Financial Aid for Students

What are some options for financing your education?

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Pursuing higher education is a significant investment. Tuition, housing, transportation, food, and computer equipment can quickly put a strain on students’ budgets. Fortunately, there are many forms of financial aid available to help offset these expenses. Here’s an overview of the main programs available to students.

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Need-Based Scholarships

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The social criteria-based grant (BCS), paid by the CROUS, is one of the best-known forms of financial aid in France. It is awarded based on the household’s taxable income, the number of dependent children, and the distance between the family home and the place of study.

Depending on your circumstances, this financial aid can amount to several thousand euros per year and also comes with other benefits, such as exemption from tuition fees at certain public institutions or from the Student and Campus Contribution (CVEC).

Applications are submitted annually through the Student Social File (DSE).

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Housing Assistance

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Housing is often a student's biggest expense. To help reduce this cost, the Family Allowance Fund (CAF) offers several programs. The main forms of assistance are:

• Personalized Housing Assistance (APL)
• Social Housing Allowance (ALS)
• The Family Housing Allowance (ALF)

The amount depends, among other things, on the rent, the location of the housing, the student's income, and personal circumstances.

A simulation tool is available directly on the CAF website to estimate the amount of assistance.

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Financial Aid for Work-Study Programs

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Choosing a work-study program allows you to finance a large portion of your education while earning a salary. There are many benefits:

• Company-Funded Training
• Monthly compensation for the entire duration of the contract
• Gaining Valuable Professional Experience
• Rapid Skills Development
• Better integration into the labor market

Today, work-study programs are one of the most beneficial ways to pursue an education while preparing for one's professional future.

👉 See our work-study assistance programs

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Financial assistance offered by regions and local governments

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In addition to national programs, many regions, departments, and municipalities offer their own financial aid to students. Depending on the area, students may be eligible for:

• Mobility Aids
• Transportation Assistance
• Regional Scholarships
• Support for Internships Abroad
• Financial Assistance for the Purchase of Computer Equipment
• Specific measures by field of study

These benefits vary from one local government to another. It is therefore advisable to check the website for your region or city hall.

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Financial Aid for Students Participating in International Exchange Programs

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Studying or doing an internship abroad is a rewarding experience, but it also involves additional costs. There are several programs available to support students in their plans:

• Erasmus+ Scholarship
• Regional Grants for International Mobility
• Scholarships Offered by Certain Local Governments
• Specific Financial Aid Offered by Certain Institutions of Higher Education

This funding helps cover part of the costs associated with transportation, housing, and the cost of living in the area.

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Emergency Aid

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Certain unforeseen circumstances can put a student's financial situation at risk.

The CROUS may then award one-time or annual grants to help students cope with exceptional difficulties. These grants are intended, in particular, for:

• A loss of revenue
• A Family Breakup
• A Significant Social Challenge
• An emergency situation

Each case is reviewed individually by social services.

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Government-Guaranteed Student Loans

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To supplement their funding, some students choose to take out a bank loan.

The government-guaranteed student loan allows you to borrow without a parental guarantee or personal guarantee, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.

This option can help cover all or part of the cost of education, with repayment generally deferred until after graduation.

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Support Offered by Educational Institutions

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Some schools are also implementing their own programs to support their students. These may include:

• Tuition Payment Plans
• Internal Scholarships
• Support in Finding a Work-Study Program
• Partnerships with Companies
• Personalized support

These programs vary by institution and are worth researching before choosing a program.

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Can You Receive Multiple Forms of Financial Aid at the Same Time?

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In many cases, it is possible to take advantage of several programs at the same time.

For example, a student may receive housing assistance, a need-based scholarship, and regional financial aid.

However, each program has its own eligibility requirements. It is therefore important to check the eligibility criteria before submitting an application.

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How Can You Best Plan Your Financing?

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Before starting your studies, it’s a good idea to draw up a preliminary budget to plan for your major expenses. Be sure to include the following:

• Tuition Fees
• Housing
• Transportation
• Food
• Computer Hardware
• Insurance
• Everyday Expenses

By identifying the financial aid you're eligible for, it becomes easier to manage your budget and enjoy your college years with greater peace of mind.

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Get trained with Crews

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At Crews, we support our students in achieving their educational goals. Our teams provide them with information on the various funding options, assist them with the necessary procedures, and also help them find a company for their work-study program.

Because financial constraints should not prevent anyone from pursuing their education, we do everything we can to ensure that everyone can chart their own path under the best possible conditions.

Would you like to learn more about our training programs or get support for your project? Contact our team—we’d be happy to answer your questions.

👉 See our various financing options