FACE06 reveals its annual report on the “cost of the return to school,” and shows a steady increase in student expenses. Fees have risen in September and throughout the year, with a significant impact on students’ lives.
This year, FACE06 has recorded a increase in the cost of the return to school of 1.36% compared to 2023. Students, being among the most vulnerable, are particularly affected by this. This increase in the cost of living in 2024 is explained by several factors.
The prices of energy and raw materials continue to rise due to the economic repercussions of the war in Ukraine, which affects students’ everyday spending. At the same time, the climate crisis has caused a rise in food costs.
In major university cities, the combination of the increase in rents and the shortage of affordable housing heavily burdens students’ budgets. Furthermore, the inadequate revaluations of scholarships and social aid exacerbate this precariousness, making the 2024 return particularly difficult for many students.
Major Expenses
FACE06, the leading youth organization in the region, highlights three key expenses. Firstly, CROUS maintains the rent freeze but increases the charges. An expense that represents more than 50% of a student’s budget, making it even more expensive.
Secondly, the budget for outings and leisure has leaped by 21.23%. Student life should not be limited to meeting essential needs; it should also allow for cultural and social growth.
Finally, the CVEC and university registration fees are on the rise, with an average increase of 2.9%. The CVEC sees another 3% increase, going from €100 in 2023 to €103 in 2024. Universities exempt students with scholarships, while non-scholarship students still must pay this contribution.
The high registration fees and social isolation due to their geographical distance particularly affect non-EU students.
How is the cost of the return to school calculated?
The calculation of the cost of return to school is based on the profile of a typical student, without a scholarship, living alone, and without external financial support. This approach establishes the necessary expenses for a university return without considering possible aid (scholarships, APL, family support) that the student might receive.
Even though the methodology is national, the calculation is done locally. Some costs, like those of university restaurants, registration fees, CVEC, and social security, are uniform nationwide, while daily expenses vary according to regions in France.
