Government’s student Covid support given low score

Poorly targeted emergency funding led to student hardship during pandemic, say auditors

Too complex, too limited and unable to reach all of those in need. This is the French Court of Audit’s summary of the government’s support regime for students faced with the Covid-19 pandemic.

In its annual report, published last month, the court, which oversees audits of public spending, noted that despite a “strong” effort, the emergency measures were only belatedly adapted to the difficulties thrown up by the crisis. “Some measures to support student life missed their target,” it said.