How to Work in France During and After Your Studies

How to work while studying in France

How many hours can you work as a student in France?

In order to ensure employment does not hinder academic progress, there is a limitation on the number of hours international students can work in France. While there is no restriction on home students, universities will provide their own recommended hours cap.

• Students from EU/EEA: European students have the same working rights as French students.
• Students from other countries: Foreign students are permitted to work up to 964 hours per year, or the equivalent of 60% of a full-time job. This allowance is slightly less for Algerian nationals. The Franco-Algerian Agreement of December 27, 1968 restricts students to working up to 50% of the maximum full-time hours. Internationals seeking to work longer hours will be required to obtain a provisional French work permit, most likely the autorisation provisoire de travail (APT).

Minimum wage, commonly called the Smic (salaire minimum interprofessionnel de croissance), is guaranteed to all students. As of January 2024, this is €11.65 per hour pre deductions. While working you may be required to pay social security contributions which currently total 20% of your pay.

If you apply for a job at your university there might be different restrictions on student hours. University jobs typically will not provide more than 670 working hours between September 1 and June 30, the key semester dates. Students will then be allowed to work up to an additional 300 hours between July 1 and August 31.

What jobs can you get as a student in France?

There are many different types of jobs available to students, whether you’re proficient in French or an English speaker.

On-campus jobs

Off-campus jobs

As mentioned, France’s thriving tourism and cultural industries makes the country ripe for part-time work. From restaurants and bars to art galleries or city tours, there are plenty of opportunities for postgraduate students to earn alongside their studies. Make sure to let your employer know the demands, restrictions and schedule of your degree to avoid potential clashes in expectations.

Internships

Whether you’re required to complete an internship as part of your degree or independently want to gain work experience, both French and international students are subject to the same regulations. Internships require a signed agreement between your university and the institution of proposed work. If the contract lasts more than two months then the student must be paid compensation of €600.60 per month. Internships that are completed as part of a degree do not count towards the 964 hours of permitted work.

Apprenticeships and professional training

How to find a student job in France

The best way to find and apply for student jobs in France is through your university's student services. Here you’ll find advertisements for both on and off-campus opportunities. Other options include looking at popular international student sites, such as Erasmusu, or French student job boards like Letudiant. Typically, job descriptions will indicate whether the role is suitable for English-speakers not fluent in French.

Working in France after graduation

EU/EEA graduates

Anyone with an EU/EEA status may live and work for as long as they like in France. Additionally, if you are under the age of 28 then you’re also eligible to work as an international volunteer in the French administrative office or at a company abroad.

Non-EU/EEA graduates

In order to stay in France, international graduates must have the promise of employment or a work contract in place ready for the end of their course. You must be contracted to receive at least one and a half times the minimum wage.

If you do not have a promise of employment in place, international graduates will need to request an Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS – temporary resident permit) while searching for a job. Applications should be sent to the Prefecture which is usually a free process. The French APS visa is valid for 12 months and is non-renewable. Until you can sign a fixed or indefinite employment contract, you will only be authorised to work the same hours as students which totals approximately 20 hours a week.

How to find work in France

To get a job in France you will need an industry-relevant CV and cover letters. Some common ways to find permanent full-time jobs in France are through the Pôle Emploi (Employment Centre) which lists job ads from all major sites. Job fairs are also a common occurrence and can be a useful way to secure interviews.

Many universities and student focused businesses help graduates find work. Make sure to contact your university’s career service when reaching the end of your course. The Bureau d’Aide à l’Insertion Professionnelle (BAIP – Professional Insertion Assistance Offices) advertise local job opportunities and can offer advice to students looking for work. Additionally, make sure to research online platforms such as France Alumni which are specific communities to help foreign graduates learn about and find career opportunities in France.