The City of Marseille has set out how it supports its more than 60,000 students at the start of the 2026 academic year. Measures include co-financing new university residences at Saint-Charles and Château-Gombert that will add 600 places. The City says students’ living conditions are becoming more fragile because of inflation, the rising cost of living and the announced freeze of housing benefit (APL) for 2027.

Housing

According to the City, housing is one of the main expenses for students. Since 2021 it has funded emergency accommodation for students in serious difficulty, in partnership with the CROUS d’Aix-Marseille-Avignon. Since the scheme was launched, 150 students have been supported. The City also co-finances the new residences at Saint-Charles and Château-Gombert, which will create 600 new places. It also funds the development of intergenerational and solidarity flat-sharing.

Health, food and access to rights

With the CROUS, the City funds more than 500 free psychological consultations for students every year, aimed at tackling isolation, distress and dropping out. At the start of the 2026 academic year it launched what it describes as the first student mental health barometer in France, produced with students of the Marseille student life council (CMVE) and AMU’s student health service. The City also supports several food aid schemes for students in difficulty. Students can get information on their rights at the Maison de l’étudiant on the Canebière. The City also supports La Dégaine, an app developed by the association Sortie d’amphi that lists social and financial aid available to students.

Student participation and what happens next

The CMVE allows students to take part in the City’s discussions and put forward proposals. A new call for applications to join the council was launched on 23 September 2026. Upcoming events include:

  • 28 September to 3 October: student welcome week, organised by Sortie d’Amphi with the City and the CROUS
  • 30 September, 17:30-20:30: student life forum and free clothes swap at the Espace Bargemon
  • 1 October: Nuit des Étudiants du Monde at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle
  • 14 October, 13:00-17:00: jobs forum organised by the CRIJ at the Maison de l’étudiant

“All students are welcome in Marseille, and we want to allow them to live here in dignified conditions,” said Candice le Tourneur, municipal councillor for higher education, research and student life.