France: Eligibility and Guidelines for Students and Recent Graduates
Realize your dream internship in France with ease. Discover Piktalent! Internships in France can be an excellent way to gain professional experience in the European job market while enjoying a country rich in culture and history.
France offers a variety of internship options due to its cultural diversity and advanced economy. Students can pursue programs in business, education, hospitality, and more. When you’re not working, the country of France awaits for you to explore, travel through the French countryside, see famous sights, enjoy delicious food and even develop your French-speaking skills.
Operational Internships
these internships are undertaken during the academic year, allowing students to apply the knowledge they've acquired in class. They offer the first significant professional experience, focusing on the skills students wish to hone.
Functional Internships
conducted at the culmination of one's studies, these internships can potentially lead to employment. Given that the chosen internship could shape your future career, the stakes are considerably higher with functional internships.
Apprenticeship Contracts (Contrats d'Apprentissage or Stage en Alternance)
this program permits students aged 16 to 25 to undergo on-the-job training while simultaneously pursuing a degree at a vocational school. The contract's duration can span from 1 to 3 years, contingent on the degree or qualification in question.
Professionalization Contract (Contrat de professionnalisation or Stage en Alternance)
this is a work contract between an employer and an employee, blending company work with theoretical training. The objective is to gain professional skills via a certified training program or a diploma. Typically, the duration ranges from 6 to 12 months, but certain cases allow extensions up to 24 months.
V.I.E (Volontariat International en Entreprise)
this program offers international volunteer opportunities for French nationals and European Economic Area (EEA) citizens. It enables French companies to dispatch young professionals aged 18 to 28 to work abroad for a period ranging from 6 to 24 months.
Internship programs in France are pivotal in offering students and job seekers invaluable practical experience, serving as a launchpad for their careers. These programs are designed to bridge the educational and professional realms, equipping individuals with practical skills, industry insights, and valuable connections in their chosen fields.
Eligibility Requirements for Internships in France
Internships in France
Internships in France are open to both French nationals and international students. International (non-EU) students must have a valid student visa and sometimes a work permit, depending on their nationality and the duration of the internship.
Duration: Internships can last from a few weeks to a year. The length can vary depending on the specific program and the employer’s needs. But they must be integrated into a training curriculum, requiring a minimum of 200 hours of instruction per year and a minimum of 50 hours given in the presence of the student. Internships outside the educational curriculum are prohibited.*
Payment: In France, if the internship lasts more than two months, the intern is entitled to a minimum compensation. The government sets this and may change over time.
Convention de Stage: All internships in France require a “Convention de Stage”. This is a tripartite agreement between the intern, the university, and the company. It outlines the objectives of the internship and the tasks that the intern will perform.
A key point to note is that interns are not considered employees in France, which means they must follow the rules of their host organization but do not have the same obligations as employees. *
2023 Updates on Internship Regulations in France:
Remuneration: Internships spanning more than two months within a single academic year necessitate remuneration. As of 2023, the minimum compensation for interns is set at approximately 3.90 euros per hour, equating to 15% of the maximum hourly rate of the Social Security ceiling.
Working Hours: Interns are limited to a maximum of 35 hours weekly, consistent with the legal limit for employees.
Leave and Holidays: Interns are granted one day off for every month of their internship and are entitled to holidays on public holidays.
Duration: The cumulative duration of an internship, including any extensions, must not exceed six months within a year at the same establishment.
Convention de stage: This tripartite agreement is crucial. It’s a pact between the educational institution, the employer, and the intern, specifying the internship’s objectives, tasks, duration, and remuneration.
Supervision: Both the educational institution and the employer are obligated to assign a mentor or tutor to supervise the intern’s progress and experience.
Training Contracts in France
Like internships, training contracts are also open to both French nationals and international students. However, the eligibility requirements for a training contract can be more specific, depending on the field and the employer.
