Part-Time Work While Studying in France

Legal Right to Work in France as a Student

Every foreign student enrolled in a French higher education institution has the right to work in France. This right is established under French law and confirmed by Campus France (the official French government agency) for international student affairs. Indian students on a VLS-TS student visa do not need a separate work permit to work up to 964 hours/year.

Also Read: France Student Visa 

How Many Hours Can Indian Students Work in France?

The 964-hour annual limit is the most important number for Indian students planning to work in France. It averages to approximately 18.5 hours/week across a 52-week year — but students can distribute these hours flexibly across the academic year.

Students working at their host university face slightly different sub-limits: a maximum of 670 hours between September 1 and June 30, and a maximum of 300 hours between July 1 and August 31. These sub-limits are specific to on-campus university employment and do not apply to off-campus jobs.

Minimum Wage in France (SMIC 2026): What Students Actually Earn

The SMIC (Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de Croissance) is the legally guaranteed minimum wage in France. As of January 1, 2026, the gross SMIC is €12.02/hour. After mandatory social security deductions of approximately 20%, the net hourly wage is approximately €9.50–€9.60/hour (₹10.54–₹10.65/hour).

Note: 1 EUR = ₹110.93. Net calculated after ~20% social security deductions. SMIC 2026: €12.02/hour gross.

A student working 20 hours/week at SMIC earns approximately €768 net/month (₹85,194/month) — enough to cover accommodation costs in cities like Grenoble (€450–€600/month) or Toulouse (€400–€550/month). In Paris, where accommodation costs €650–€1,200/month, part-time earnings at SMIC cover only a portion of rent.

Types of Part-Time Jobs Available for Indian Students in France

Indian students in France can access a wide range of part-time jobs — both on and off campus. Jobs requiring French language skills are more readily available, but English-medium roles exist in tech, tutoring, and international companies.

Indian students with strong French language skills (B2+) have access to the full job market. Students with limited French should focus on English tutoring, IT/tech freelance, delivery services, and international company customer service roles in the early months while building French proficiency.

Working on Campus: University Student Jobs

French universities offer student jobs (jobs étudiants) on campus that are specifically designed around academic schedules. These jobs are scheduled around class times and study periods to support academic success. Campus jobs include welcoming new students at the start of the academic year, tutoring, supporting students with disabilities, managing cultural or sporting events, and library assistance.

University campus jobs have specific hour limits: a maximum of 670 hours between September 1 and June 30, and a maximum of 300 hours between July 1 and August 31. These jobs are advertised through the university's student services office (SUAPS or SCUIO-IP) and are open to all enrolled students — including international students. Campus jobs are particularly suitable for Indian students in their first year in France, as they provide a structured work environment, French language practice, and a supportive community.

Internships While Studying in France

Internships (stages) are a core part of many French degree programmes and are governed by specific rules that differ from regular employment. Internship hours do not count toward the 964-hour annual work limit — this is Internship hours do not count toward the 964-hour annual work limit — this is a significant advantage for students whose programmes include mandatory internships alongside part-time work.

Many Master's programmes at French public universities include a 4–6 month mandatory internship in Year 2. This internship pays a minimum of €650/month (₹72,105/month) and does not reduce the student's 964-hour work allowance. Students can therefore work part-time (up to 964 hours/year) in addition to completing a mandatory internship.

Apprenticeships and Professional Training Contracts

An apprenticeship (contrat d'apprentissage) is an employment contract that combines on-the-job training with academic study. It is a significant upgrade from a regular part-time job — apprentices are paid a percentage of the SMIC based on age and year of training, and the employer covers tuition fees in many cases.

Apprenticeships are particularly valuable for Indian students in Master's programmes in business, engineering, data science, and technology — sectors where French companies actively recruit apprentices. An apprenticeship provides real work experience, a French employment record, and often leads directly to a full-time job offer after graduation.

Post-Study Work in France: The APS Permit

After completing a degree in France, Indian students can apply for the APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) — a post-study work permit that allows graduates to stay in France and seek employment without requiring a separate work visa.

The APS gives Indian Master's graduates 2 years to find employment in France and convert to a long-term work visa. Students who have built French language skills (B2+) and completed an apprenticeship or internship during their studies have significantly better employment outcomes during the APS period.

Practical Tips for Indian Students Finding Part-Time Work in France

Finding part-time work in France requires proactive effort — jobs are not automatically assigned. These practical steps help Indian students navigate the French job market effectively.

• Start with your university's student services office (SUAPS/SCUIO-IP): Campus jobs are the easiest entry point — they are scheduled around your classes and require basic French
• Register on French job platforms: Pôle Emploi (pole-emploi.fr), Indeed France, LinkedIn France, and StudentJob.fr are the primary platforms for student jobs
• Build French to at least B1 level before arriving: Most off-campus jobs require basic French — even delivery and retail roles involve French-speaking customers
• Offer English tutoring immediately: Indian students with strong English can start earning €15–€25/hour as English tutors from Day 1 — no French required
• Apply for apprenticeships in Year 1 of Master's: Apprenticeships are now open to first-year Master's students — apply in October–November for January or September start
• Keep a work hours log: Track your hours carefully — exceeding 964 hours/year without employer APT application is a visa compliance issue
• Declare income correctly: Part-time income in France is subject to social security contributions — your employer handles deductions, but keep payslips for tax filing
• Use the ISIC card: The International Student Identity Card gives discounts on transport, museums, and services — reduces living costs and frees up earnings

Part-time work in France is a genuine financial tool for Indian students — not just a theoretical right. A student working 20 hours/week at the 2026 SMIC of €12.02/hour earns approximately €768 net/month (₹85,194/month), which covers accommodation in most French cities outside Paris. The 964-hour annual limit, the no-APT rule for work within that limit, and the internship exemption from the annual cap together create a flexible framework that allows Indian students to work, intern, and study simultaneously. The single most important practical step is building French language skills — students who arrive with B2 French access the full job market, while those without French are limited to English tutoring, tech freelance, and delivery work. The 2-year APS post-study work permit for Master's graduates makes France one of the more practical European destinations for Indian students who want to work after graduation.