Apprenticeship · International

Work-study programmes are open to international students

Train for free, earn a salary, get a State-issued diploma and launch your career in France. Here is the step-by-step guide.

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Myths vs reality 2026

Common myth	Reality 2026
“Foreign students cannot do work-study.”	FALSE — possible under conditions (see below).
“You need an employee visa.”	FALSE — the VLS-TS student visa allows work-study up to 964 h/year. Beyond that, a work authorisation or status change is needed.
“It's automatic.”	FALSE — specific work authorisation required beyond the quota (DREETS — French regional employment authority).
“It's State-funded.”	NUANCED — funded by the OPCO (employer-funded training agency) via the apprenticeship tax paid by the company.

The two possible contracts

Apprenticeship contract

For under-30s (at signing)

Duration: 6 months to 3 years (= length of programme)
Salary: 27% to 78% of the French minimum wage (SMIC) depending on age and year
Status: apprentice, full employee rights
Contributions: retirement, health, unemployment
OPCO: 100% of the training is covered

Professional training contract

No age limit

Duration: fixed-term 6 to 24 months, or open-ended
Salary: 55% to 100% of the SMIC
Status: regular employee
Contributions: full
OPCO: training is covered

2026 indicative salary: for a BTS in work-study, a 22-year-old student in year 2 earns about €980 net/month. For a Master's, up to €1,400 net/month. Confirm exact amounts with your future employer.

Conditions for international students

EU / EEA / Swiss nationals

No specific formality. You access work-study under the same conditions as a French student. Skip to step 4.

Non-EU nationals — Year 1 of student visa

Your VLS-TS student visa allows up to 964 working hours per year (roughly 60% of a full-time job). An apprenticeship contract under 964 h is compatible. Beyond that, a work authorisation must be requested from the DREETS (Direction Régionale de l'Économie, de l'Emploi, du Travail et des Solidarités — French regional employment authority).

Non-EU nationals — Year 2+ renewal

You can request a change of status to employee residence permit, or keep the student permit with a temporary work authorisation. Enerlab Academy assists you with the DREETS procedure.

Find an employer

Our partner-employer network hires our work-study students year-round. Dedicated employment office, CV workshops, mock interviews. Average time to sign: 4 to 8 weeks after admission.

Administrative formalities

Contract (CERFA — French official administrative form), training agreement, work authorisation request if applicable. Enerlab Academy assembles the OPCO file. Everything is centralised by the apprenticeship office.

Concrete financial benefits

€0 in tuition

Your training is 100% funded by the OPCO via the employer's apprenticeship tax. No upfront payment, nothing out of pocket.

Monthly salary

From €460 (BTS, age 18, year 1) to €1,800 net (Master's, age 26, professional contract). Paid into your French bank account.

Housing assistance (CAF)

Stackable with the apprentice salary. APL or ALS depending on the type of housing, up to €200/month.

Mobility allowances

Driving licence support (€500), transport allowance (Navigo reimbursed 50%), equipment assistance.

International work-study FAQ

Can I sign an apprenticeship contract before getting my visa?

No. You must first obtain your VLS-TS student visa and start your studies before signing a work-study contract. Typical path: start your programme in September on a full-time basis, then switch to work-study in October–November.

Can my employer refuse because I am a foreign national?

Legally, no — unless the work authorisation is not granted (rare). In practice, some companies hesitate out of misinformation. Enerlab Academy provides an employer briefing explaining how simple the procedure is.

After my graduation, can I stay in France?

Yes. The Temporary Residence Permit (APS — Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) lets you stay 12 months (24 for Master's graduates) to look for a job. If you find a permanent or fixed-term contract paying at least 1.5 × SMIC, automatic switch to employee status.

How long does it usually take to find a work-study placement?

4 to 8 weeks after admission. Our apprenticeship office contacts you as soon as your admission is confirmed to start the search in parallel with the visa procedure.