill in your housing and financial details
- Upload: signed lease, French RIB, visa/residence permit, enrollment certificate
- Submit — processing: 2 to 6 weeks
- Annual income review (July-September each year)