France is becoming a more popular place to study, from year to year. That sounds like good news but as per AOEC India French education experts It also brings some real changes: more competition for seats, tougher housing searches, more pressure on part-time jobs.
One of the major signals is the latest official count: 443,500 international students in France in 2024-2025, which is +3% vs last year and +17% over five years (based on French higher education statistics).
France is also transparent on its ambition. The “Bienvenue en France / Choose France” plan had a target to achieve 500,000 international students by 2027.
The trend: France is receiving more foreign students
1) The numbers are rising
- 443,500 international students (2024-2025)
- France is ranked 7th in the world as a destination country for hosting countries, according to recent figures released in the mobility field.
2) France is actively “selling” itself as a study destination
When a country has a public target (e.g. 500,000 by 2027), usually it means:
- greater international recruitment activity,
- additional English taught offerings (mainly in business/engineering schools),
- more focus on student support services.
3) Global competition is forcing students to choose
In the past 1-2 years, students have been more sensitive to policy uncertainty and increases in costs in major destinations. France is benefitting with students seeking good education options with a clearer long-term plan.
What this means for 2026 applicants 3 big changes
A) Competition: it seems the competition can be tougher in popular programs
As the demand increases, the pressure typically manifests itself first in:
- English-taught programs (more applicants to each seat)
- Top cities (Paris region, Lyon, Lille Toulouse, Bordeaux)
- High fields of “job-safety” (data, cyber, supply chain, engineering, business analytics)
key takeaway: For 2026 intake, students need to apply earlier and have 2-3 backup plans (different cities + different intake rounds).
B) Housing (hardest part for many students)
Campus France is very clear about the problem with CROUS housing: “demand far exceeds supply.”
CROUS Residences
- Around EUR450/month in Paris
- Around EUR 350/month on average elsewhere
And the private market can be far more competitive in areas that are in high demand – and this is particularly the case in and around Paris, where the pressure on housing has been widely publicised.
How the 2026 changes due to increased demand
- CROUS rooms remain limited – more students forced to private rentals/colocation.
- More Applicants per Listing – Landlords pick “stronger files” (income, guarantor, paperwork).
- Late starters more of a struggle (students that start housing after arrival).
Smart planning tip
Come up with a basic Housing Plan A /B /C:
Plan A: CROUS (Apply early, do the official steps)
Plan B Verified private student residences
Plan C Private rental or colocation (with documents ready)
C) Part-time jobs: possible but not complete funding plan
France has no restrictions on the number of hours that international students can work, but only 964 hours (60% of full-time legal working hours) per year. Campus France also says the income is a “bonus.”
What higher demand changes
- More students arrive at the same time – more competition for entry level student jobs.
- In big cities not only are jobs available, but so are more applicants.
Reality check for 2026
Use part-time work to help you spend money monthly, not to “cover everything.” Create a buffer for the first 2-3 months (deposit, setup costs, transport).
| Area | What’s happening as demand rises | What you should do |
| Admissions | More applications in popular programs | Apply early + keep backups |
| Housing | CROUS is cheaper but limited supply | Start early + Plan A/B/C |
| Part-time jobs | More competition for student roles | Don’t rely on job income |
| Paris-region pressure | Strong competition for rentals | Consider other cities if budget is tight |
Action plan for 2026-which is simple and practical
90-120 days before travel
- Shortlist cities with realistic budgets (don’t make a decision only based on “brand name”)
- Take a “housing file” (ID, admission, funds proof, guarantor docs if needed)
- Apply for CROUS / student residences early enough
60-90 days before travel
- Track housing listings on a daily basis
- Prepare a budget for a month with buffer (first month costs are always higher)
After arrival (first 30 days)
- Work on stable housing first
- Begin part-time search after schedule is settled; do not overwork during the first weeks
