My daughter and thousands of students in France left in limbo by delayed grants

As the new academic year got underway in September, countless university students were facing financial uncertainty because of delays in processing their bourse (grant) applications. 

Up to 100,000 students across France have experienced delays in receiving their grants this year, according to several unions quoted by France 3. 

For many, these funds are vital to pay for the necessities of student life, from accommodation to food. 

One student is Jonathan Broad’s daughter Liberty, 17, who is studying at Toulouse University.

“In our family’s case, our daughter has been waiting for months for confirmation of her bourse,” Mr Broad said in September.

“Despite having submitted all necessary documents well in advance, she begins her first day back at university without a cent of the funding she is entitled to. 

“Sadly, she is far from alone. This is not an isolated incident, but a widespread issue affecting hundreds, if not thousands, of students across the country.” 

The root of the problem, Mr Broad said, is CROUS, the national body responsible for administering student grants. 

“For reasons that remain unclear, the organisation has failed to process applications in a

timely manner, leaving students in limbo at a critical moment in their academic and personal lives.” 

Little help offered 

What has been particularly difficult for Mr Broad and his daughter is trying to find information. 

“What adds to the frustration is the near-impossibility of reaching anyone for help,” he said. “We have spent hours trying to contact someone who might be able to provide clarity or support, only to encounter automated messages and systems seemingly designed to deter communication. 

“In some cases, callers are warned that making multiple enquiries will result in their request being pushed to the back of the queue – a disheartening response to students and families already under stress.”

Lack of transparency 

“Adding insult to injury is the total lack of transparency,” said Mr Broad. 

“CROUS has made no visible effort to communicate with affected students – no email information, no updates on their platforms, no public statements. The silence is deafening, and the absence of even the most basic information only exacerbates the anxiety felt by students and their families.

“It is unacceptable that in a country like France, with a well-established higher education infrastructure, such a critical support system is allowed to falter so dramatically. Students already face enough challenges adjusting to university life; financial insecurity should not be one of them – especially when it is avoidable.” 

CROUS Occitanie admitted there had been a “technical error” in comments to La Dépèche. Other French media report that a change of software contributed to the delays in payouts. 

As of September 30, Liberty had still not received her grant, but had received confirmation it should be in her account soon. 

The issue has caused unnecessary stress and hardship for many students, something that should have been avoided, according to Mr Broad. 

“France must do better,” he said. “The bourse system is not a luxury – it is a lifeline. The authorities must act swiftly, not only to process delayed grants but also to overhaul a system that has left so many students stranded at the very start of their academic journey.” 

Has your child been affected by grant delays? Let us know via feedback@connexionfrance.com