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Work Rules

Student Jobs in France

With a student long-stay visa that works as a residence permit (VLS-TS) or a student residence permit, you may work up to 964 hours a year without a work permit. That is 60% of the legal working time. The minimum wage (SMIC) is EUR 12.31 (euros) an hour before tax and other deductions.

Work Regulations for International Students

Courses shorter than a year
  • The hours are in proportion to your course. Example: 482 hours for a 6-month course.
Students from outside the EU
  • Up to 964 hours a year.
  • Need a student VLS-TS or student residence permit.
  • You cannot be self-employed (auto-entrepreneur) on a student permit.

Types of Student Work

No work permit needed

Up to 964 hours a year, you do not need a work permit. The old provisional work permit (APT) is no longer needed.

Special Cases

Going over 964 hours

For a professional training contract above 964 hours, the employer must get a work permit online first.

Popular Job Opportunities for Students

Jobs students from outside the European Union (EU) can do.

Jobs at your university
  • Welcoming new students, tutoring, events, helping students with disabilities.
  • Campus job contracts usually run from 1 September to 31 August.
  • On campus you can work up to 670 hours from 1 September to 30 June, and up to 300 hours in July and August. This campus-job rule is separate from the 964-hour yearly limit.

At least the minimum wage

Internships in your course
  • Your school and the company must sign an agreement.
  • Do not count towards the 964 hours.

Over 2 months: you must be paid.

Apprenticeships
  • Open in year 1 for master's courses the state recognises, and some courses at grandes écoles (top selective French schools).
  • With an apprenticeship contract, you may work more than 964 hours as part of your course.

Work contract

Work-Study

Apprenticeships (paid work-and-study contracts) and professional training contracts mix study and paid work.

Key points

  • On Études en France (the French online application system for students), you apply for an apprenticeship before the visa.
  • For other courses, you must first live in France for more than 1 year.

Minimum Wage (SMIC)

Hourly: EUR 12.31 gross (before deductions), EUR 9.74 net (after deductions). Monthly full time: EUR 1,867.02 gross.

Pay and Deductions

Your payslip shows gross pay and the amount left after deductions.

Income Calculator

How to Find Student Jobs in France

Start at your school.

University Resources

Your university

Posts student jobs on campus, timed around your classes.

Common Challenges & Solutions

Hour limit

Going over 964 hours a year can lead to your permit being withdrawn or not renewed.

Solution:

Count your hours from the date your permit was issued or you confirmed (validated) your VLS-TS online.

Employer paperwork

Hiring can only happen after this declaration.

Solution:

Your employer must declare you to the préfecture (the local government office) at least 2 working days before you start.

Study Comes First

When you renew your student permit, officials check that you really study: attendance, exam results and degrees.

Campus jobs fit your timetable

University jobs are planned around class and study times.

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