Erasmus+ Mobility Programme: Internships in France for EU Students

Erasmus+ Mobility Programme: Internships in France for EU Students.

What you should know.

Are you an EU student looking for a valuable work experience in France?                                                          An internship in France through the Erasmus+ Mobility Programme is one of the best opportunities to enrich your personal, cultural, linguistic, and professional experience.

France offers a dynamic working environment, a world-renowned cultural heritage, and excellent career opportunities across a wide range of sectors. But before taking the leap, many students find themselves asking:

• What is the Erasmus+ Mobility Programme?

• How does the Erasmus+ internship programme work?

• Do I need to speak French?

• What are the requirements to do an internship in France?

• What is a Convention de Stage (internship agreement)?

• Which EU countries participate in the Erasmus+ Mobility programme?

In this article, we share practical tips and recommendations to help you understand what you need to know before starting your Erasmus+ internship journey in France.

What is the Erasmus+ Mobility Programme?

The Erasmus+ Mobility programme is a European Union initiative designed to support education, training, and professional development across Europe. It allows students enrolled in higher education or vocational institutions to study or complete an internship abroad.

One of the most popular options is the Erasmus+ internship mobility programme, which enables students to gain hands-on professional experience in a company located in another EU country, such as France.

The programme supports:

• Academic development

• Professional training

• Cultural immersion

• Language improvement

Students benefit not only from practical experience but also from financial support through Erasmus+ grants, depending on their home academic institution.

How does the Erasmus+ internship programme work?

The Erasmus internship process is usually organised in collaboration with your academic institution. Here are the main steps:

• Apply through your school or university

• You must first contact your Erasmus office or international coordinator or professor/mentor. They will guide you through eligibility criteria and application procedures.

• Secure an internship placement. You can either find an internship independently or through a placement agency. The internship must generally be relevant to your field of study.

• Sign an Internship Agreement. An Internship Agreement is a mandatory tripartite document signed by yourself (the student), your school or university, and the host company in France.

This document defines your tasks, objectives, supervision, and other relevant information about the internship such as duration, schedule, paid or unpaid, etc.

Receiving financial support

Most students receive an Erasmus+ grant to help cover living expenses during their internship abroad.

Erasmus+ Internship grant. How much financial support can you receive?

EU students participating in an Erasmus+ internship (traineeship mobility) can receive a monthly grant from the European Union to help cover part of their living costs while abroad.

Please note, this is a contribution, not a salary or full scholarship. It aims to support expenses such as accommodation, food, transport, and daily living costs.

Approximate monthly Erasmus+ grant amounts

The amount varies depending on the host country and cost of living. France is considered a higher-cost country (Group 1).

For internships in France, you may expect around 500€ to 700€ per month.

Most recent EU-funded ranges show:

• 500 - 550€/month (common institutional rate) up to 580€/month in some universities/programmes,

• Up to 660 - 710€/month in some cases (traineeships), depending on the institution.

Typical Erasmus+ grant structure

Group 1 (higher cost countries)

Includes France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.
Approximately 500 - 700€/month

Group 2 (medium cost countries)

Approximately 450 - 600€/month

Group 3 (lower cost countries)

Approximately 400 - 550€/month

Extra financial support

In addition to the monthly grant, students may also receive:

1. Travel support

Depending on distance: from 250 to 800€+ as a one-off contribution (higher if using sustainable “green travel”

2. Inclusion top-up

Students with fewer opportunities may receive + 250€ per month extra

The grant is not automatic for everyone !

The amount depends on:
• your university
• the destination country
• the available EU budget

It usually does not cover all living expenses, and students must often contribute personal savings. If you ask your academic supervisor or professor, they should be able to guide you on these important points.

Think of the Erasmus+ grant as a monthly financial support from the EU that helps you reduce the cost of living while doing your internship abroad, but does not fully pay for your stay.

Can students receive an EU grant and a gratification from the host company?

Yes, absolutely. Students can receive both an Erasmus+ grant and a gratification from the host company.

The Erasmus+ grant is a form of financial support provided by the European Union, while the gratification is a compensation paid by the host company.

In France, the gratification becomes mandatory only if the internship exceeds 309 hours (approximately 2 months).

There is no conflict, no deduction, and no exclusivity between the two.

Example
An EU student doing an internship in France could receive:
• 600€/month (Erasmus+ grant),
• 600 - 800€/month (internship gratification, depending on the number of hours worked).

Working conditions for interns in France

Understanding the legal framework is essential before starting your internship in France.

Working hours

The legal working time in France is 35 hours per week. However, in sectors such as hospitality, you may be required to work additional hours, up to 39 hours per week. This should be discussed prior to the start of your internship and clearly stated in your Convention de Stage.

Interns generally follow the same schedule as employees in the company, although some flexibility may apply.

Internship duration and minimum gratification

Internships in France are regulated by law. One key rule concerns the minimum gratification (internship allowance).

If your internship lasts more than 2 months (i.e. more than 309 hours), the company is legally required to pay you.

