Working in France as an International Student: Everything You Need to Know

From part-time jobs to engineering internships, discover how you can combine study, work, and career growth in France.

For many international students, studying abroad is not only about earning a degree. Besides the academic achievements the decision entails, there is also the discovery of independence, the building of a career, and immersion in a new culture. At ESILV Engineering School, with one of its campuses located in the heart of Paris-La Défense, students find a unique balance between academic excellence and real-world experience.

Suppose you’re considering joining an Engineering School such as ESILV. In that case, you’ll be glad to know that France offers excellent opportunities for international students to work while studying, allowing you to gain valuable professional experience and cover some of your expenses in Paris.

Working while studying: finding the balance

Let’s be clear: as an international student in France, your top priority should be committing yourself fully to your academic pursuits. Given that you are immersing yourself in a new setting with a different cultural and academic context, it might be wise to devote your full attention to your studies. However, if you feel ready for it, balancing study and work abroad can be a rewarding challenge. For international students, part-time jobs or internships can make a real difference:

• Financial support – A few hours of paid work each week can help cover daily expenses such as housing, transportation, and leisure activities.
• Professional development – Any work experience, even outside your field, can build transferable skills that will enhance your CV.
• Integration into French life – Working helps you practice French, connect with locals, and understand the country’s workplace culture.

At ESILV, where every programme includes hands-on projects and company collaborations, you will have the opportunity to do internships that will provide you with vast experiences. This way, working while studying is a natural extension of your education. Many students discover that what they learn in class directly supports their work experience, and vice versa.

Understanding the rules: Working legally as an international student in France

France welcomes international students and allows them to work alongside their studies under specific conditions. These are carefully numbered by the French Government and they cover an array of different situations under which students can engage in professional activities in France.

Hold a student residence permit (most commonly the “VLS-TS étudiant” visa) and are enrolled full-time in a higher education institution. You can work up to 964 hours per year (about 20 hours per week), which corresponds to about 60% of a full-time job. This flexibility means you can take a part-time position during the academic year and possibly work more during the summer break.

Key points to remember:

• Your studies must remain your main activity.
• You are entitled to at least the French minimum wage (SMIC).
• The employer must declare your work to French authorities.

These rules apply to most international students, with slight variations depending on your nationality or visa type. The good news? It’s all designed to help you gain experience while ensuring your studies stay on track.

Where and how can you work as an ESILV student?

Paris and its metropolitan area, especially La Défense, Europe’s largest business district, offer a wealth of opportunities for students from every background. Knowing French is essential for a broader scope, but having strong proficiency in additional languages, such as English, makes international students highly valuable assets for global companies.

1. Part-time jobs in the city

If you’re comfortable with conversational French, you can explore part-time jobs in retail, cafés, restaurants, or customer service. Such roles typically require 15–20 hours per week and provide a great way to improve your language skills and integrate into everyday Parisian life. This is a great opportunity to practice and improve your language skills, as well as to have a different perspective of the country’s culture.

Since Paris is one of the most visited capitals of the world, France’s student job market is a vibrant one, which translates to opportunities being available year-round, particularly in specific sectors such as hospotality, retail, and restoration.

2. Internships

As an engineering student, your best professional experience often comes from internships that give you a taste of the French workplace. These placements are deeply embedded in the ESILV curriculum:

• Each academic programme includes at least one mandatory internship, connecting you with companies in your field.
• Students who have entered the 3rd year of the Grande Ecole Programme may be eligible for apprenticeship or professionalisation contracts during their specialisation studies, combining classroom learning with paid work in a company.

Thanks to ESILV’s close partnerships with major companies in finance, IT, digital engineering, and industry, finding relevant work experience is easier than you might think. Many students receive job offers directly from their internship employers after graduation.

After graduation: Turning experience into opportunity

Completing your studies in France opens even more doors. Once you graduate with a Master’s degree (or equivalent), you may apply for a temporary residence permit (Recherche d’emploi ou création d’entreprise)that allows you to stay in France for up to a year after you obtain your diploma and look for a job or start your own business. There’s also the Talent Passport permit (Passeport Talent) for highly skilled graduates, which is valid for up to 4 years.

By combining your ESILV degree with previous student job experience, you’ll be well-positioned to launch your engineering career in France or elsewhere in Europe.

Balancing work and study: Tips for success

While working part-time offers great benefits, managing your time is key. Here are a few tips from current ESILV students:

• Keep your priorities clear – Focus on your studies first; view your job as complementary.
• Plan your schedule – Allocate specific time blocks for classes, projects, and work.
• Choose jobs that align with your goals – Roles in tech support, engineering assistance, or tutoring can strengthen your CV.
• Use ESILV’s career resources – The school’s Career Center helps students find internships and navigate visa or work-related questions.
• Improve your French – Even a basic level can make a big difference when applying for part-time work.

Remember that part-time income usually supplements, rather than covers, all living expenses. But beyond the financial help, the skills and confidence you’ll gain are priceless.

ESILV: A supportive environment for working students

At ESILV, you’ll be surrounded by resources designed to help you succeed, academically, professionally, and personally. The Welcome Desk and the Career Centre guide students through visa requirements, job searches, and internship placements. Moreover, De Vinci Higher Education holds several Career Fairs each year, where students have the chance to meet and pitch themselves to corporate representatives from organisations seeking young talent.

Additionally, the campus location in La Défense also offers a unique advantage: just minutes from hundreds of multinational companies, startups, and research centers where many ESILV students begin their careers.

And, perhaps most importantly, you won’t be alone! ESILV’s international community brings together students from over 50 countries, all sharing the same goal: to study, work, and grow in one of the most inspiring cities in the world.

Ready to take the next step?

If you dream of studying in France, building global connections, and gaining real-world experience, ESILV Engineering School is the ideal place to start.

Learn more about ESILV programmes