01
Orient yourself
The annual working-time framework attached to student status.
France Student Hub
Work
Jobs & Apprenticeships
A comprehensive guide to working as an international student in France, covering legal work limits, common contract types, internships ('stages'), and the specific requirements for work-study programmes ('alternance').
General information only — not official guidance. Rules change, so confirm with the official source before you act.
Guides
Key topics in jobs & apprenticeships
Each topic gives you the essentials, what to prepare and an official source to check before you act.
Rules
Work rights for student residence permits
The annual working-time framework attached to student status.
Last verified 25 May 2024Official source: service-public.fr
Student jobs on and off campus
Finding part-time work opportunities in tutoring, campus services, retail, or hospitality. Includes tips on how to apply effectively with a French-style CV and cover letter.
Stage
Internships (stage) and conventions
An explanation of the rules for internships ('stages'), the critical role of the 'convention de stage' (internship agreement), and the minimum mandatory pay ('gratification') for internships longer than two months.
Alternance
Apprenticeship / alternance
Detailed information on how work-study contracts ('contrat d'apprentissage' or 'contrat de professionnalisation') function in France and the specific work authorization requirements for non-EU students.
CV and cover letter in French
Guidance on adapting your CV and cover letter to French format expectations, understanding the appropriate tone, and highlighting the details that French recruiters typically look for.
Post-study
After graduation
Job-search and professional routes typically available after a French diploma.
Use this guide
How to work through jobs & apprenticeships
Start with the decisions that affect your route, get your documents in order, then confirm the latest rule with the official source before submitting or paying for anything.
02
Prepare deliberately
Use the checklist to organise documents, dates and decisions before you start a time-sensitive step.
03
Verify before acting
Use the dated official links on this page to confirm the process for your nationality, institution and situation.
Your checklist
- Check the work conditions attached to your permit
- Prepare a one-page French CV
- Set up a French phone number and professional email
- Never work without a written contract
- Keep every payslip
Frequently asked
Latest updates
What changed recently in jobs & apprenticeships
These short updates highlight recent rule, deadline or process changes that are worth checking before you apply or renew.
Jobs
Low impact
Sample: student work-hour reminder clarified for employer declarations
Clarified how to keep copies of contracts and payslips for later checks.
Affects: Students working part-time during term time
Official source: service-public.frJobs
Medium impact
Sample: reminder on annual working-time rules for student permits
How working time is counted across the year.
Affects: Students working alongside studies
Official source: service-public.frUniversities
Medium impact
Sample: several universities publish earlier master application deadlines
Earlier closing dates for selected programmes.
Affects: Master applicants
Official source: Institution websitesKeep going
Related guides
Sources & disclaimer
France Student Hub publishes general information only. It is not legal advice and does not replace an official decision from an administration, consulate or institution. Every page shows when it was last checked and links to the official source so you can verify before you act.
If a rule affects your status, confirm it with the relevant official body or a qualified professional before you act on it.