New financial-means threshold for international students — what changes on August 1, 2026

Starting August 1, 2026, foreign nationals applying for a French “student” residence permit must demonstrate significantly higher monthly resources. Under Decree No. 2026-526 of June 22, 2026, the minimum amount is now tied to the French minimum wage (SMIC) rather than the old scholarship-based reference — rising from around €615 to €877.50 per month, an increase of roughly 43%. Because the threshold is set as a fixed percentage of the SMIC in force on the filing date, it will continue to move upward with each revaluation.

To help students, host institutions, and practitioners get the essentials at a glance, we’ve put together a one-page guide covering the new calculation, the permits concerned, the entry-into-force rules, and the practical steps to anticipate before filing.

The LexCase Immigration & International Mobility team is at your disposal to assist you with all of your immigration and residence matters in France, as well as in your dealings with French consulates around the world — from assembling your applications through to securing your residence permits.