Duration: Training contracts usually last between one and three years. They provide a mix of on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
Payment: Under a training contract, the individual is considered an employee and is paid a salary. The amount of the salary can vary depending on the field, the length of the contract, and the individual’s level of experience.
Contract of Professionalisation and Apprenticeship Contract: There are two main types of training contracts in France – the Contract of Professionalisation and the Apprenticeship Contract. Both are aimed at providing vocational training and work experience, but they have different eligibility requirements and are suited to different types of jobs.
State Aid for Apprentices and Trainees in 2023: Following the decree of 29 December 2022, a new state aid has been made available for companies that hire an apprentice or trainee in 2023.
Amount and Conditions: The aid is applicable to contracts signed between the 1st of January 2023 and the 31st of December 2023 and will be disbursed for the first year of the contract’s execution. The maximum aid amount is €6000 for an apprentice, irrespective of their age, and €6000 for a trainee under a ‘contrat de professionnalisation’, with an age cap of 29 years. Specific requirements are in place, especially concerning the type and level of studies. Additional conditions apply to employers with a staff headcount of 250 or more.
Obtaining the State Aid: There isn’t a distinct application procedure. However, certain steps must be followed to facilitate automatic payment processing:
- Contract Filing: Both apprenticeship and traineeship contracts have specific forms. The completed and signed form must be forwarded to the competent training organization, ‘OPCO’, which ensures data consistency and forwards the contract to the Ministry of Labor.
- Sylae – Bank Account Declaration: Employers need to create an account on the Sylae platform. After account creation, the company must provide its bank account details on the platform for state aid payment.
- Monthly Declaration: Your French payroll provider will ensure the accurate monthly declaration of personal, contract, and salary data via the DSN declaration. For apprentices, this action will automatically trigger the payment. For traineeship contracts, the French payslip must be uploaded monthly on the Sylae platform.
- Payment Monitoring: Employers can track the payments of the new state aid for apprentices and trainees in 2023 via their account on the Sylae platform.
Stage en Alternance
A unique form of education in France where you work part-time and study part-time. The two main types of alternate contracts:
- Contrat de professionalisation (Professionalization Contract)
- Contrat d’apprentissage (Apprenticeship Contract)
In both cases, students under these contracts are considered employees of the company and receive a salary. This salary is a percentage of the French minimum wage (SMIC), and it varies depending on the student’s age and level of education. The professionalization contract is typically aimed at people over 16 years old who want to complement their education with professional experience, or adults who want to change their careers or re-enter the job market.
As an EU national, you are eligible to apply for an Alternance in France. EU nationals benefit from the principle of free movement, which means you do not need to request work authorization from the French state to start an Alternance. Once your contract with a French company is signed, your Alternance can begin, regardless of the type of contract (apprenticeship or professionalization) that you choose.
The documents required to start an Alternance as an EU national are:
- A valid residency permit
- A CERFA form is filled out and signed by your future employer.
You also need to secure an internship agreement, which is equivalent to an employment contract for an intern. This agreement defines your tasks, the duration of the internship, any pay, the names of your tutors, your social protection scheme, terms of absence, terms of terminating the internship, etc. This document should be signed by you, the company, and your educational organization.
The V.I.E (Volontariat International en Entreprise) is a French international internship program that allows businesses to send young professionals between 18 and 28 years old abroad. The duration of a V.I.E. mission can vary from 6 to 24 months and can be renewed once within the 24-month limit. It’s open to young people of all nationalities who are part of the European Economic Area. The program covers a wide variety of fields, from marketing and engineering to IT and sales, making it an excellent opportunity for young professionals to gain international experience in their field of interest.
V.I.E volunteers have the status of public agents on assignment, and their mission is defined by an agreement between the sending company and Business France. They receive a monthly allowance, the amount of which is set by Business France, depending on the host country.
The specific criteria for eligibility can vary, but generally, the program is open to individuals who meet the following conditions:
- Be a national from a European Economic Area (EEA) member state.
