“I wasn't expecting much because I'm in a flatshare, but I still get around €70/month. Not huge, but it definitely helps. EasyAPL made everything super clear.”
Zoé Delbeke
Belgium 🇧🇪
Trusted by 1,400+ students 
Your French housing benefit, made simple
EasyAPL helps internationals in France claim the APL housing benefit (CAF) without the French paperwork headache. We’re rebuilding the service to match the new eligibility rules — leave your email and we’ll tell you the moment it’s back.
01
Why is the site being rebuilt?
On 1 July 2026, France changed the conditions for receiving housing benefits (APL/ALS), particularly for international students. From now on, only European students (EU/EEA) and non-European students who hold a scholarship are eligible for housing benefit.
We’re updating EasyAPL so that every application we help prepare is fully compliant and complete under the new rules. In the meantime, you can still apply directly with CAF — see below.
Effective since 1 July 2026 · Always confirm your own situation on the official CAF website.
02
What EasyAPL does for you
When it’s back, here’s how we take the stress out of your APL application:
Check your eligibility
Answer a few simple questions in your language and know instantly whether you qualify for APL.
Guided in your language
The whole process in English, French, Italian, Spanish, German or Portuguese — no French required.
We prepare your file
We turn your answers into the official CAF forms and check every required document with you.
We submit it for you
We send your complete application to the right local CAF office, so you don’t have to.
Up to several hundred euros per month in housing benefit — money too many students leave on the table.
Student testimonials
Loved by students worldwide
€70/mo
“Pretty easy process. Uploaded my docs, they checked everything, and that was it. Not much else to say except thanks I guess ^^”
Kuba Nowacki
Poland 🇵🇱
“I didn't know which documents were needed at first. The checklist helped a lot, and it was all in English which made things easier. I receive €140/month now.”
Carla Requena
Spain 🇪🇸
“Application review was super smooth, but the wait after it was sent was soooo long. I know it's normal with the CAF but still… a bit painful 😅 Got there in the end though ;)”
Fleur Jansen
Netherlands 🇳🇱
“The process was clearer than I expected. I took my time and just followed the steps. I now get €125/month for my room in Montpellier.”
Javier Martín
Spain 🇪🇸
“I'm not great with paperwork so this really helped. Asked a couple of questions and they replied fast. I get €180/month now, which covers a good part of my rent.”
João Fialho
Portugal 🇵🇹
Need to apply right now?
You don’t have to wait for us. You can estimate your rights and file your APL application directly with CAF today:
CAF is the French public body that manages social benefits, such as housing allowance.
APL guide
APL housing benefit for internationals in France: the essentials
Everything internationals in France should know about the APL (Aide Personnalisée au Logement) and other CAF housing benefits.
What is APL?
APL (Aide Personnalisée au Logement) is a monthly housing benefit paid by CAF to help residents in France — including many international students — cover part of their rent. Depending on your city, rent and income, it’s typically around €70–€100/month in a flatshare, and around €200–€250/month otherwise.
APL or ALS: what’s the difference?
There are actually two housing benefits: APL and ALS. In everyday language people almost always say “APL”, but depending on your home you may fall under one or the other — APL if your home is under an agreement (conventionné), ALS if not. Good news: for you it changes nothing — the amount is worked out using the same criteria.
Who is eligible in 2026?
Since 1 July 2026, the eligibility rules have tightened. On top of the usual criteria — a tenancy in your name, no family ties with the landlord and a modest income — there is now a nationality condition: you must be an EU, EEA or Swiss national; non-European students, for their part, must hold a scholarship. In practice, most non-European students are no longer eligible. Always check your case on caf.fr.
Which documents do you need?
Usually: an ID, a birth certificate, a proof of enrolment, your student card, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), the signed lease, the rent certificate (attestation de loyer — a CAF document signed by your landlord) and a French IBAN. CAF may request extra documents depending on your situation.
How do you apply?
You apply online through your CAF account, or by post using the CERFA forms. The process is entirely in French, which is where many internationals get stuck. EasyAPL was built to guide you through it in your own language.
Frequently asked questions
Can international students get APL in France?
Only a minority now. Since 1 July 2026, only European students (EU/EEA) and non-European students who hold a scholarship remain eligible — subject to income conditions and an eligible home in France. All other international students, unfortunately, no longer qualify, and it’s exactly this change that prompted EasyAPL’s rebuild.
How much APL can a student receive?
It depends on your city, rent and income. In a flatshare it averages about €70–€100/month; otherwise it’s usually around €200–€250/month.
Is EasyAPL free?
The APL benefit itself is free to claim directly with CAF. EasyAPL is an optional paid service that prepares and submits your application for you — and it’s currently being rebuilt.
When will EasyAPL be back?
We’re rebuilding the service to match the new 2026 eligibility rules. Leave your email above and we’ll notify you as soon as it reopens.
Do I need to speak French to apply for APL?
To apply directly with CAF, yes — the forms and website are in French. EasyAPL guides you in English, Italian, Spanish, German and Portuguese so you don’t have to.
Be the first to know when EasyAPL is back
Drop your email — we’ll only use it to let you know when the new service is live. No spam.