Internship in France for international students

Non-EU students: what you need to know before applying

An internship in France for international students is both extremely valuable and a unique opportunity, as the country remains one of the top destinations for gaining high-quality professional experience. Its rich professional and cultural environment makes it particularly appealing to students from around the world. However, if you're a non-EU student, you must meet specific requirements. From visa regulations to age considerations and financial obligations, careful preparation is essential to successfully secure your internship in France.

Here are some guideline for non-EU students seeking and internship in France

What are the visa requirements for non-EU interns ?

First, apart from a few exceptions, most international students, regardless of their country of origin, can apply for and undertake an internship in France. However, there are some important requirements and restrictions to be aware of.

Non-EU students cannot legally undertake an internship in France without a visa. The type of visa required depends on the duration of the internship:

• Up to 90 days: you need a short-stay visa (Schengen visa)

• More than 90 days: you need a long-stay visa (VLS-TS internship visa)

If you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country (e.g. USA, Canada, Australia, etc.), you may enter France without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days) but for an internship, you still need specific authorisation or must meet certain conditions.

Key requirements for both types include:

• Enrollment in a recognised school or university in your country

• A valid Convention de Stage (internship agreement) from your institution.

• Proof of sufficient funds (approx. 615€/month).

• A health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.

• A return ticket or proof of onward travel.

Your internship must have a clear educational purpose otherwise, the French authorities may reject your application if the internship appears unrelated to your studies.

Convention de stage: what is it?

A Convention de stage (internship agreement), is an official tripartite agreement required in France for any internship. Your mentor/coordinator at your school or university should be familiar with this formal, legally binding document, which must be signed by three parties: yourself (the student), your university/educational institution, and the host company. Without this document, an internship is not legal in France.

The Convention de Stage generally includes the following information:

• the internship start and end dates

• the working hours and schedule

• the description of tasks and responsibilities

• the learning objectives

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

• whether the intern receives a gratification (minimum pay if over 2 months)

• insurance coverage

• terms for termination of the internship

Age considerations for non-EU students

Is there an age limit for internships in France ?

• Legally, there is no upper age limit for non-EU students. French immigration law does not prohibit older students from participating.

• Practically, visa officers assess whether you are a “genuine student” and if your internship aligns with your academic trajectory.

• Younger students (18–30) typically encounter no issues, but older candidates may need to provide additional justification, particularly if changing careers or pursuing further education later in life.

Choosing the right internship

French authorities evaluate the relevance of the internship to your studies. To improve your chances of visa approval:

• Academic alignment: your internship should be an integral part of your studies or professional/career development.

• Host company credibility: select recognised companies that can provide a valid Convention de Stage.

• Structured learning: the internship should offer real training opportunities, not just observation or unpaid work without educational value.

Financial and administrative requirements

Non-EU interns must prove financial self-sufficiency during their stay in France:

• Monthly budget: around 615€ per month to cover accommodation, food, and local transport.

• Accommodation: you should have a clear plan, whether through the host company, placement agency, or private arrangements.

• Insurance: mandatory coverage for health and accidents for the full internship period.

Will I receive a salary or a gratification you may ask?

In France, interns may receive a financial contribution known as a “gratification de stage”. This is not considered a salary in the traditional sense, but rather a mandatory stipend paid to interns under specific legal conditions.

When is the internship gratification mandatory?

In most cases, a company must pay a gratification when the internship duration exceeds 2 months (i.e. 44 working days or 309 hours), whether the internship is continuous or spread over a longer period within the same academic year. For internships shorter than this threshold, payment is optional and depends on the host organisation’s policy.

What's the minimum legal amount ?

As of 1 January 2026, the minimum legal internship gratification in France is set at 4.50€ per hour. Employers are free to pay more than this legal minimum, and many companies, particularly in sectors such as hospitality, luxury, and corporate services, may offer higher compensation depending on the role and location.

How is it calculated ?

The gratification is calculated based on actual hours worked. For a full-time internship of 35 hours per week (the standard legal workweek in France), the monthly amount is generally around 680€ per month, depending on the number of working days in the month.

Payment conditions

The gratification is usually:

• Paid monthly

• Based on actual attendance hours

• Defined in the Convention de Stage signed by all parties

• Additional benefits: interns may also receive additional support such as meal vouchers (tickets restaurant), partial reimbursement of public transport costs, accommodation assistance or staff housing in some sectors.

Important note

The gratification is not a salary. It doesn't grant full employee status or unemployment rights. However, interns remain protected under French internship regulations and must have appropriate private insurance coverage.

Working with a placement agency

Placement agencies can greatly simplify the process of finding and securing your internship in France. They support students at every stage, from identifying suitable placements to assisting with applications, interviews, and administrative requirements such as the Convention de stage and visa procedures.

Using a placement agency also increases access to a wider network of host companies, including those that may not advertise internships publicly. This improves the chances of finding a placement that matches your academic background, language skills, and career goals.

In addition, agencies provide valuable local support and assistance throughout the internship, helping students adapt to their new environment and ensuring a smoother day-to-day experience.

Overall, a placement agency saves time, reduces stress, and offers comprehensive guidance for a more successful internship experience in France.

A few tips for maximising visa approval

1. Demonstrate academic relevance: show clearly how the internship connects to your studies.

2. Provide complete and valid documentation: include your Convention de Stage, proof of funds, insurance, and travel documents.

3. Highlight structured training: describe internship tasks, supervision, and expected learning outcomes.

4. Explain career transitions: if older or changing fields, provide a rationale linking the internship to your career goals.

5. Partner with reputable agencies: experienced agencies can guide you and reduce visa risks and time wasted.

Final thoughts...

Internships in France offer incredible opportunities for international students to gain professional experience and cultural exposure. While age is not a strict barrier, visa approval depends on the coherence between your studies, internship, and career path. Proper documentation, financial preparedness, and working with trusted placement agencies significantly improve your chances of success.

Ready to start your internship journey in France?

We invite you to explore our opportunities and contact us today to take the first step toward an enriching international experience.