- Be aged between 18 and 28 (the age limit can go up to 30 years old for some countries).
- Be in good health and physically fit to perform the work.
- Have fulfilled any national service obligations.
- Not have been previously convicted of any criminal offences which may be incompatible with the assignment.
- Be available for a period of 6 to 24 months.
The program is open to a wide range of profiles, including students, job seekers, and people already employed by the sending company.
Guidelines for Internships in France
Unlock the path to your dream internship in France with these essential guidelines:
Research: Conduct thorough research to identify the industries, companies, and regions in France that align with your interests and career goals.
Eligibility Check: Review the eligibility requirements for internships in France, including visa regulations, age restrictions, educational qualifications, and language proficiency.
Networking: Build professional networks by attending career fairs, industry events, and online platforms.
Prepare your application materials: Polish your resume and tailor it to highlight relevant skills, experiences, and academic achievements.
Be patient: Be prepared for a potentially lengthy application process when pursuing internships in France, as patience may be required.
France Cultural Considerations
Embarking on an internship in France calls for a deep appreciation and respect for the country’s cultural norms and practices. Take note of the following key considerations to ensure a harmonious experience:
Politeness and Formality
Politeness is highly valued in France. Addressing people with "Bonjour" or "Bonsoir" is customary when entering a shop, restaurant, or office.
Avoiding excessive small talk
Small talk is not as prevalent in France. Conversations tend to focus on meaningful topics rather than casual chitchat.
Dining Etiquette
French cuisine and dining etiquette are highly regarded. Keep in mind that placing your hands on your lap during a meal is customary, and resting your wrists on the table is considered impolite.
Piktalent Services for France
We can provide a range of services to make the internship experience unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Internships in France are typically open to students who are currently enrolled in an educational institution, be it a high school, vocational school, college, or university. The educational institution is usually responsible for organizing the internship, which must be related to the student’s course of study.
For French nationals: French students can apply for internships as part of their academic programs or independently.
For EU nationals: Students from European Union countries have the right to work and study in France without needing a special permit. They can apply for internships just like French students. For the ‘Alternance’ program, EU nationals do not need to request a work permit to participate. Once their contract is signed with a French company, they can start their ‘Alternance’, whether it is a Contract of Professionalisation or an Apprenticeship Contract.
For non-EU nationals: Non-EU nationals can also participate in internships in France, but they must have a valid student visa or residence permit. If they wish to do an ‘Alternance’ in France, they must have completed a year of studies in France before they can enroll in an ‘Alternance’ program. They also need a valid residence permit, a temporary work permit (if they are over 18), a CERFA form filled out and signed by their future employer, and a certificate of schooling from the school or CFA where they studied the previous year.
Please note that all students, regardless of their nationality, need an internship agreement (or ‘convention de stage’) to legally undertake an internship in France. This agreement is a tripartite contract between the student, the educational institution, and the host company, outlining the details of the internship.
Always check the most up-to-date information from official sources, as the rules can change.
In France, there are no specific age restrictions set for internships. However, the internships are generally aimed at students, so they are typically in the age range of high school, college, or university students. It’s important to note that the eligibility for internships often depends more on a person’s student status rather than their age. However, for non-European Union students under 18 who want to participate in the ‘Alternance’ program, there is no need for a residence permit, unlike those who are over 18 1.
As always, each internship will have its own specific requirements, so it’s a good idea to check the details of each opportunity. It’s also worth noting that labor laws in France include protections for young workers, and these laws can affect the types of work and the hours that can be worked by those under the age of 18.
Yes, if you are a non-European Union (EU) national, you will likely need a visa to undertake an internship in France. This visa is usually a student visa or a specific internship visa, depending on your situation and the duration of the internship.
