Back-to-school costs and aid schedules for 2026

Families in France and Canada are preparing for the 2026 back-to-school season, facing varying schedules for financial aid and rising costs for supplies.

In France, the timing of the back-to-school allowance (ARS) varies by region. For families in mainland France, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, and Martinique, payments are scheduled for August 18, 2026. In La Réunion and Mayotte, the disbursement is expected earlier, on August 4, 2026. The allowance is available to parents of children aged 6 to 18 under specific conditions.

In Canada, a study by Caddle and the Canadian Council of Retailers indicates that families are expected to spend between $600 and $750 per child on school essentials. This figure includes electronic devices and remains stable compared to 2025. While 91% of parents feel that school supplies are becoming more expensive, 85% are actively seeking bargains. Additionally, 44% of parents are using or are interested in using AI tools to assist with price comparisons and shopping lists.