The cost of returning to university in France has hit a record high, according to the FAGE, the Federation of General Student Associations. A student who does not receive a scholarship now needs an average of 3,240 euros to cover return costs and daily living expenses. This represents a 25.38% increase compared to 2020. These costs include things like registration, health insurance, rent, food, and transportation. FAGE president Suzanne Nijdam says that student expenses have been rising for years, but politicians have not taken meaningful steps to address the problem, instead reducing support for those in need. Registration fees for students range from 200 to 300 euros, but students from outside the European Union face fees that are 16 times higher. International students also struggle with the loss of housing assistance and the doubling of financial requirements to obtain a residence permit. These barriers have made it increasingly difficult for international students to pursue their studies in France. Other costs include equipment fees, which have risen sharply in some fields, reaching up to 900 euros. However, it is illegal for universities to require students to pay these costs, as the institutions are expected to provide necessary equipment. In some public sector fields, students are still forced to cover these costs themselves. Accommodation is the largest expense for most students, averaging 637 euros per month. This cost accounts for more than half of a student’s budget, forcing them to choose between essentials like food, educational materials, or transport. More than 20% of students do not eat enough, as they are left with less than 100 euros per month after paying rent. Even with the availability of one-euro meals, many students find it difficult to afford basic needs. Suzanne Nijdam is calling for a reform of student grants, which have only increased by about 10% since 2020, while the cost of living has surged by 25%. She argues that grants should be adjusted to match inflation and renewed annually to prevent more students from dropping out of their studies. CROUS, the organization that manages university housing, plays a key role in helping students with accommodation. However, the supply of housing is limited—there is one accommodation for every 17 students, and in cities like Paris, the ratio is even worse, at one per 35 students. As a result, many students must rely on the private rental market, where prices could rise further if the government does not take action soon.