Enjoy student benefits In France
Culture, travel, health and accommodation: Students enjoy many benefits and discounts in France
YOUR CITY, YOUR WAY
Studying in France offers much more than just quality education in renowned universities. Students can immerse themselves in a wealth of history, art, and culture at exclusive student rates. Students residing in the European Union below the age of 26 are eligible for free entry in the French national museums, libraries and many more places. Urban transit and inter-urban transit is also affordable for students. The urban transit companies offer preferred rates to students and in some small cities, public transportation is sometimes free of cost during the weekends. ravelling by train is also budget-friendly, thanks to the SNCF's carte jeune (national railways company’s discount card for young people) for those aged 12-27.
If you’re looking to save on meals, don’t miss the 450 university restaurants in France. For 3.30 euros (300 INR), you can enjoy a complete meal, with starter, main course and dessert. For students holding a scholarship from the French government, the price of the meal is 1 euro (90 INR). You must show your student card to enter these restaurants and can take advantage of extended hours at some locations, including evenings and weekends.
SOCIAL ASSISTANCE, PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND FAMILY PLANNING
Three types of assistance are available from the Caisse des Allocations Familiales (CAF - Family Allowances Fund) that can reduce the rent you pay: the Allocation de Logement Sociale (ALS - the social housing assistance), the Aide Personnalisée au Logement (APL - the personal accommodation assistance) and the Allocation de Logement Familial (ALF - the family accommodation assistance). To find out if you are eligible for any of this assistance, do a simulation on the CAF website.If you have questions, you can contact them through their website.
Each university has a health department, the Service Universitaire de Médecine Préventive et de Promotion de la Santé (SUMPPS). Every student has access to medical care there, have a medical check-up and seek advice. Some visits are free, including for contraception, screening, vaccination, nutrition and psychological counselling.
You can also receive assistance by subscribing to complementary health insurance which provides higher reimbursement rates for your medical expenses. If you have any questions about sexuality, sexual relationships or contraception, visit Planning Familial - family planning association - which provides free and confidential appointments. Women may also obtain a prescription for contraception, including the emergency contraceptive pill if needed. Planning Familial has offices all across France for easy access to support and services.
STUDENTS, PRACTISE SPORT AT A LOW COST
At university, you can enroll in many sports in the Service Universitaire des Activités Physiques et Sportives (the University Department of Physical and Sport activities - the SUAPS). You will have access to over sixty sports for a single payment at the start of the year. Student status also grants you discounts when going to a municipal swimming pool, ice rink or other sport centre.
GOOD DEALS RESERVED FOR STUDENTS
Some restaurants or fast-food chains have year-long student specials, do not hesitate to ask!
Present your student card when you purchase software, a computer or any electronic device. Lots of electronics and IT stores have special offers for students. Photocopying and printing centres also have student discounts.
LEARN ALL THE DETAILS OF THE OFFERS FOR STUDENTS
Many websites will help you benefit from offers reserved for students. To name but few: https://mes-aides.gouv.fr/, http://www.etudiant.gouv.fr/, http://www.jeunes.gouv.fr/, www.tarif-etudiant.com and www.bons-plans-etudiant.fr.