Rising Student Living Costs in France: Overseas Students Face Growing Financial Strain in 2026

The cost of student living in France has risen by 1.66% in 2026 compared to the previous year, marking an increase of more than 35% since Emmanuel Macron's election in 2017, according to a recent study by the student union Unef. After accounting for potential financial aid, students face average monthly expenses of €1,300, which is €74 higher than in 2025.

This upward trend is driven by multiple factors including a 2.87% year-on-year rise in private rent, averaging €627.11 per month, and transportation costs increasing by 2.29%, with non-scholarship students paying around €278.59 monthly. Food prices have also seen inflation of 0.87%. Additionally, university registration fees have surged by 37% since 2017, partly due to the mandatory student and campus life contribution (CVEC) increasing from €90 to €105.

Overseas students, particularly those from the French Overseas territories and non-EU countries, bear a disproportionate share of these increases. Overseas students are reported to pay between €314 and €408 more per year than mainland students. Non-EU students face almost double the costs, coming under pressure following the removal of personalized housing assistance (APL) and the introduction of differentiated registration fees.

The Unef criticizes the Macron administration's austerity measures, citing a disengagement from public service missions in higher education. This has led to chronic underfunding of universities, budget cuts affecting the national student housing organization Crous, unfulfilled housing promises, and a stalled scholarship reform. Manon Moret, Unef's Secretary General, highlighted the financial hardship students endure, which forces many to juggle work alongside their studies or abandon their education altogether.

In response, the Ministry of Higher Education defended its policies, citing continued investments totaling €2.46 billion in social aid for students. Despite this, the Unef maintains that overseas and international students remain the "great forgotten" of public policies, facing increasingly insurmountable economic challenges.

The situation underscores growing concerns about the accessibility and affordability of higher education in France, particularly impacting vulnerable and overseas student populations who confront higher costs amid inadequate state support.