France Extends €1 University Meals to All Students

The French government announced this month that all students in higher education can now purchase a three-course meal for €1 at university restaurants and cafes. Previously the price was limited to students receiving financial aid. A government survey had shown that almost half of students were skipping meals because of cost, prompting the policy change.

The measure applies at the 950 restaurants and cafeterias run by the National Centre for University and School Services.

At the Université Paris Dauphine restaurant, students select from starters, a main course with sides, and dessert for €1. Extra dishes cost 55 cents and coffee costs 60 cents. Take-away meals are also available. Farid Rouba, the chef at Dauphine, said most dishes are prepared on site using locally sourced and organic ingredients.

Students rated the restaurant 9 out of 10 in a recent questionnaire.

Diane Chelkoff, director of the Dauphine restaurant, said students can obtain two balanced €1 meals per day. She noted the program assists those who do not receive financial aid but still struggle financially. Bénédicte Durand, president of the National Centre for University and School Services, said the government will allocate €120 million to fund the program next year.

She added that the policy addresses both social equity and public-health concerns. Some students at Dauphine said the subsidy could be redirected to cheaper housing instead. The center is recruiting 200 additional staff and purchasing equipment to handle increased demand beginning in September.