CAF Housing Aid (APL/ALS) for International Students
€100 to €250/month housing aid — apply on caf.fr the day you sign your lease
The CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales — Family Allowance Fund) pays housing aid to tenants in France. Two types of housing aid exist for students:
- APL (Aide Personnalisee au Logement — Personalised Housing Aid): for government-approved housing (CROUS residences, HLM, certain approved private residences)
- ALS (Allocation de Logement Sociale — Social Housing Allowance): for private rental housing not approved by the state
The CAF automatically determines which type of aid applies based on your housing. You do not choose.
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 in your name)
- For non-EU students: hold a valid VLS-TS student visa or residence permit
- Not be living with parents
Important (July 2026 reform): A CAF reform may restrict eligibility for certain non-EU non-scholarship students. Check on caf.fr.
How much will I receive? (2026 average)
| City | Average monthly APL/ALS |
|---|---|
| Paris | €150 – €250 |
| Lyon, Marseille | €120 – €200 |
| Toulouse, Bordeaux | €100 – €180 |
| Medium-sized cities | €80 – €150 |
Use the CAF simulator on caf.fr to get a precise estimate for your situation.
Step-by-step procedure
- Sign your lease — the CAF cannot process without a signed lease in your name
- Open a French bank account — the CAF requires a French RIB (traditional banks recommended)
- Create your CAF account on caf.fr (select your department of residence)
- Complete the online application — enter housing details, upload lease, RIB, visa, enrollment certificate
- Receive monthly payments — 2 to 6 weeks after submission
Annual income review
Each year (July to September), declare your previous year's income on your CAF account. Failure to declare leads to immediate suspension of payments.