You can add to your revenue by working while you study in France regardless of your level of studies or nationality. In a company or in the university, each student has the right to work. Here are a few rules to learn.
Every foreign student has the right to work in France
Every foreign student has the right to work while studying in France as soon as they are enrolled in an institute giving the right to Student Social Security. This right applies to all students in France. If you are not a citizen of the European Union, you must have a student resident permit.
French law allows foreign students to work 964 hours during the year, the equivalent of 60% of the maximum working hours permitted. Part-time work will not cover all of your expenses. It can only be auxiliary income.
When you work in France, if you are a student or not, you are guaranteed a minimum wage by law. It is commonly called the SMIC (Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de Croissance - the minimum wage). As of January 1, 2021, this minimum wage is €10.25. This salary is gross; mandatory social security contributions have to be deducted (around 20%) to determine actual earnings (i.e. €8.20/hour).
A student working 10 hours a week at minimum wage will earn approximately €82 net.
Studying and working at university
In France, foreign students may also work within their host institute or university. These work contracts for students last at most twelve months, from September 1st to August 31st. Receiving students at the start of the academic year, tutorials, cultural or sport activities, assistance for students with disabilities… in general it is for activities that contribute to the well-being and social atmosphere within the university.
In order to help students succeed and find work afterwards, student work in a university is adapted to their timetables and classes. For the same reason, students who work in French universities may not work more than 670 hours from September 1st to June 30th, and no more than 300 hours from July 1st to August 31st.
Internships while studying
As part of the preparation for some degrees, the student must do an internship. French and foreign students are subject to the same rules:
- The internship requires an agreement (signed between the institution and the structure hosting the student);
- If the internship lasts more than two months, the student must be paid compensation of €600.60 per month (January 1, 2021).
- Internships completed as part of a degree course do not count towards the 964 hours of permitted work per year.
