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France StudentHub
Money

Money & Financial Aid

Bank accounts, housing aid, realistic budgets and the financial evidence expected in student procedures.

General information only — not official guidance. Rules change, so confirm with the official source before you act.

Guides

Key topics in money & financial aid

Each guide follows the same pattern: summary, step-by-step sections, checklists, warnings and an official source with a verification date.

Banking
Opening a French bank account

Documents usually requested, online vs branch banks, and the RIB you will need everywhere.

Aid
CAF housing aid (APL/ALS)

Who can claim, what the file contains and why the first payment usually takes time.

Last verified 20 May 2026Official source: caf.fr
Budget
Monthly budget benchmarks

Rent, food, transport, phone, insurance and leisure ranges by city size.

Financial proof for your file

How resource evidence is generally presented and documented.

Student discounts

Transport, culture, software and campus catering savings that add up.

Sending and receiving money

Transfer costs, currency risk and avoiding informal transfer schemes.

Your checklist
  • Bring initial funds accessible from day one
  • Open a bank account in your first weeks
  • Apply for housing aid once you have a lease
  • Track spending for the first two months
  • Keep digital copies of every financial document

Frequently asked

Keep going

Related guides

Sources & disclaimer

France Student Hub publishes general information only. It is not legal advice and does not replace an official decision from an administration, consulate or institution. Every page shows when it was last checked and links to the official source so you can verify before you act.

If a rule affects your status, confirm it with the relevant official body or a qualified professional before you act on it.