Overview

• Unef’s 2025 survey finds student living costs rose 4.12% year-on-year, adding about €807 per student compared with 2024.
• Since 2017, the cost of studying has jumped nearly 32%, driven by higher private and Crous rents, transport fares, food prices and increases in the CVEC fee.
• Prime Minister Bayrou’s 2026 ‘année blanche’ freeze on social benefits, tax scales and pensions is expected to halt indexation and exacerbate student financial strain.
• Only around 10% of the 60,000 Crous student housing units promised in 2017 have been delivered, deepening accommodation shortages.
• With 76% of students ineligible for bourses and private enrolment rising to 26% in 2025, many face tuition bills averaging €11,542 annually.