The final matriculation exams are barely over when future students have to make their final choice among the courses that have accepted their application at Parcoursup. We also have to ask ourselves how to finance these future studies, since a student’s budget over one university year averages €13,500 according to the Federation of General Student Associations. The opportunity for banks to attract new customers by offering very aggressive promotional offers such as zero interest loans (PTZ). Crédit Mutuel, CIC, Banque Populaire, Société Générale, Banque Postale, Caisse d’Épargne…
Back-to-school offers are generally attractive, but it is advisable to compare offers carefully and seek advice from student or consumer associations before committing. Amount, duration, application fees, loan terms, repayment start date, cancellation period… Everything counts.
First, PTZ or zero interest student loans does not mean free. For example, Caisse d’Épargne Grand Est Europe offers a student loan of €25,000 over 84 months – 7 years – at a fixed annual interest rate of 0%. Even better, the application fees are free, but you have to pay for credit insurance ie. €567 or €6.75 per month. You should also ask to have a current account set up at the bank with at least one bank card.
A government-guaranteed student loan
A student loan guaranteed by the government also allows any student under the age of 28 registered in an institution in France to prepare for a competitive examination or a French advanced diploma with French citizenship or citizenship of a Member State (provided you are resident in France continuously for at least 2 years) to borrow up to €20,000 without resource conditions.
Another advantage: it is possible to start repayments once your studies have been completed. Once you have received your pre-eligibility certificate (via Token Bpifrance’s digital platform), simply contact one of the partner banks in this system (Crédit Mutuel, CIC, Banque Postale, Banque Populaire, Caisse savings, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole).
