With school exams over, children and their parents are enjoying well-deserved summer vacations. Yet in stores, the shelves are already well-stocked with school supplies for the new school year, and after mid-August, the frenzy of shopping in stationery aisles will begin.
The costs of back to school, all items combined (books, supplies, transportation, university dorm, tuition, daycare, vacation camp) can reach up to 11.4% of the family budget. During the back-to-school period, this portion of the budget can even rise to 27.5% of the budget according to calculations noted by the family league regarding several family types.
Cost of back to school: the annual Crioc study
According to the latest recent study by Crioc, the next back-to-school period (supplies, clothing, school fees but not backpack) will cost approximately 436 euros for kindergarten, 339 euros for primary school, 609 euros for secondary school, and 1,315 euros for higher education.
Crioc has focused on analyzing a typical consumption basket, that of a 6th-grade student. The differences are very significant depending on whether parents and children are tempted by “first price” labels or by trendy or reputed brands. Thus, in the first case, the basket can be around 30 euros, while in the second, it is close to 200 euros.
According to the family league, school fees vary from 171 to 727 euros depending on the type of family, the number of children, and their ages. Over the entire year, the total cost can also rise between 270 and 850 euros. Transportation costs can climb up to amounts of 336 euros per month and 2,568 euros per year.
Tips and tricks to reduce the school bill
50% reduction on STIB subscription
The French community covers 50% of the price of school subscriptions for young people aged between 12 and 24. More info here.
Grants and study scholarships
To ease your back-to-school budget a bit, the Family Allowance Fund pays you a fixed bonus around August 10, which varies according to the age of your children. Unfortunately, this bonus is subject to reduction as part of the austerity measures implemented by our government. The amount of your bonuses here.
Spread out your purchases
More and more schools communicate the list of school purchases at the end of the year so that you can spread out your purchases starting in July.
Group your purchases
Some schools organize group purchases of school supplies for parents who sign up on the list. This approach allows for substantial discounts. Take advantage and participate in these initiatives.
Essential packages offered by stores
For a series of essential basic supplies, it is not necessary to wait for the back-to-school list; some stores offer supply packages at reduced prices.
Finance back to school with our back-to-school credit
Our credit company offers you a back-to-school credit at a reduced rate starting from 2,500 €. Take advantage to spread your expense over time.
| Amount | APR | Duration | Premium | Total cost |
| 2,500 € | 9.95 % | 24 months | 114.81 € | 2,755.44 € |