Working as an International Student in France
If you’re an international student studying in France or planning to move here for your studies - it’s good to know your work options. Especially if you’ll need to support yourself fully or partially while studying. Here’s a guide to legal rules and different job opportunities for students in France.
Legal Rules
Working Hours
Both French and international students can work up to 964 hours per year. That’s roughly 20 hours per week, which is about 60% of a full-time job.
- EU/EEA students: If you’re from France or another EU country and registered at a French university, you don’t need a work permit.
- Non-EU students: You need a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS étudiant) or a student residence permit (carte de séjour étudiant). Only then can you legally work up to 964 hours per year. Without this, working is illegal.
Exceeding the 964-hour limit may require a change of status from student (étudiant) to employee (salarié), so be sure to keep track of your working hours.
Minimum Wage
France has a legal minimum wage known as the SMIC (Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de Croissance), which applies to all workers, including students. In 2025, the SMIC is set at €11.88 gross per hour, which corresponds to approximately €9 net per hour after social contributions. This amount represents the legal minimum, meaning that some jobs may offer higher hourly wages depending on the sector and the employer.
Employment Contracts
Student jobs in France must be covered by a work contract. The most common types include CDD (fixed-term contract), CDI (permanent contract), and contrat étudiant, which is specifically designed for students and usually offers flexible working hours. In some cases, students may also work under temporary agency contracts (intérim) or apprenticeship-style agreements, depending on their status and field of study.
Working without a formal employment contract is illegal in France. This applies to regular jobs (not freelance work) and means you are not protected by labor laws, do not have social security coverage, and are not insured in case of workplace accidents.
Job Options for Students
Casual Jobs in France
Some of the most common student jobs include:
- Hospitality: waiter, bartender, kitchen assistant
- Retail: cashier, stocking shelves
- Hotels: reception, cleaning
- Logistics: warehouses, delivery companies
- Events: security, audience support
- Babysitting
On-Campus Jobs
If you prefer staying on campus, you can work in:
- University libraries
- Administrative assistance
- Helping first-year students
- Lab assistant (science students)
- International events support
- Tutoring (specific for your degree)
Jobs in this category usually offer a flexible or low-intensity schedule, for example around 4 hours per week. You can often find information about these job opportunities on your university’s website or through emails sent to your student email address.
Seasonal Jobs
These jobs are especially popular among students looking to earn extra income during university breaks:
- In winter, opportunities are often found in the Alps, including hotels, restaurants, and ski rental shops.
- In summer, students can work in tourism, campsites, amusement parks, or even grape harvesting.
Pay varies depending on the type of job, and many positions also provide accommodation and meals.
Online & Freelance Work
For more flexibility, students can explore freelancing opportunities in areas such as:
- Graphic design, IT, or social media management
- Writing and translation
- Online customer support
- Online tutoring
If you want to find freelance jobs online that match your skills, check out these platforms:
For online teaching, especially language lessons, the most popular platforms are:
On Superprof, you can also create listings for other subjects, such as math, music, history, and more.
Keep in mind that while freelance work does not always require a formal contract, once your earnings exceed a certain threshold, you must register as an auto-entrepreneur in France. Alternatively, if you’re working across countries, make sure to check the tax regulations between France and your home country to determine where you should pay taxes and register legally if needed.
Internships & Alternance
Stage (Internship):
In France, internships are usually paid. The minimum internship stipend is around €600 per month (as of 2025), although some companies offer higher pay depending on the sector and location. Internships are an excellent way to gain practical experience, build a professional network, and improve your chances of finding full-time employment after graduation. In some cases, an internship can lead directly to a job offer, especially in competitive fields such as finance, marketing, or IT.
Alternance (Work-Study Programs):
Alternance combines studying and working, allowing students to split their time between school and a company. The pay ranges from 43% to 100% of the SMIC, depending on the student’s level of study, age, and the employer. Alternance is highly valued by employers, as it demonstrates practical skills, work discipline, and real industry experience. Additionally, it is an excellent way to finance your studies while gaining relevant professional experience.
Both internships and alternance are considered serious career-building opportunities in France, often carrying more weight on a CV than purely part-time jobs, and they can significantly improve your employability after graduation.
Summary
Studying in France offers many legal ways to earn money, even if your French isn’t perfect—although knowing the language definitely helps. To find a job that suits you, it’s important to balance your work with your studies so that earning money doesn’t interfere with your academic progress.
Take a look at your skills and interests. For example, you might be able to teach your native language if you learn some grammar teaching techniques and understand how to explain differences between your language and that of your students. Alternatively, you could develop additional skills to increase your competence and earn more while working the same number of hours.
With the right approach, you can study and work without stress, while fully enjoying your time in France!
Resources and Useful Information for International Students Wanting to Work in France:
- Un étudiant non européen peut-il travailler en France ? (French government – Service-public.fr)
- Un étudiant européen peut-il travailler en France ? (French government – Service-public.fr)
- Travailler pendant ses études en France (Campuse France website)
- Travail d’un étranger en France (French government – Service-public.fr)
- Stage d’un étudiant en milieu professionnel (French government – Service-public.fr)
- Contrat d’apprentissage (French government – Service-public.fr)
For those who don’t know yet, I am part of the Campus France Poland Ambassadors, a project in which I help share information about studying in France. To get more tips from other students, check out Campus France Poland Ambassadors
For more information check: Parcoursup, L’Etudiant, Campus France