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Campus France and International Students in France.
International Students in France: France has long been one of the most attractive study destinations for international students. Beyond its world-class universities, rich culture, and high quality of life, France also provides international students with valuable opportunities to work and gain professional experience while studying. Through Campus France and the French legal framework, students from all over the world can legally work, complete internships, and even participate in apprenticeships during their academic journey.
Whether you are enrolled in a bachelor’s degree, master’s program, or another form of higher education, France allows students to supplement their income, build practical skills, and prepare for future careers—all while remaining compliant with immigration and labor laws.
Can International Students Work While Studying in France?
Yes. All international students in France have the legal right to work while pursuing their studies, regardless of nationality or level of education. This policy applies to students from both European Union (EU) and non-EU countries.
However, non-EU students must hold a valid student residence permit to legally work. Once this condition is met, students can work either on campus or off campus, provided they respect the annual working-hour limits set by French law.
Legal Working Hours for Foreign Students in France
France is a generous European country that receives a significant number of international students. French labor law allows international students to work up to 964 hours per year, which corresponds to 60% of the maximum legal working hours for a full-time employee. There is one exception:
- Algerian students are limited to 50% of the maximum working hours set by the Franco-Algerian Agreement of December 27, 1968.
It is important to note that income earned from student work is considered supplementary income. While it can help cover living expenses, it is not intended to fully replace the financial resources required for studying in France. Therefore, international students in France, or those who intend to study in France, should learn about these facts.
Minimum Wage for Student Jobs in France (2024)
France has established a system that protects students who work while studying. When working in France, students are protected by national labor laws, including the statutory minimum wage, known as the SMIC (Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de Croissance). As of January 1, 2024, the SMIC is set at:
- €11.65 per hour (gross)
After mandatory social security contributions—typically around 20%—the net hourly wage is approximately:
- €9.22 per hour (net)
For example, a student working 10 hours per week at minimum wage would earn around €92 net per week. This income can help cover everyday expenses such as transportation, groceries, or study materials. Students need to work while studying, as that fact prepares them to work when they complete their studies.
Working at Your University or Host Institution
International students in France are also allowed to work directly at their university or higher education institution. These on-campus student jobs are designed to support academic life while offering flexible work schedules. Common University Student Jobs Include:
- Welcoming and assisting new students at the beginning of the academic year
- Academic tutoring or peer support
- Assisting with cultural, artistic, or sporting events
- Providing support services for students with disabilities
- Administrative or library assistance
These roles not only provide income but also help international students in France integrate into campus life, improve their French language skills, and develop professional experience in an academic environment. It is an enriching experience worth living for students.
Working Hour Limits for University Jobs
Making money while studying can be an enjoyable and tempting experience for many international students in France; if not regulated, some might forget their primary task. To ensure academic success, France strictly regulates working hours for students employed by universities:
- Maximum of 670 hours between September 1 and June 30
- Maximum of 300 hours between July 1 and August 31
These limits help students maintain a healthy balance between work and studies while staying focused on their academic goals. This is an excellent practice by the French government; other developed and developing economies could learn from the French experience.
Internships While Studying in France
Internships are an essential part of many academic programs in France and are widely encouraged for both French and international students. The rules governing internships apply equally to all students, regardless of nationality. This practice in France could also be used in other countries worldwide.
Key Rules for Student Internships:
- The internship must be formalized through a tripartite agreement, signed by:
-
- The student
- The educational institution
- The host organization
- If the internship lasts more than two months, the student must receive mandatory compensation.
- As of January 1, 2024, the minimum internship compensation is €650 per month.
A major advantage is that internships completed as part of a degree program do not count toward the 964-hour annual work limit, making them an excellent way to gain experience without affecting legal work quotas. The regulations are put in place to help students stick to their first objective of studies.
Apprenticeships and Professional Training Contracts
France also offers international students the opportunity to participate in apprenticeships and professional training contracts, which combine academic study with paid professional experience. An apprenticeship contract is a formal employment agreement—either fixed-term or permanent—between a student and an employer. Apprentices receive hands-on training while continuing their education, gaining real-world skills in their chosen field.
Eligibility for International Students:
Previously, only international students in France who had completed at least 1 year of study could access apprenticeships. Today, the rules have expanded. Apprenticeships and professional training contracts are now open to:
- First-year master’s students enrolled in programs recognized by the French State.
- Students enrolled in programs approved by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles are listed under eligible training programs.
Other training programs that include apprenticeships may not be open to first-year international students in France, depending on their recognition status. This rule is essential, and students are encouraged to observe it to ensure a smooth academic experience in the country.
Work Authorization for Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship is one of the alternative ways of learning, different from the traditional way of staying in class only; however, it calls for regulation for effectiveness. If an apprenticeship or professional training contract requires more than 964 hours per year, special procedures apply:
- For non-EU international students, the employer must apply for a temporary work permit through the French Ministry of the Interior upon the student’s arrival in France.
- For Algerian students, the employer must apply for a provisional work permit (APT), regardless of the number of hours worked.
Volunteering and Civic Engagement During Your Studies
In addition to paid work, students in France are encouraged to get involved in volunteer activities. Volunteering is an excellent way to build networks, contribute to society, and gain experience—especially for students who may not want formal employment.
France offers a national platform, jeveuxaider.gouv.fr, which connects volunteers with public institutions and nonprofit organizations across the country. Opportunities are available in education, social services, environmental protection, and community development.
Why Work or Intern in France as an International Student?
Working while studying is a great experience that we should encourage every student to have. However, students should bear in mind the purpose of their joining the academic institution, and so should not forget to give priority to their studies, even when working while studying. Working or completing an internship while studying in France offers many benefits:
- Extra income to support living expenses
- Practical work experience related to your field of study
- Improved French language and communication skills
- Better integration into French culture and society
- Stronger CV and increased employability after graduation
France’s student-friendly work policies make it one of the most attractive destinations for international students seeking both academic and professional growth. It is indeed an excellent opportunity for international students who wish to experience both.
How to Apply and Learn More
For prospective international students in France and for anyone who wishes to live this experience, follow these guidelines. To explore official guidelines, opportunities, and detailed regulations, visit the Campus France website:
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