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Home / Student Visas and Part-Time Work in France: What You Need to Know
Jan 17, 2025
France has yet again triumphed in the Times Higher Education 2025 global ranking, with 50 French institutions making it to the top universities in the world. These excellent rankings solidify France's reputation as an ideal destination for higher studies and also highlight the country's educational standards. So, how do international students desiring to be a part of these reputed institutions achieve their French dream?
As it is, living and studying in a foreign country is a challenging endeavour. From financial struggles to language and cultural barriers, one has to have a sound preparation. Not forgetting the most crucial part, the only ticket that will grant you entrance to your dream destination—student visas.
Are you also envisioning a career journey where one of the top French institutions is your success launchpad? You may perhaps hunger for more information about France, from how to go about fixing yourself a visa to muddling through educational and living expenses. Let's break it down for your easy processing here in this article.
We shall go into detailed information of the kinds of visas available for students in the process of acquiring one. You will also be delighted to learn about living a decent life in France while you continue your higher educational dreams. Part-time job opportunities for international students can be just the right solution to your financial constraints. Let's buckle you up with the vital information and knowledge you need to embark on your study abroad in France.
France is one of the most popular destinations for study-abroad plans and will undoubtedly continue to reign in the future, given its educational standard, world-class gastronomy, and rich culture. The only ticket to enter this beautiful country is through a visa, whether a student or professional. Understanding the process of getting a visa approved is the number one thing a student must do. France grants visas to international students based on their nationality. So, first things first, get in touch with the French embassy/consulate in your local region.
France lays out certain conditions for international students to apply for a student visa. They are:
Your local French consulate and the institution you select will offer ample support and guidance.
Students coming to France for a short educational course lasting no longer than three months are issued a short-stay visa. Short-stay visas are also issued for purposes like business trips and meetings, tourism, family visits, etc. Individuals coming to France for short-term training, internships, and conferences lasting no more than 90 days are issued this type of visa.
Students coming to study in France for programmes exceeding three or six months are also issued a temporary long-stay Visa. This type of Visa does not require further formalities upon arrival.
Students coming to France for long-duration studies (exceeding six months) are issued a long-stay visa, which is also the equivalent of a residence permit. This type of VISA requires further formalities upon the student's arrival in France.
This long-stay visa is applicable for staying in France for a period exceeding 90 days. The duration of the long-stay visa is between three months to one year. The student must apply for a residence permit if they intend to stay beyond the VISA stay period validity. The application for a residence permit may be made at a prefecture.
The long-stay visa is also equivalent to a Schengen visa, which means that students can travel around and stay in the Schengen Areas for the same period ( not exceeding 90 days) under similar conditions as a Schengen visa.
The rates and cost may, however, vary depending on the student's nationality. You are advised to check with your local consulate for visa pricing.
The French Consular in your country may require you to submit varying documents based on your nationality. The following are the basic documents applicants must submit
Visas are granted at the sole discretion of the French Consular Authorities. The required documents are as follows:
The steps and procedures for applying for a student visa will vary depending on the student's nationality.
1. Getting your files ready: The first step is to keep all your documents ready. Seek help from people who have prior experience. Scan your documents to upload when you register online and make copies of the documents. Preparing your paperwork is crucial and must be carried out meticulously to ensure you have all the required documents for a successful application.
2. Online Application: Create an account for your France-VISA (this account will be in use until you get your VISA). You will be required to submit other documents like your academic records, SOP (Statement of Purpose), language proficiency, and CV.
3. Appointment with the French Consular: An appointment will be scheduled to visit the French consular in your city. Applicants will register their biometric data during this visit. Therefore, applicants have to visit the consular in person.
The duration for processing the visa application typically takes up to 15–30 working days. The processing time is however dependent upon the applicant's travel history, number of entries, validity, and the number of applications. It is wiser to apply for your visa well in advance.
Students entering France with a long-stay visa and intending to stay in France for a long duration must validate their long-stay visa upon their arrival in France at the official website of the General Directorate for Foreigners in France (Foreigners in France). Validating your visa upon arrival is a quick and straightforward process and will give you legal resident status.
For your stay beyond the validity period, students must apply for a residence permit at the prefecture of their place of residence two months before the expiry of the visa validity.
Part-time jobs are a popular option among international students to manage their finances while living in France. Every international student is entitled to work part-time while living in France. However, there are established rules to it. Let us dig further into the rules and norms of working part-time jobs in France as an international student.
The French government grants 964 working hours a year to every international student with a valid visa. Every international student, regardless of nationality, can work part-time during their stay in France to supplement their finances.
They can work off-campus and make an income. The French law guarantees a minimum wage of €11.65 and with a mandatory social security contribution deduction of 20%, a student earns about €9.22 per hour. By working 10 hours a week, a student can earn a minimum wage of €92 net approx. Job opportunities are available in various areas like cafes, art galleries, museums, retail, restaurants, and many more.
There are opportunities for international students to work inside the campus or at their host institution/university. The job may range from tutoring to cultural events, sporting events, support for students with disabilities, etc. The jobs at the university are usually scheduled around class hours. Thus, working hours for students in the university are limited to 670 hours between September to June and not exceeding 300 hours between July and August.
The French law mandates everyone who works in the country make their social security contribution. This entails that international students with a valid visa working in France must pay the standard amount from their earnings. A deduction of 20% of their salary must be paid towards the social security mandate.
An international student working 10 hours weekly can make an income of €92 every week after the necessary social security deduction and about €8.884 for working the full 964 hours permitted by French law.
Several degree programs in France require students to undertake internships, and international students are also subject to the same mandates. For such instances, students must obtain an agreement signed and attested by both the host institution and the organisation offering the internship.
While not all internship opportunities come with a pay option, internships that span for more than two months are liable for a compensation of €650 per month to the students. This comes as a good opportunity for international students to make extra money while studying. Internships that are a mandatory part of a program will not be counted towards the standard 964-hour work permit.
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