France is a well-known study-abroad location for international students. With its number of high-ranking universities and multicultural environment, many students choose France each year to get their higher education. However, students need to work part-time to make ends meet. France provides numerous opportunities for students to work part-time while pursuing their studies, making it easier to manage expenses and gain valuable experience. So, let’s head over to the sections below to discover the five part-time jobs available for international students.
Ways to Work While Studying in France
Here are five practical ways for international students to work while studying in France:
1. Campus Services
Campus services jobs allow students to work within their university or institution, offering flexible hours and an environment tailored to support academic success. These roles include library assistance, where you can help organize resources, manage checkout, and assist students with research. Other options include administrative support, where you can work in various departments providing clerical support and handling student inquiries.
Several universities provide offer such opportunities. One of them includes the University of Strasbourg having a dedicated page for student jobs. You can check your university’s career service page or bulletin board for currently open job postings. Besides that, you can directly approach the administrative offices or specific departments for job openings.
2. Private Babysitting
Private babysitting jobs offer international students a rewarding way to earn money while studying. This option involves taking care of children, usually in the family’s home, and may include playing with them, helping with homework, or even teaching them a new language.
Babysitters in France can earn between €8 and €20 per hour, depending on the city, employer, and the nature of the duties. Language-focused babysitting or full-day care typically commands higher wages. Some agencies, such as Be My Nounou and Momji, provide pay rates starting from €13 per hour, along with benefits like health insurance and transportation allowances.
So, if you’re planning to apply for it, make sure you’re over 18 since most agencies follow this rule. Moreover, you must have some prior experience working with children and language proficiency in English since many families seek English-speaking babysitters to introduce their children to a second language.
3. Delivery Services
You can also work as a delivery rider in France as an international student. It involves delivering food, groceries, or other items through platforms like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, or Stuart. For this, a bicycle, scooter, or car is essential. You would also need a newer version of a smartphone to use the app provided by the delivery platform for receiving and managing orders. Lastly, a French bank account is necessary to receive the payments.
Many universities indirectly endorse these jobs by providing bike storage facilities in dormitories and flexible timetables. In cities with large student populations, such as Paris and Lyon, delivery work is particularly ideal due to the high demand for services and well-established delivery networks that cater to both residents and students. You can expect to get paid around €8–€15 per hour, depending on the city, the number of deliveries, and peak-time bonuses.
4. Retail Work in Local Stores
Retail work in local stores offers international students an accessible way to earn income while integrating into the French community. Roles include positions like cashier, sales associate, or stock handler. These jobs are popular due to their flexible hours and availability in supermarkets, clothing stores, and small boutiques, especially during busy periods like holidays or sales seasons.
The best part about this part-time job is that you can work according to your schedule, even on weekends or evenings. For customer-facing roles, you must have basic proficiency in French. Besides that, retail jobs require excellent communication and customer service skills. You can explore websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and StudentJob that list part-time retail opportunities. Also, asking in local stores or leveraging university career services is another good option.
5. Event Assistance Roles
Event assistance roles are an exciting opportunity to earn income while gaining firsthand experience in the events industry. These jobs typically involve working in conferences, trade fairs, exhibitions, concerts, weddings, or cultural festivals. Responsibilities may include logistical support, guest management, setting up venues, or handling registrations. The nature of the work is often dynamic, providing students with exposure to diverse professional environments.
You can search for these types of jobs on Indeed and StudentJob. Also, it is recommended to take a look at staffing agencies like Adecco and Randstad that hire temporary workers for events. These jobs generally pay between €10 and €15 per hour, depending on the complexity of the role, event type, and location. In cities like Paris or Lyon, high-profile events may offer premium pay rates, sometimes reaching €20 per hour during peak demand seasons.
FAQs: Working While Studying in France
Is There a Work-Study Program in France?
Yes, France offers work-study programs, also known as “alternance.” These programs combine academic learning with professional experience, allowing students to alternate between classroom study and working in a company. They are available at various educational levels, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and are designed to enhance employability by providing practical skills. For instance, students at the University of Savory Mont Blanc offer more than 80 alternance courses across various fields, including business, engineering, and social sciences. These programs are available for diploma levels ranging from bachelor’s (BAC+3) to master’s (BAC+5).
Can You Work in France While on A Student Visa?
Yes, international students in France on a valid student visa can work part-time. French law permits students to work up to 964 hours annually (approximately 20 hours per week) while studying. This allows students to cover some living expenses without jeopardizing their academic focus. Moreover, it’s important to ensure the employer complies with French labor laws.
What are the Benefits of Working While Studying In France?
Working while studying in France provides significant advantages. First, it offers financial support, allowing students to cover essential expenses like rent, food, and transportation. Part-time jobs typically pay between €10 and €15 per hour, and with an annual limit of 964 working hours, students can earn up to €15,000 per year. This additional income helps ease financial stress while living abroad. Additionally, it enhances personal and professional development. Students gain valuable work experience, improve their French language skills, and build local networks. These experiences not only enrich their academic journey but also boost employability after graduation.
Working while studying in France offers international students a unique chance to manage expenses and gain valuable experience. From on-campus jobs to roles in babysitting, delivery services, retail, and event assistance, students can explore flexible opportunities that fit their schedules and interests. These part-time jobs not only provide financial support but also help build essential skills and professional networks, enhancing future career prospects.
Hopefully, you make use of this article as you plan your study in France. Read more articles on our Study in France for more tips and scholarship opportunities. If you are still unsure of what course to take, our Available Programs have several study options you can enroll in.
