France is a popular study-abroad destination for international students. With its range of high-ranking universities and multicultural environment, many students choose France for their higher education. Some students take part-time jobs to supplement their budgets, although Campus France advises that income from student employment should be treated as additional financial support rather than a way to cover all living expenses. Below are five types of part-time work that international students may consider while studying in France.
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 service jobs allow students to work within their university or educational institution. Depending on the position, duties may include helping library or administrative staff, welcoming students, providing tutoring or IT support, assisting students with disabilities, or supporting cultural and sporting activities.
Several universities offer these opportunities. For example, the University of Strasbourg has a dedicated student jobs page covering opportunities both on and off campus. Students can also check their university’s career service, alumni platform, or bulletin boards for current openings. The University of Strasbourg additionally recommends Jobaviz, the student employment platform operated by the Crous network, and the government-supported 1jeune1solution platform.
2. Private Babysitting
Private babysitting offers international students a way to earn money while studying. The work usually involves caring for children in the family’s home and may include playing with them, helping with homework, preparing simple meals, or introducing them to another language.
For salaried childcare performed in a private home, the hourly gross wage cannot be lower than the more favorable of the applicable collective-agreement minimum or France’s statutory minimum wage. As of June 1, 2026, the national minimum wage is €12.31 gross per hour. The agreed rate may be higher depending on the contract and responsibilities.
Agencies such as Be My Nounou and Momji advertise language-focused childcare positions. Be My Nounou recruits English-speaking or bilingual caregivers in Paris and the surrounding region, while Momji explicitly lists students and foreign students among its potential applicants and offers salaried employment contracts. Requirements vary by agency and position, so applicants should check the language, experience, reference, and age requirements stated in each job posting.
3. Delivery Services
Students may find salaried delivery positions with restaurants, supermarkets, courier companies, or logistics businesses. However, non-EU students holding only a French student residence permit should not assume that they can register as independent delivery riders.
Equipment requirements depend on the employer and the type of delivery work. A bicycle, scooter, driver’s license, insurance, smartphone, or safety equipment may be required for some roles. Salaried delivery workers must receive at least the applicable statutory or collective-agreement minimum wage; the national minimum wage has been €12.31 gross per hour.
4. Retail Work in Local Stores
Retail work in local stores offers international students a way to earn income while gaining experience in the French workplace. Available roles may include cashier, sales associate, shelf stocker, or stockroom assistant. Opportunities can be found in supermarkets, clothing stores, department stores, and small boutiques, particularly during holiday periods and seasonal sales.
Schedules depend on the employer, although some stores offer evening or weekend shifts that can fit around classes. Customer-facing positions often require enough French to communicate with customers and coworkers. Applicants may search for part-time positions through France Travail, Indeed France, and StudentJob. Asking about openings at local stores or using a university career service may also be helpful.
5. Event Assistance Roles
Event assistance roles can provide income and firsthand experience in the events industry. These jobs may involve conferences, trade fairs, exhibitions, concerts, weddings, sporting events, or cultural festivals. Responsibilities can include logistical support, guest assistance, venue setup, ticket checking, registration, or hospitality work.
Students can search for these positions through France Travail, Indeed France, and StudentJob. Temporary-employment agencies such as Adecco and Randstad also advertise temporary, fixed-term, and other employment opportunities. Salaried event workers must receive at least the applicable statutory or collective-agreement minimum. France’s national minimum wage is €12.31 gross per hour, although individual contracts, premiums, and collective agreements may provide higher compensation.
FAQs: Working While Studying in France
Is There a Work-Study Program in France?
Yes. France offers work-study arrangements known as alternance. Apprenticeship contracts and professionalization contracts combine academic or vocational instruction with paid employment in a company. Availability and eligibility depend on the program, qualification, age, immigration status, and type of contract.
For example, the University of Savoie Mont Blanc currently reports nearly 80 work-study programs serving approximately 1,750 work-study students. Its programs cover degree levels from bachelor’s through master’s degrees and fields including commerce, marketing, social sciences, engineering, construction, computer science, and tourism.
Non-EU students should check the immigration conditions before entering an alternance contract. Official guidance states that an apprenticeship contract generally requires the student to have lived in France for more than one year, although this waiting period does not apply to certain master’s-level programs. Different rules apply to professionalization contracts and employment beyond the standard student working-hour limit.
Can You Work in France While on A Student Visa?
Yes, in most cases. A non-EU student with a valid long-stay student visa serving as a residence permit, known as a VLS-TS, or a valid student residence card may undertake salaried employment for up to 964 hours per year. This represents 60% of France’s standard annual working time and averages approximately 20 hours per week when spread across the year.
The 12-month period begins when the residence card is issued or the VLS-TS is validated. The employer must also complete the required declaration to the relevant prefecture before employment begins. A student residence permit does not authorize self-employment or micro-entrepreneur status. Separate rules apply to Algerian nationals, students holding certain six-month visas, and students in some work-study arrangements, so applicants should check the current requirements on Service-Public.fr.
What are the Benefits of Working While Studying In France?
Working while studying in France can provide additional financial support and help students develop professional experience, improve their French language skills, and build local networks. However, part-time income should not be expected to cover all tuition and living expenses.
At the national minimum wage of €12.31 gross per hour, working the full general limit of 964 hours would produce approximately €11,867 in gross earnings before taxes and employee deductions. Actual income depends on the number of hours worked, the contractual wage, applicable collective agreements, and any premiums or benefits.
Working while studying in France offers international students an opportunity to supplement their budgets and gain valuable experience. From campus employment to babysitting, salaried delivery work, retail, and event assistance, students may find positions that fit their schedules and interests. These jobs can also help students develop transferable skills and professional connections.
Hopefully, this article will be useful as you plan your studies in France. Read more articles in our Study in France guide for additional tips and scholarship opportunities. If you are still unsure which course to take, our Available Programs for International Students!
