PARIS - Starting Monday, May 4, 2026, all students in France - regardless of income - can now access a full three-course meal for just €1 at university canteens across the country, marking a major expansion of a scheme previously reserved for those on scholarships or in precarious situations .
The landmark reform, included in the 2026 state budget following pressure from socialist deputies and student unions, extends the subsidized meal to more than 3 million students, including undergraduates, technical students, doctoral candidates, and civil service volunteers .
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- ASIA ONE NEWS (@AsiaOne_News) May 5, 2026
What the €1 Meal Includes
For a single euro, students receive a balanced meal consisting of:
A main dish
A starter
Dessert (could be cheese, fruit, or a sweet item)
A serving of bread and unlimited tap water
The meal is available once per service (lunch or dinner) per student, and can be paid through the Izly digital account system managed by the National Centre for University and School Works (CROUS) .
Addressing a Growing Crisis
The expansion comes amid alarming levels of student food insecurity. A January survey by a student union organization found that 48 percent of students have gone without food for financial reasons, and 23 percent do so several times a month .
"The measure will boost the budget of students who are particularly affected by precariousness," said Philippe Baptiste, France's Minister of Higher Education and Research, on franceinfo .
For Alexandre Ioannides, an 18-year-old student in Paris, the change is immediate. "I come here 20 times a month. That's about €60. Now I'll pay €20," he told international media. The savings, he added, will go toward "going out or eating at a restaurant" .
Government Investment and Student Concerns
The government has budgeted €50 million for 2026 and €120 million for 2027 to compensate CROUS for lost revenue and to hire additional staff . Approximately 204 new full-time equivalent positions are being created, with priority given to sites at highest risk of overcrowding .
Student unions, however, have expressed concern. The Union Étudiante estimates the funding is up to ten times less than what is needed to prevent deterioration in service quality and to manage the expected 12% increase in attendance .
Higher Education Minister Baptiste acknowledged capacity challenges. "Many university restaurants are already saturated," he said on franceinfo. The ministry is exploring solutions including multiple lunch services, evening openings where possible, and expanded use of the 'Crous & collect' meal basket pickup system .
Student Reactions Mixed But Hopeful
While unions remain vigilant, many students welcomed the news. "It is a small internal revolution," Baptiste said, promising oversight to ensure the program does not lead to excessive workloads for canteen staff or a decline in food quality .
In 2024, approximately 667,000 students benefited from the €1 rate, with 44 million meals served across Crous facilities - a slight increase from the previous year . With the expansion now in effect, that number is expected to rise significantly beginning in September 2026 .
