Planning a work experience in France?
You may wonder “Are internships paid in France?”
If you are considering completing an internship in France, one of the first questions you may ask is:
“Are internships paid in France?”
The answer is sometimes yes, sometimes no but French law strictly regulates internship compensation.
France has one of the most structured internship systems in Europe. Unlike some countries where internships may be informal or poorly regulated, internships in France must follow clear legal rules, especially regarding duration, compensation, and student protection.
Whether you are an Erasmus participant, or an international student looking for professional experience in France, understanding how internship payments work is essential before accepting an offer.
In this guide, we explain:
- when internships are paid in France,
- the minimum legal internship compensation,
- unpaid internship rules,
- taxation and social contributions,
- and what international students should know before starting an internship in France.
Are internships paid in France?
Yes. Longer internships are paid, but shorter ones may not be.
However, internship compensation in France is not technically considered a salary. Instead, it is called a “Gratification de stage” (internship allowance or internship compensation)
Under French law, businesses and organisations are required to pay interns if the internship exceeds a certain duration.
When is an internship paid in France?
Internships become mandatory paid internships when:
- the internship lasts more than 2 consecutive months, or
- the intern has completed more than 309 hours during the academic year.
This rule applies to:
- French students,
- EU students,
- Erasmus students,
- international students
Like other members of staff, the intern’s gratification is usually paid monthly, at the end of the month or in the first few days of the following month.
If the internship duration is shorter than two months, payment is optional. Some companies choose to compensate interns voluntarily, especially in competitive sectors such as:
- finance,
- luxury,
- technology,
- consulting,
- international business.
How many hours can or should interns work in France?
Internship working hours in France are generally similar to standard employee working hours. In most companies, interns work around 35 hours per week, which is the legal full-time working week in France.
Interns are usually expected to follow the company’s normal schedule, including:
- daily working hours,
- lunch breaks,
- and internal workplace rules.
French law also protects interns regarding:
- maximum working time,
- rest periods,
- public holidays,
- and workplace conditions.
Although internships are educational experiences rather than employment contracts, the host company must still ensure that interns work in appropriate and reasonable conditions.
Part-time internships are also possible, especially for students combining academic courses and professional experience.
What is the minimum internship compensation in France?
The French government sets a minimum legal internship allowance that companies must respect.
The amount is updated regularly and is calculated based on hourly presence.
As of 1/01/2026, the minimum internship compensation in France is 4.50 € per hour. More about the Minimum Legal Gratification in France HERE
This generally represents approximately 650–700 € per month for full-time internships.
The exact amount may vary slightly depending on:
- yearly legal updates,
- collective agreements,
- and company policies.
Some large organisations in France sometimes pay more than the legal minimum, especially multinational firms located in:
- Paris,
- Lyon,
- Toulouse,
- Bordeaux,
- or major business districts.
Is internship compensation taxed in France?
In most cases, the internship “gratification” below the annual legal threshold is exempt from income tax in France.
This is beneficial for the student because they can receive compensation without paying substantial taxes while still benefiting from legal protections.
Interns are not considered full employees under French labor law, but they still benefit from:
- workplace protections,
- limited social security coverage,
- and regulated working conditions.
Are all internships paid in France?
No. Some internships remain unpaid, especially when:
- the duration is under two months,
- the internship is part-time.
However, even unpaid internships in France must still comply with legal requirements.
For example:
- the internship must remain educational,
- a Convention de Stage remains mandatory,
- the intern must receive supervision.
French law is designed to prevent host companies from replacing employees with unpaid interns.
Can international students receive paid internships in France?
Yes. International students can absolutely receive paid internships in France.
This applies to:
- EU students,
- Erasmus students,
- Non-EU international students.
In fact, many French companies actively seek international interns because:
- they bring language skills,
- international perspectives,
- cultural diversity.
However, international students should verify:
- visa conditions,
- internship authorisation rules,
- administrative paperwork at least 3 to 6 months before starting.
For non-EU students, the Convention de Stage often plays a critical role in obtaining legal authorisation to complete the internship.
Internship compensation vs employment salary
One important distinction in France is that an internship is not considered an employment contract.
Internship compensation is therefore:
- not a salary,
- not a traditional wage,
- not equivalent to full employment rights.
This explains why internship compensation levels may appear lower than entry-level salaries.
However, interns still benefit from certain protections regarding:
- working hours,
- workplace safety,
- harassment protection,
- supervision.
What expenses may be covered by French host companies?
In addition to internship compensation, some host companies may also provide benefits such as:
- meal vouchers (“tickets restaurant”),
- public transport reimbursement,
- company cafeterias,
- partial accommodation support,
- access to employee facilities.
In large French companies, interns are often integrated similarly to junior employees and may receive additional advantages beyond the legal minimum.
Which sectors pay the best internships in France?
Internship compensation varies considerably depending on the sector.
The highest-paying internships in France are often found in finance, engineering, consulting, luxury brands, data science, artificial intelligence, technology companies.
Large international firms may offer:
- monthly compensation above 1,000€
- housing support,
- additional bonuses.
By contrast, internships in NGOs, arts, culture, charities, and small associations may offer lower compensation or remain unpaid if legally permitted.
Can you live in France on an internship allowance?
This depends largely on:
- the city,
- the accommodation costs,
- the compensation amount.
Living in Paris on a minimum internship allowance can be difficult because rent prices are extremely high.
However, internships in smaller cities such as:
- Bordeaux,
- Lille,
- Nantes,
- Montpellier,
- Toulouse, etc.
may be much more financially manageable for students.
Many international students reduce costs by:
- sharing accommodation,
- applying for French housing assistance (CAF),
- using student residences.
Do Erasmus internships in France pay students?
Yes. Erasmus internship students may benefit from both an Erasmus mobility grant and internship compensation (“gratification de stage”) provided by the host company, depending on the conditions of their placement.
This combination can significantly improve financial conditions during the internship.
The exact Erasmus funding depends on:
- the sending university,
- the destination country,
- the duration of the placement.
Common misunderstandings about paid internships in France
Many international students mistakenly believe:
- all internships in France are paid,
- or that internships automatically lead to employment.
In reality:
- short internships may remain unpaid,
- internship compensation is legally different from a salary,
- employment after the internship is never guaranteed.
Another common issue is confusion between:
- internships (“stage”),
- apprenticeships (“alternance”),
- and employment contracts.
These are very different legal categories in France.
Why France regulates internships so strictly
France has a long tradition of strong labour rights and social protection for workers. Over time, French labour law has been designed to ensure fair treatment, prevent exploitation, and maintain a clear distinction between employment and training experiences.
Internships are therefore carefully regulated to make sure they remain primarily educational.
France has developed strong internship regulations to:
- protect students,
- avoid labor exploitation,
- maintain educational objectives,
- ensure proper supervision.
The Convention de Stage system plays a central role in this framework.
Internships in France are intended to remain:
- strictly educational experiences,
- professional learning opportunities,
- bridges between school or university and employment.
In summary…
Are internships paid in France?
The answer is often yes. Especially for internships lasting more than two months.
French law provides a structured legal framework designed to:
- protect interns,
- regulate compensation,
- prevent abusive internship practices.
For international students, France can offer valuable professional experience, cultural immersion, and access to high-quality internships across many industries.
However, before accepting an internship offer, students should always verify:
- whether compensation is included,
- if a Convention de Stage is required,
- visa conditions,
- the estimated living costs.