Higher Education Scholarship: how to get a scholarship when you are a student?

Are you a college or university student and wondering if you can get a scholarship? Smarto gives you some elements to guide you!

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First of all, what is higher education?

Higher education includes general, professional or technical education that requires a level of training higher than or equal to the baccalaureate or its equivalent: in other words, all post-BAC studies.

The teaching does not have to be in a public institution, it can also be in a private institution; as long as this institution is located in metropolitan France or overseas, or a French institution abroad. For scholarships, European Union institutions are considered

In other words, if you go to the United States to study at Stanford, it is indeed a higher education institution (post BAC), but it will not be recognized as such by the administration because it is abroad and it is not a French institution.

Higher education grants (grants based on social criteria)

Higher education grants based on social criteria are given to students who face material difficulties that do not allow them to pursue higher education under good conditions.

You can access it whether you are enrolled in a public school (business school etc.) or in a public institution (university etc.). However, your public school must be recognised by the State (this is not the case with INSEEC, for example). You can also benefit from these grants if you go to study in a European Union country.

Today, in France in France, more than 33% of students receive grants. The amount of scholarships based on social criteria ranges from 102€ to 568€/month and depends on the level to which you belong. The lower your income, the higher the amount of the grant.

The amount of the CROUS grants

Depending on your level as calculated by the administration, you will receive an annual amount that is paid at the beginning of the month.

Here is the amount of the CROUS scholarship according to your level for 2022-2023:

How the Graduate Fellowships are calculated

The amount of your higher education grant will be calculated according to 2 criteria:

1. Your load points, or "Exchange points
2. The gross income of the tax household to which you belong

Load points or scholarship points: how are they calculated?

Two criteria are important in calculating your scholarship points for higher education:

1. Does your tax household include dependent children other than yourself: if so, 2 points per child and 4 points if they are students in higher education
2. The distance between your place of study and your place of residence

• 0 points if you live less than 29 km from the study site
• 1 point between 30 and 249 km
• 2 points beyond 250 km

Step grid based on your load points and the overall gross income of the tax household in year N-2

Eligibility requirements for a higher education grant

In order to benefit from these grants, you must meet certain criteria.

• Be under 28 years of age at the time of the first application, with some exceptions (civic service volunteers, military personnel, student-parents, students with disabilities).
• Not to exceed a certain income threshold. The income ceiling is set each year by decree. This is why you are asked for your tax return or your parents' tax return if you are in their tax household.
• Be French (some foreign students also have access under certain conditions).

Smarto has developed a tool that allows you to access over 340 grants in less than 5 minutes. Find out which grants you are eligible for.

What are the steps involved in applying for a student grant?

Steps to apply for a scholarship:

• Make a stock market simulation
• Create or update your Student Social File (DSE) on https://www.messervices.etudiant.gouv.fr/
• Enter your file from January 20th of the current year for the next academic year
• Gather and add all supporting documents: your file will only be considered if it is complete
• Wait for the CROUS to process your application (between 1 and 3 months)
• When you know, confirm your enrollment in a higher education institution

Here is a short video explaining the CROUS of Versailles, it's more fun:

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Creating your Student Social File (DSE)

The EHR can be created directly on the government website. To fill out your application, you will need several documents such as your tax return (or your parents' tax return), your proof of schooling and those of your brothers and sisters. The DSE allows you to access grants based on social criteria and student residences.

You must submit your application between January 20 and May 15, 2023 for the 2023-2024 academic year. You can submit your application later, but you will receive your scholarship later and there may not be enough room for you in the residence hall.

We advise you to respect the deadlines because there are more requests for university residences than there are places. In fact, you must choose your accommodation in May or June for the following year by going to the following website: https: //trouverunlogement.lescrous.fr.

Once your application is completed, you will receive an automatic email with a summary of your application or a file to be sent by post with supporting documents.

The CROUS response

You will receive an answer from CROUS within one month with a conditional answer by email. This conditional reply informs you of the acceptance or rejection of your scholarship application.

You will have to present this answer in principle when you register at the university to be exempted from paying the registration fees and the Student and Campus Life Contribution(CVEC).

This decision is made official when CROUS receives your proof of enrolment from the institution (if it is the first time you are applying). The CROUS receives it between June and October, your financial aid will arrive after that time.

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