Updated Guide for International Students France’s draft 2026 Finance Bill (PLF 2026) proposes significant changes to APL Aides Personnalisées au Logement, the popular housing assistance provided by CAF. These reforms aim to reduce national spending but will especially impact non-EU international students studying in France. Below is a clear, updated breakdown of what the government is planning, why these changes matter, and how they may affect your expenses if you are an international student.
Also read: “How to Apply for APL Housing Subsidy from CAF (Step-by-Step Guide)”
For the entire year 2026, APL payments will remain unchanged at 2025 levels. This means:
According to the PLF 2026, this freeze is designed to help control social expenditure and is expected to save the government approximately €108 million.
However, with housing prices continuously rising across France especially in student cities like Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, and Lille students may feel additional financial pressure. As housing is already the biggest expense for young people, many student unions have warned that this freeze will significantly reduce purchasing power in 2026.
The most impactful change concerns non-European students. Under the new proposal:
This means over 95% of non-EU students who currently rely on APL—may lose the benefit.
Why this change?
The government argues that:
But the numbers show the real impact:
This means a massive majority will no longer qualify for CAF housing aid.
Losing APL may increase your monthly expenses by 30–40%, depending on your city and rent amount.
If the Parliament approves the 2026 Budget without modifications:
✔ APL will remain frozen for all recipients throughout 2026
✔ Non-EU international students (without scholarships) will lose APL access from July 2026
This would create a tougher financial environment for incoming and currently enrolled students from countries outside the EU.
EduxSkills recommends:
The proposed 2026 French budget marks a significant shift in student housing support. While the government aims to streamline public spending, the changes especially the removal of APL for most non-EU students could make studying in France more expensive than before.
EduxSkills will continue to track updates and explain how new French policies affect international students, job seekers, and young professionals.
Sources: budget.gouv.fr/finances-2026
