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Enrolment · Required before registering

Pay your CVEC (student & campus contribution)

Most students in France must pay the CVEC before enrolment. Here's what it is, who is exempt, how to pay on the official portal, and how to download the attestation your school will ask for.

What CVEC is

The CVEC — Contribution Vie Étudiante et de Campus — is a yearly contribution most students in higher education in France must pay. It funds student life and campus services. It is not your tuition fee, and it is paid on a national portal, not (usually) directly to your school.

Enrolment blocker Many universities and schools will not complete your registration without a valid CVEC attestation for the academic year. Treat it as an early checklist item.

Who pays (and who may be exempt)

Most students enrolled in a French higher-education establishment must pay. Some categories are exempt (for example certain scholarship situations). Exemptions are confirmed on the official portal — if you think you qualify, check there rather than skipping payment on a guess.

The amount is set nationally for each academic year. Always read the figure shown on cvec.etudiant.gouv.fr when you log in; don't rely on an old blog post.

When to pay

Pay before you finalise enrolment for the year. Schools typically ask for the attestation during administrative registration. Paying late delays your student card, access, and sometimes housing or other steps that assume you're enrolled.

How to pay and get the attestation

  1. Go to the official site: cvec.etudiant.gouv.fr.
  2. Create an account or log in (often with FranceConnect or the portal's own account).
  3. Declare your situation for the academic year and pay (or confirm exemption).
  4. Download your attestation (PDF) and save it somewhere you can find again.
  5. Upload or present it when your school asks during enrolment.
Use the official portal only Avoid third-party sites that charge to "help" you pay CVEC. The real process is on the government portal.

Where the attestation is used

  • University / school enrolment — the main use.
  • Sometimes CROUS or other student services as part of your file.
  • Keep the PDF for the whole academic year; you may be asked again.

Related steps

Often next: open a French bank account →  ยท  register for social security →  ·  see the full order →

Not sure what order to do these in?

Answer three quick questions and get your steps in the right order — with your titre de séjour deadline and a guide for each one.

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Frequently asked questions

Is CVEC the same as tuition?

No. CVEC is a separate student and campus life contribution. Tuition (frais d'inscription) is paid to your school; CVEC is paid via the official national portal.

Who is exempt?

Some students are exempt (for example certain scholarship holders). Check the official portal for your status — don't assume you're exempt without confirmation.

When should I pay?

Before completing enrolment. Many schools will not finalise registration without a valid CVEC attestation for the academic year.

Where do I get the attestation?

After payment (or confirmed exemption) on cvec.etudiant.gouv.fr. Download and keep the PDF; schools ask for it.