How many hours can an international student work?

Non-European students holding a VLS-TS or a 'étudiant' residence permit can work 964 hours per year (60% of the legal annual duration of 1,607 hours). Hours are counted from the date of issue of the residence permit. Exceeding this limit can result in withdrawal of the permit. European students have no limitation.

What is the special rule for Algerian students?

Algerian students are subject to the Franco-Algerian agreement of 1968. They can work approximately 850 hours per year (50% of the annual duration in the sector) and a provisional work authorisation (APT) issued by the DREETS is required before employment. The employer must make this application, otherwise the employment is illegal.

The DPAE (Déclaration Préalable à l'Embauche — Pre-employment Declaration) is a mandatory formality that the employer carries out with URSSAF before your first day of work. It registers you with Social Security and occupational medicine. For non-European students, the employer must also make a nominative declaration to the prefecture 2 working days before employment.

What is the minimum wage (SMIC) for a student worker in 2026?

The gross SMIC is 12.02 €/hour in 2026 (or 1,823.03 € gross/month for 35 hours/week). Student jobs pay at least this rate. Net take-home pay is approximately 10–10.50 €/hour after social contributions. Some student job sectors (hospitality, events) pay 10–20% above the SMIC.

Do I need a work permit to work as a student in France?

No, for non-European students with a valid 'étudiant' VLS-TS or residence permit — no separate work permit is required. The employer simply verifies your residence permit. Exception: Algerian students require a prior work authorisation (APT) from the DREETS before each employer engagement. EU/EEA/Swiss students have full and unrestricted right to work.

What types of student contracts are available?

Main contract types: CDI (permanent contract, any hours), CDD (fixed-term contract), vacation job (contrat saisonnier), alternance/apprenticeship (combines work and studies, salary 27–100% SMIC depending on age), CESU (chèque-emploi service universel for private individual employers). The most common for students are CDD and seasonal contracts.

What is the difference between an internship (stage) and a job?

An internship (stage) under a tripartite convention (student–company–educational institution) is not a work contract. Internship hours are not counted towards the 964 h annual limit. The gratification (internship stipend) is mandatory for internships of more than 2 months: minimum 4.35 €/hour (2026). An internship does not entitle you to unemployment benefits. Internships over 6 months are prohibited.

What is alternance (work-study apprenticeship)?

Alternance is a system combining work and studies with a company and an educational institution. Two forms: apprentissage (apprenticeship contract, for licence/master/BTS) and contrat de professionnalisation (professionalisation contract, more flexible). Salary: 27% to 100% of the SMIC depending on age and year. Alternance does not count towards the 964 h annual limit for non-EU students — it is treated as a separate category.

Can I work during university holidays?

Yes. The 964 h annual limit applies throughout the calendar year (from the date of issue of the residence permit). During university holidays you can work full-time, provided you do not exceed the annual limit. A summer job of 2 months at 35 h/week = approximately 280 h, which represents about 29% of the annual quota.

How do I declare my income as a student worker?

Wages are automatically declared to the tax authorities by your employer via the DSN (Déclaration Sociale Nominative). You must file a tax return each year on impots.gouv.fr (April–June). If your income is low (below the taxable threshold), you will receive an avis de non-imposition — keep it for your CAF, CROUS, and Visale applications.

What are the job-hunting resources for international students?

Main platforms: Pôle Emploi (pole-emploi.fr), Indeed (indeed.fr), LinkedIn, APEC (for graduates), JobTeaser (campus student jobs), Welcome to the Jungle. For student job sites: JobEtudiant.fr, Wizbii, Monster. University career services (Service d'Orientation et d'Insertion Professionnelle, SOIP/SIOU) organise career forums and offer personalised support.

Is there a minimum age to work as a student in France?

The legal minimum working age in France is 16 (or 15 if enrolled in an apprenticeship). For most student jobs (supermarket, catering, events, administration), you must be at least 18. Certain sectors (security, night work) require being 18+ by law. Students between 16 and 18 are subject to specific protections (prohibited tasks, working hours limits).

How does unemployment insurance (chômage) work for students?

To be eligible for unemployment benefits (ARE — Allocation de Retour à l'Emploi), you must have worked at least 130 days (or 910 hours) as an employee in the last 24 months. As a student worker, you may accumulate these rights. Apply to France Travail (formerly Pôle Emploi) within 12 months of your last employment. Student internship hours do not count towards this entitlement.

What is a pay slip (fiche de paie) and what does it contain?

A pay slip is a monthly document issued by your employer detailing your gross salary, social contributions (15–25% of gross), employer contributions, and your net salary. You must receive it for every month you work. Keep all your pay slips — they are required for visa renewals, CAF applications, and proof of income for bank account openings and housing applications.

What should I do if my employer does not pay me?

If your employer does not pay your salary on time, first contact them in writing (email). If no response within 8 days, file a complaint with the Conseil de Prud'hommes (labour tribunal) — the procedure is free. For unpaid wages under 10,000 €, the procedure is simplified (online at justice.fr). In case of employer insolvency, the AGS (Association de Garantie des Salaires) covers unpaid wages.

Can I work in France if my visa has expired and my renewal is in progress?

Yes. A receipt (récépissé) issued by the prefecture at the time of your renewal application authorises you to remain in France and continue working during the processing period. Verify that your récépissé bears the 'autorise son titulaire à travailler' (authorises the holder to work) notation. Without this notation, working is not authorised during the renewal period.

FAQ — Student Work in France: Rights & Procedures

All frequently asked questions about student work in France — 964 h/year, SMIC 12.02 €/h, DPAE, internships, apprenticeships — 16 answers with official 2026 data.

Dernière vérification : 1 mars 2026

FAQ — Student Work in France: Rights, Hours, and Procedures

Key figures for 2026

Work limit for non-EU students: 964 hours/year (VLS-TS or étudiant permit)
Algerian students: 850 hours/year + mandatory prior work authorisation (APT) from DREETS
Gross minimum wage (SMIC): 12.02 €/hour (1,823.03 €/month gross at 35 h/week)
Internship stipend (over 2 months): 4.35 €/hour minimum

Work authorisation

No separate work permit needed for non-EU students with a valid student permit. Employer verifies permit. Exception: Algerian students need APT before each new employer.

Types of student work

CDD / seasonal: most common for students
Internship (stage): not counted towards 964 h, stipend from 4.35 €/h
Alternance: work-study, not counted towards 964 h, salary 27–100% SMIC

Official Sources

Conseil expert

Algerian students are subject to the Franco-Algerian agreement of 1968 (not common law): the limit is 850 h/year and a prior work authorisation (APT) issued by the DREETS is required before each employer takes them on.

Conseil expert

Internship hours under a tripartite convention are not counted towards the 964 h — a 6-month full-time internship does not use up your annual salaried work quota.

Des questions sans réponse ?

Notre assistant IA répond à toutes vos questions sur les démarches administratives en France.

Essayer gratuitement

FAQ — Student Work in France: Rights & Procedures

FAQ — Student Work in France: Rights, Hours, and Procedures

Key figures for 2026

Work authorisation

Types of student work

Official Sources

Conseil expert

Conseil expert

Guides connexes

Des questions sans réponse ?