APL or not for international students—the question arises for 2026!
Dear Students,
We would like to draw your attention to an important change in French regulations regarding housing benefits (CAF = APL and ALS).
The 2026 Finance Act, adopted in February, introduced the withdrawal of French housing benefits for most international students who are nationals of countries outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland.
The implementing Decree No. 2026-552 of 27 June 2026 has now been published. It confirms that this measure came into effect on 1 July 2026, with no transitional period. As a result, the new rules also apply to students who were already receiving APL or ALS before that date.
Who is affected?
The withdrawal of APL and ALS mainly affects students who are nationals of countries outside the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland.
However, some exceptions apply, including:
- students receiving a French government need-based financial grant for Higher Education (bourse d’enseignement supérieur sur critères sociaux);
- students under an apprenticeship contract (in France this is different from “internship” contract)
- students under a professional training contract (contrat de professionnalisation);
- students engaged in paid employment who meet the conditions set out in the regulations (A legal analysis is currently underway to better clarify the applicable conditions)
Which scholarships are taken into account?
The decree adopts a very restrictive definition of what qualifies as a French government need-based financial grant for Higher Education
Only French government need-based financial grant for Higher Education (bourses sur critères sociaux) allow students to remain eligible for APL or ALS.
The following types of financial support do not qualify as means-tested grants:
- other French government scholarships or financial aid (for example, the Eiffel Scholarship);
- grants awarded by regional or local authorities;
- scholarships awarded by foreign governments.
Important information regarding benefit payments
Following discussions with the French Family Allowance Fund (CAF), we have been informed that these new regulations will apply both to new applicants and to students who are already receiving housing benefits.
However, because it may take some time for all files to be updated, some students may continue to receive APL or ALS payments during July, August, or even September 2026, despite no longer being eligible.
In such cases, CAF may subsequently request repayment of these amounts.
If you are affected by this reform, we strongly recommend that you do not spend any housing benefit payments you may receive until your eligibility has been confirmed by CAF, as you may be required to repay them.
We recognize that this regulatory change may require some students to adjust their financial planning. We therefore encourage you to review your situation carefully and seek advice from CAF if necessary :
Contact your CAF:
https://wwwd.caf.fr/wps/portal/caffr/macaf/contactermacaf#/contactcaf
CAF housing benefit eligibility simulator:
Please note that this is a national regulation introduced by the French government, this is not a decision made by Télécom Sudparis. Consequently, the same rules will continue to apply to you if you pursue your studies in France at another higher education institution.
Best regards,
