France Student Work Rights 2026
International students in France can work if they hold a VLS-TS Student Visa. After graduation, they may stay for up to 12 months to look for work or start a business.
With a VLS-TS Student Visa, international students are allowed to work part-time during their studies. They can work in various sectors and use that experience to support living costs and build skills while studying.
The work right is capped at 964 hours per year. That usually means around 20 hours per week during the academic year, with full-time work possible in holiday periods.
After completing their studies, graduates can switch to the APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour). This lets them stay in France for up to 12 months to seek employment or start a business.
The post-study stay is meant to give graduates time to use their education in the French job market. Students are expected to balance work with academic responsibilities while studying, and to network during their course if they want stronger prospects after graduation.
Questions about working & jobs in France
Can international students work in France while studying?
Yes. International students with a VLS-TS Student Visa are allowed to work part-time during their studies.
What work rights do students have during studies in France?
They can work up to 964 hours per year, usually around 20 hours per week in the academic year, and full-time in holiday periods.
What happens to work rights after graduation in France?
After completing their studies, graduates can move to the APS and stay in France for up to 12 months to seek employment or start a business.
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