If you’re planning to do an ‘Alternance’ in France, you’ll need to have a residence permit. For students over 18 years old, having a residence permit is mandatory. Some commonly used types of residence permits for foreign students planning to do an ‘Alternance’ include the “Private life, family life” residence permit, the “Long-stay Student” visa, and the residence permit of the same name 1.
Please note that visa requirements can vary depending on your nationality and the specifics of your situation. It’s recommended to check with the French consulate or embassy in your home country for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
For EU nationals, there is no need for a visa or work permit to undertake an internship or an ‘Alternance’ in France, thanks to the principle of free movement within the EU 1.
While knowledge of French can certainly be beneficial and may be required for certain internships in France, it is not universally required for all internships. The necessity for French proficiency largely depends on the field of work, the specific duties involved in the internship, and the company or organization offering the internship.
In certain sectors like international business, tech, or research, it might be possible to find internships that operate largely or entirely in English. This is particularly true for international companies and organizations operating in France. However, for internships that require interaction with local clients, customers, or the public, French language skills would generally be expected.
Moreover, if the internship is part of an academic program, the language requirements might also be determined by the educational institution.
It’s always a good idea to check the specific language requirements in the internship description or to inquire directly with the organization offering the internship.
Internships in France can last up to 6 months per host organization and per year of instruction. You can find more information on Traineeships: obligations of the employer.
If an internship lasts more than 2 months, the intern is entitled to a minimum hourly remuneration or ‘gratification’ of €4.05, for 2021. If the duration is less than 2 months, payment is not required. You can find more information on Traineeships: obligations of the employer.
A “Convention de Stage” is a tripartite agreement signed by the intern, the university, and the company, outlining the goals of the internship and the tasks the intern will be assigned. This agreement also specifies the expected duration, conditions for authorization of absence, pay rate, possible benefits to the intern, and social protection for the trainee.
Yes, companies with less than 20 employees can accommodate a maximum of 3 interns at the same time. For companies with at least 20 employees, the number of interns whose internship agreement is in progress during the same calendar week may not exceed 15% of the staff 1.
No, interns are not considered employees in France. They must follow the rules of their host organization but do not have the same obligations as employees 1.
A training contract provides a mix of on-the-job training and classroom instruction, typically lasting between one and three years. Under a training contract, the individual is considered an employee and is paid a salary.
There are two main types of training contracts in France – the Contract of Professionalisation and the Apprenticeship Contract. Both are aimed at providing vocational training and work experience, but they have different eligibility requirements and are suited to different types of jobs.
A “Stage en Alternance” is a unique form of education in France that involves part-time work and part-time study. Both the Professionalization Contract and the Apprenticeship Contract fall under this category, with students under these contracts considered employees of the company and receiving a salary.
There are mainly two types of internships in France: “Operational” internships, which are undertaken during the academic year, and “Functional” internships, which take place at the end of your studies and can sometimes lead to employment.
Yes, EU nationals can apply for ‘Alternance’ in France. They do not need to request a work permit to do an ‘Alternance’ in France. Once their contract is signed with a French company, they can start their ‘Alternance’, whether it is a Contract of Professionalisation or an Apprenticeship Contract.
Foreign students need a valid residence permit, a temporary work permit (if they are over 18 and/or not a citizen of the EU), a CERFA form filled out and signed by their future employer, and a certificate of schooling from the school or CFA where they studied the previous year (for students from countries outside the EU).
It is now the employer’s responsibility to apply for the work permit online. To obtain this permit, the student must provide a valid identity document, a residence permit with the mention “student” valid, a certificate of registration in higher education, an alternation work contract, and a CERFA completed by the employer.
The V.I.E (Volontariat International en Entreprise) is a French government program that allows businesses to send young professionals between the ages of 18 and 28 to work abroad. The assignments can last from 6 to 24 months.
The V.I.E program is open to young professionals between the ages of 18 and 28 who are nationals of a European Economic Area (EEA) member state. They should be in good health, have fulfilled any national service obligations, and not have any criminal convictions.
