What international students should know about the French Internship Agreement
If you are planning to complete an internship in France, one of the most important documents you will encounter is the convention de stage.
Whether you are an Erasmus participant or an international student, from Europe or outside Europe, looking for work experience in France, understanding this internship agreement is essential before starting your placement.
In this article, we explain:
- What is a Convention de Stage,
- Why it is mandatory in France,
- Who must sign it,
- How a Convention de Stage works for international students,
- What paperwork is required before starting an internship in France.
What is a convention de stage?
A Convention de Stage is the official French internship tripartite agreement signed between:
- the student,
- the host company or organisation,
- the educational institution where the student is currently studying.
In France, but also in most EU countries, internships are highly regulated. A student cannot legally complete an internship without this agreement. The Convention de Stage defines:
- the internship objectives,
- the duration,
- the tasks and responsibilities,
- the supervision,
- the insurance coverage,
- the financial compensation if applicable.
The Convention de Stage system exists to protect both students and employers while ensuring that internships remain part of an educational programme rather than disguised employment.
Is a convention de stage mandatory in France?
Yes. In all cases, a mandatory internship agreement in France is required.
According to French law, an internship must take place within the framework of an academic or training programme and be covered by a signed tripartite Convention de Stage.
Without this agreement:
- the internship is generally not legal,
- the student may not be insured,
- the host company may face legal risks.
This is one of the main differences between internships in France and internships in countries where informal arrangements are more common.
Who signs the convention de stage?
The French internship agreement is usually signed by three to four parties:
- the student,
- the host company,
- the educational institution and/or the academic supervisor.
In practice, the university or school generally prepares the document and sends it to the company, or the organisation arranging the internship, and student for signature.
The agreement establishes:
- internship dates,
- working hours,
- internship objectives,
- role and tasks of the intern,
- compensation conditions,
- and social protection details.
Do I need a convention de stage in France?
If you are completing an internship as part of your studies, the answer is always yes.
This applies to:
- French students,
- Erasmus students,
- EU students,
- all international students coming to France for internships.
Even unpaid internships require a French internship agreement.
Many companies in France will refuse internship applications if the student cannot provide a valid Convention de Stage because it is considered essential internship paperwork in France.
Can I do an Internship in France without a convention de stage?
No.
French law does not allow companies to use internships as substitutes for regular jobs. A Convention de Stage is required to prove that:
- the internship has an educational purpose,
- the student is enrolled in a recognized institution,
- the internship is supervised academically.
This means that recent graduates who are no longer enrolled in a university often struggle to obtain an internship contract in France because they no longer have access to a university-issued internship agreement.
Many online discussions from international students confirm this difficulty, especially after graduation.
Convention de stage for International Students
International students can absolutely complete internships in France, but additional administrative requirements may apply.
For non-EU students, the Convention de Stage often plays a crucial role in:
- visa applications,
- residence permits,
- internship authorization procedures.
French immigration regulations specifically mention the Convention de Stage as an essential legal document for foreign students undertaking internships in France.
Some important points for international students:
- the agreement may need to be bilingual,
- it may require approval before the internship starts,
- processing times can be long.
Students frequently report delays and confusion regarding paperwork and institutional signatures.
School or University Internship Agreement
Most (vocational) schools and universities have their own internship agreement templates.
These templates usually include:
- internship objectives,
- academic context,
- evaluation methods,
- insurance clauses,
- and legal obligations.
In most cases:
- the university or school creates the document,
- the host company validates it,
- the student signs it last.
Internship compensation in France
A Convention de Stage is not technically an employment contract.
However, if the internship lasts more than two consecutive months (309 hours of effective work immersion), the company must generally provide financial compensation called a “gratification” in French.
The minimum amount is regulated by French law and updated regularly.
It is important to note that:
- interns are not considered employees,
- but they still benefit from certain protections and rights.
Erasmus Internship Agreement France
Students participating in Erasmus internship programmes in France also need a Convention de Stage.
In Erasmus cases, the internship agreement may involve:
- the home school or university,
- the French host company,
- the Erasmus coordination office(s).
The process is often easier because schools and universities are already familiar with European internship mobility systems.
Common challenges students Face
Many international students encounter difficulties such as:
- universities refusing to sign after graduation,
- delays in obtaining signatures,
- uncertainty about insurance coverage,
- or confusion between internship agreements and employment contracts.
Online discussions show that students frequently struggle to understand whether their home institution can issue a valid French internship agreement.
Because of this, it is highly recommended to:
- start the paperwork early (minimum 3-6 months prior the start of the internship),
- confirm requirements with your school or university,
- verify visa obligations well in advance.
As a summary…
The Convention de Stage is one of the most important documents for completing an internship in France.
Although the process may initially seem administrative or complex, the purpose of the agreement is to:
- protect students,
- regulate internships,
- ensure that internships remain educational experiences rather than unofficial employment.
For international students, understanding the French internship agreement process early can save significant time and avoid administrative complications later.
If you are planning an internship in France, your first step should always be confirming whether your school or university can provide a valid Convention de Stage.
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