Understanding CAF: A Financial Aid for Students France offers various social security benefits to its residents, including international students. The Caisse d'Allocations Familiales (CAF) is a government program designed to provide financial assistance for housing. Whether you are renting a studio or sharing an apartment, CAF can significantly reduce your housing costs, making student life in France more affordable.
If you’re studying in France, CAF can help lower your monthly rent burden. As an international student, you can receive up to €300 per month for a studio and around €220 per month if you are sharing an apartment. This financial aid makes living in France more budget-friendly for students from all backgrounds.
To qualify for CAF housing benefits, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a student enrolled in a French institution.
- Live in a rented apartment, studio, or shared accommodation.
- Have a rental agreement in your name (you should not be related to the landlord).
- Stay in France for at least 8 months with a long-term rental agreement.
- If you’re sharing accommodation, each tenant must apply separately.
Applying for CAF may seem complex, but following a structured process makes it easier. Below is a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth application.
Before starting your application, ensure you have the following:
- A French bank account (RIB) for receiving payments.
- A rental agreement for your housing in France.
- Income proof from the past two years (tax returns from your home country).
Run a Simulation: Before applying, use the official CAF website to estimate how much aid you may receive.
Start Your Application: You’ll need to provide details such as:
Type of housing (studio, shared flat, dormitory, etc.).
Your move-in date and monthly rent.
Whether you’re living alone or with a partner.
Student status verification.
Residence Information: Specify if your accommodation is privately rented or provided by a student housing agency.
Upload Required Documents:
- Rental contract
- Proof of income (last two years)
- RIB (French bank account details)
- Previous CAF number (if applicable)
- SIRET number (if the apartment is owned by a rental agency)
Personal Information: Submit details including:
Full Name
Gender & Nationality
Date & Place of Birth
Parents’ Full Names
Additional Information:
Marital status
Current financial situation
Current address and contact details
Bank account details
Declare Your Income: Provide details of any earnings in the past two years.
Print and Sign Your Application: Ensure all required fields are filled and sign the form.
Landlord's Form: Your landlord must fill out a housing verification form, which is mandatory before submitting your application.
Finally, send your application along with the following documents:
Copy of passport
Student visa or residence permit
Birth certificate (translated into French if needed)
RIB (French bank details)
Landlord’s completed form
Finding the right accommodation is key to securing CAF benefits. If you’re looking for student-friendly housing, check out the Student Housing section on our website for affordable options, including CROUS residences, private rentals, and shared apartments.
Applying for CAF housing benefits can make a huge difference in managing your living expenses in France. Though the process involves multiple steps, being well-prepared with the required documents can help you secure financial aid smoothly. If you need further assistance, feel free to contact our Eduxskills team—we’re here to guide you through the process.
CAF - Page d'accueil Allocataires
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