Student jobs and internships in European countries

Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland can work in France without any permit, like French students.

• Internships (stages): if your internship lasts more than 2 consecutive months (44 days at 7 hours a day) – or more than 309 hours in the same academic year – the company must pay you an allowance (gratification) of at least €4.50 an hour (2026; 15% of the hourly social security ceiling). It is due from the first day, paid at the end of each month, and is free of income tax up to the amount of the annual SMIC.
• Apprenticeships: apprentices earn between 27% and 100% of the SMIC, depending on their age and year of training.

Students from outside the EU (except Algeria) with a student visa or residence card can work up to 964 hours a year (60% of the legal annual working time) without a separate work permit; the employer must declare them to the prefecture at least 2 working days before they start. Algerian students need a work authorisation and may work up to 50% of the annual working time in the sector.

Thinking of studying there first? See Studying in France – practical information.