International work-study students in France: What are the requirements?

• Work-study programs take different forms, such as apprenticeship contracts and professionalization contracts, which differ in terms of remuneration and an age limit of 30 years old.
• Non-French students who are nationals of the EU or EEA can pursue a work-study program in France without any conditions.
• International students who are not nationals of the EU or EEA must have completed at least one year of initial training in France.
• There are several key steps that international students must follow to secure an apprenticeship or professionalization contract.
• Obtaining a work permit for international students in work-study programs must be handled through the DREETS.
• Obtaining a residence permit as an international work-study student requires completing several steps with the Prefecture.

Every year, students from all over the world arrive in France, whether through Erasmus, student exchanges, or other types of study abroad programs. In fact, the country was ranked the 6th most popular destination for international students by UNESCO in 2020. According to the Ministry of Higher Education, they accounted for 11% of higher education students in France in 2021/2022. However, while they are free to come and study in France and access the training programs offered, international students must meet specific requirements. This is particularly true for those who wish to pursue a work-study program in France. While work-study is theoretically open to them, it is subject to certain conditions that are not always easy to navigate. Several questions often arise regarding this situation: What residence permit is needed? Do international students have access to work-study programs? Here is a focus on the required conditions.

Work-study programs take different forms, such as apprenticeship contracts and professionalization contracts, which differ in terms of remuneration and an age limit of 30 years old.

First of all, what is a work-study program? It is a training system widely used in France, based on an alternating schedule between a practical phase (in a company) and a theoretical phase (in a training center), according to the definition provided by the Ministry of Labor, Full Employment and Integration. According to Law No. 2009-1437, it is open to all young Europeans and international students. In reality, there are two different types of work-study programs, two types of contracts that cater to different audiences.

On one hand, there is the apprenticeship contract. It allows students to prepare for a professional qualification recognized by the RNCP or a state diploma. Note the age limit for apprenticeship contracts, as they are intended for students under 30, generally between 16 and 29 years old. Furthermore, as of 2023, companies hiring under an apprenticeship contract benefit from a new hiring subsidy of €6,000.

On the other hand, there is the professionalization contract. This also allows students to prepare for professional titles or diplomas (such as a CAP, a professional license, etc.) and is intended for young people aged 16 to 25, as well as job seekers aged 26 and over. Work-study after 30 is therefore possible! Companies hiring under a professionalization contract can benefit from hiring subsidies ranging from €2,000 to €8,000, depending on the status of the person hired.

Non-French students who are nationals of the EU or EEA can pursue a work-study program in France without any conditions.

While work-study programs are open to all international students, there are fewer constraints and conditions for those from the European Union or the European Economic Area. By virtue of this status, students benefit from the free movement of workers: once their work-study contract is signed, they simply need to provide a valid identity document (a valid national ID card or passport) and a social security number. They do not need a work permit. This also applies to Swiss students. Consequently, this category of non-French students can pursue a work-study program without having spent 12 months in France.

International students who are not nationals of the EU or EEA must have completed at least one year of initial training in France.

If a non-French student is not a national of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, they must meet some additional conditions. They can pursue a work-study program in France if they are in a regular legal status within the country. To do this, they must hold a valid residence permit for the entire duration of their work-study program that allows them to work without hourly restrictions, as well as a temporary work permit (APT). They will therefore need to complete additional administrative procedures. Furthermore, in this case, non-European international students are not immediately eligible for work-study: to be eligible, the student must be able to prove that they have already completed one year of training in France (Decree No. 2021-360 of March 31, 2021, regarding the employment of foreign employees - Art. R. 5221-7). For example, a student from Morocco, Tunisia, Cameroon, or Senegal can absolutely pursue a work-study program in France once they can prove they have been in the country for one year. This is the case for Khouloud Mila, a Tunisian student at the KLIMA School who completed the Master 2 Business & Transition Climat, which is dedicated to the energy and climate transition of companies and organizations.

"I am doing my M2 work-study program with KLIMA School at Nexity in the low-carbon division after a year of studies in France" - Khouloud Mila - KLIMA School student.

Exceptions to these conditions: Among international students who are not nationals of the European Union, Switzerland, or the European Economic Area, some are exempt from these additional constraints. This is particularly the case for foreign nationals holding a "Private and Family Life" residence permit and for minor international students (under 18). Foreign nationals holding a "Private and Family Life" residence permit: If the student holds a "Private and Family Life" residence permit, they can access work-study programs without conditions: they do not need to obtain an APT, nor are they required to have completed a year of training in France beforehand. Minor international students: Minor international students residing in France are also exempt from the conditions mentioned above. They can enroll in a work-study program in France without additional requirements. They do not need to obtain an APT or have already completed a year of training in France.

To secure an apprenticeship or professionalization contract as an international student, you must follow these steps:

- Sign an employment contract with your employer: The training program can only be validated once the contract is signed. However, you may begin working up to 3 months before the training starts or up to 1 month after classes begin at a specialized school like KLIMA School, provided it is an apprenticeship contract. For example, at KLIMA School, apprenticeship contracts often begin on September 1st, while the academic year starts a month later. For professionalization contracts, you may start working up to 1 month before the academic year begins, but you are not permitted to start after classes have commenced.

- Apply for a Provisional Work Authorization (APT) CERFA No. 15186*03 from the Ministry of the Interior. - Obtain a certificate of enrollment from KLIMA School or the institution where you completed your first year. - Apply for or renew your residence permit.

Obtaining a work permit for international students in work-study programs must be handled through the DREETS.

To engage in paid work as an international student, you must apply for work authorization. Your employer must submit this application online to the DREETS (Regional Directorate for the Economy, Employment, Labor, and Solidarity). The office serving the area near KLIMA School is located on Rue des Bouvets in Nanterre. You will need to provide the following documents for the provisional work authorization application: - Valid ID. - Valid residence permit with "student" status. - Proof of enrollment in a higher education institution. - Work-study contract. - CERFA form duly completed by the employer.

Obtaining a residence permit as an international work-study student involves several steps with the Prefecture:

Eligibility for a residence permit depends on the student's age. Minors wishing to pursue a work-study program do not require a residence permit. However, for adult students, a residence permit is mandatory. There are various types of residence permits, several of which allow for work-study employment. For further information, it is recommended to contact your local prefecture, such as the Hauts-de-Seine Prefecture or the Île-de-France Prefecture.