Finding Organizations UsefulOpen templates and checklistsOpen my path
Size of article text
In brief
Section actions
Duration: Requests: 10–30 minutes each; response: weeks
Cost: Free
Possible online

Who this guide is for

Section actions
  • You if you have a child in kindergarten, elementary, high school or high school
  • You if you have more than one child and the return to school weighs on the budget
  • You if you want to know the grants and bonuses available

To be prepared in advance

Section actions
  • Last year's tax notice
  • School certificate of the child
  • Family quotient CAF

Step-by-step procedure

Section actions
  1. 1ARS: CAF, for children aged 6–18 years, €400/child in August. See the guide for the allocation-return.
  2. 2College scholarship: for families with income <的34 000 €/year. Three levels: 363,21 €/year (level 1), 360,95 € (level 2), 351,36 € (level 3). Request on impots.gouv.fr or cerfa 12539*06. Automatic so modest income.
  3. 3High school scholarship: for public high school students/under contract. Three amounts: 417,91 € (level 1), 290,40 € (level 2), 164,99 € (level 3). Ask directly to the high school before the start of school, via form. May be increased for boarding school.
  4. 4Equipment premium: some regions/departments offer a bonus of €100–300 for college students/lyceans (computer). Check on the website of your Regional Council.
  5. 5Social assistance college/lycée: the Departmental Council can offer assistance for canteens, textbooks, travel. Talk to the department's social service.
  6. 6Municipal aid: The town hall can offer assistance for supplies, especially for children in kindergarten/elementary. Find out about town hall or school.
  7. 7Secondary/Lycean Social Fund: for families in difficulty, managed by the institution. Canteen finance, supplies, clothes. Ask the CPE (Senior Education Advisor) or the head of the institution.
  8. 8ASE (Social Aid for Children): for very precarious families — see the guide for children. Includes vacation, extra-curricular activities.
  9. 9Loan at zero student rate (higher technical school, students): up to € 20 000 for higher education. Request on student.gouv.fr.
  10. 10Cumulation: Most aids are compatible (ARS + scholarship + equipment premium). Check each program — exclusions exist.

Common mistakes

Section actions
  • Don't apply for the grant — even an average income can be eligible (grants up to €34,000).
  • Missing the deadline (usually before October 20 for college scholarships).
  • Do not seek departmental/municipal assistance — often available but poorly publicized.
  • To believe that the ARS = all aids — it is only one, among many others.
  • Do not apply to the institution's social fund in case of difficulty — free assistance, available year round.

Official sources

Section actions
Show sources in this section

Useful links

Section actions
Back-to-school allowancePrimary school: enrolmentFamily Section

Important remark

The support programs are governed by the Ministry of Education and the communities. Indicative information; check on education.gouv.fr and the site of your region.

Did this guide help you?