As of 2026, the minimum legal gratification is 4.50€ per hour. This corresponds to approximately 650€ to 750€ per month, depending on working hours.

This is a minimum and some companies may offer more. Shorter internships (under 2 months / 309 hours) are usually unpaid.

Do I need to speak French?

It is rare to find an internship in France without speaking French. A good command of the language can make a significant difference to your overall experience and success.

In many sectors, French is essential for daily communication with colleagues, clients, and managers. Even in more international environments, speaking French demonstrates motivation, adaptability, and respect for the local culture. These qualities are highly valued by French employers.

Depending on the sector and the type of position offered, a working level of French (A2+, B1 or higher) will help you integrate into the workplace, understand instructions, and handle everyday situations such as meetings, emails, or informal conversations with your team.

Beyond the professional aspect, speaking French will also greatly enhance your personal experience. It allows you to interact more easily with locals, navigate daily life with confidence, and fully immerse yourself in French culture.

In short, a good level of French is a strong advantage that can open more opportunities and make your work experience in France smoother and more rewarding.

What is a Convention de Stage (internship agreement)?
It's an official tripartite agreement required in France for any internship. It's a legally binding document that must be signed by three parties: the student, the university/educational institution, and the host company in France. Without this document, an internship is not legal in France, and the visa cannot be granted.
The Convention de Stage generally includes the following information:

• the name, address, logo, and contact details of the school or university, as well as the name and contact details of the student’s mentor/supervisor/professor

• the internship start and end dates

• the working hours, schedule, and whether the internship is paid or unpaid

• the description of tasks and responsibilities

• the purpose and learning objectives

• the details of supervision (mentor/tutor at the French host company)

• the student insurance coverage (mandatory)

• the terms for termination of the internship

Without this agreement, the internship is not valid in France.

Which EU countries fully participate in the Erasmus+ Mobility programme?

Here is a complete list:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany

Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy. Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal

Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.

Non-EU countries but fully included. Students from the following countries can also study abroad, do internships, receive Erasmus funding

Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Turkey, North Macedonia, Serbia.

The students use the same mobility rules and funding structure, and participate in education and training exchanges like EU countries. In most cases, students from these countries have the same rights as EU students.

Is France a good destination for your Erasmus+ internship ?

France remains one of Europe’s top destinations for students participating in the Erasmus+ Programme and for good reason.

Diverse internship opportunities across multiple sectors

France offers a wide range of internship opportunities in sectors such as hospitality and tourism, business and marketing, digital communication and media, languages and education, engineering, commerce, banking, insurance, agriculture, as well as food, wine, and spirits.

A truly international environment

Many French companies operate on a global scale, giving you valuable exposure to international business practices and multicultural teams.

A strong language advantage

A decent level of French can greatly enhance your daily experience and significantly boost your employability in an international context.

A unique cultural experience

Living in France means immersing yourself in a world-renowned culture from its rich heritage and gastronomy to its lifestyle and way of life.

Some important and practical tips to succeed in your Erasmus+ internship

Improve your French level

Even if English is used in most companies, having a decent level in French (A2/B1 or higher) will help you integrate faster, and increase your chances of finding a placement.

Start your search early

Administrative procedures and internship searches can take time. Ideally, start 3 to 6 months in advance.

Prepare essential documents

Make sure you have a professional CV, a tailored cover letter, your Internship Agreement (Convention de Stage), a valid ID and insurance.

Budget your stay

Even with an Erasmus grant, plan for accommodation costs, transport, daily expenses (mobile phone, etc.)

Consider using a placement agency

Working with a specialised agency can simplify the process, save time, secure a reliable internship, and provide local support.

A little recap and some FAQs…

What is Erasmus+ Mobility programme?

It is a European Union initiative that supports students in studying or completing internships abroad.

The Erasmus+ Programme was officially launched in January 2014. It replaced and merged several previous EU programmes, including Erasmus Programme (created in 1987), Leonardo da Vinci, Comenius, and Grundtvig.

The idea was to create one single, unified programme for education, training, youth, and sport.

Erasmus+ ran from 2014 to 2020. It was then renewed for 2021–2027, with a larger budget and expanded opportunities

How does Erasmus internship work?

Students apply through their school or university, secure an internship, sign an Internship agreement, and complete a supervised placement abroad, often with financial support.

What are the advantages of an Erasmus+ internship in France?

It’s a unique opportunity for EU students to gain international work experience, develop new skills, and immerse themselves in the French culture.

With structured support from the Erasmus+ internship mobility programme, clear legal frameworks, and access to a wide range of industries, France remains one of the most attractive destinations in Europe.

With the right preparation, a working level of French (A2–B1 or higher), and a clear understanding of the practical aspects of work experience in France, you can make the most of this rewarding experience and strengthen your future career opportunities.

If you are an EU student looking for an internship in France, please contact France Internship today and let us take care of the process for you. We save you time and energy by offering personalised support and carefully matching you with the right host company.