France Introduces Monthly Aid for Students Lacking Access to University Restaurants
The financial assistance, starting in February 2025, will provide €20 to €50 per month to students in areas without affordable university dining options.
- The new aid targets 100,000 students living over 20 minutes away from a university restaurant or equivalent affordable dining option.
- Boursier (scholarship) students will receive €40 per month, while non-boursier students will get €20, with an extra €10 for students in overseas territories.
- The assistance will be distributed through a dematerialized prepaid card usable at food retailers, beginning February 2025.
- The initiative is part of the 2023 'Loi Lévi,' which aims to ensure all students have access to affordable meals near their place of study.
- Criticism has emerged from student unions, calling the aid insufficient and highlighting closures of nearby university restaurants in some areas.
Libération 
Sud Ouest 