Higher Education and Research, Facts and Figures - 03 social support for students

Like the previous editions, the 9th edition of Higher Education and Research in France, Facts and Figures presents an annual overview, backed up by figures, of developments within the French system, its resources and outcomes.

03 social support for students
During 2014-2015, around 680,000 students received at least one form of financial aid (table 03.01a and table 03.01b). The proportion of students aided was stable compared to the previous year. Over one-third of students (35.8%) enrolled on a course eligible for a support (see opposite) were assisted, which is much higher than the proportion recorded in 2000-01 (28.6%). Several times, the income ceilings for allocating a social support were raised, to increase the number of beneficiaries, and different scales were created in 1999, 2008 and 2013. In autumn 2014, the income ceilings were changed. Consequently, the number of students receiving financial aid of €1,007 (scale 0bis) increased from around 54,000 to 152,000, while the number of students exempted from tuition fees fell drastically. The number of students receiving social support, which now represents 97% of students aided, rose by 2.5% in 2014, while the number of students receiving specific support (one-off or annual) decreased. The proportion of students receiving support was stable in universities (34.7% and classes preparing for admission to Grandes Ecoles (CPGE) (27.7%). It increased significantly in Advanced technician's sections (STS) (47.5%), where this proportion was the highest. More...