Studying in France through Work-Study (Alternance): Requirements for International Students

Are you an international student planning to study in France through a work-study program (alternance)? This system allows you to combine academic studies with paid work experience. However, the requirements depend mainly on your nationality and the type of contract you choose. Here is everything you need to know before getting started.

Who can access work-study programs in France?

Access to alternance in France depends on two main categories:

• Students from the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA)
• Students from countries outside the EU/EEA

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EU/EEA students: simple and direct access

If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country, you benefit from freedom of movement for workers.

👉 This means:

• You can work in France without a work permit
• You can sign a work-study contract freely
• A valid passport or ID card is enough

📌 This also applies to countries such as Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.

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Non-EU/EEA students: specific conditions apply

If you are from outside the EU/EEA, French regulations set certain conditions depending on the type of contract.

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Professionalization contract (Contrat de professionnalisation)

To be eligible, you generally must:

✔ Have completed at least one year of residence in France
✔ Hold a valid student residence permit

This rule applies regardless of your level of study.

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Apprenticeship contract (Contrat d’apprentissage)

The same general rule applies, with an important exception.

👉 Standard requirement:

• At least one year of stay in France

👉 Exception:

• If you are enrolled in a Master’s degree or equivalent (Level 7 qualification)
• You may start an apprenticeship from your first year in France

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Residence permit: a key requirement

To access a work-study program, you must hold a valid residence permit that allows you to study in France.

This document is essential because it determines your legal ability to:

• Sign an apprenticeship contract
• Or a professionalization contract

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How many hours can you work in alternance?

Normally, international students are limited to:

➡️ 964 working hours per year (about 60% of full-time work)

However, in a work-study program:

✔ This limit does not apply
✔ You can work full-time (around 35 hours per week)
✔ Because alternance is considered a formal employment contract

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Do you need a work permit?

In most cases:

✔ No additional work permit is required
✔ The right to work is automatically granted with your contract

This makes the process much simpler compared to regular student jobs.

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Special case: Algerian students

If you are an Algerian student, different rules apply.

👉 Unlike other international students:

• You must obtain a work authorization before starting your alternance

Why?

This is due to a specific agreement between France and Algeria signed in 1968.

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How to apply?

The application is done online through the official ANEF platform.

✔ The employer submits the application
✔ The file typically includes:

• The signed work-study contract
• Your residence permit
• Supporting documents

👉 If approved:

• You receive a temporary work authorization
• You can legally start your program

⚠️ If your contract is extended, the authorization must also be renewed.

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Renewing your residence permit: don’t wait until the last minute

To avoid interruptions in your work-study program, planning ahead is essential.

👉 It is recommended to:

• Apply for renewal at least 4 months before your permit expires

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The receipt (récépissé): why it matters

After submitting your renewal application, you will receive a temporary document called a récépissé.

✔ It allows you to:

• Continue working legally
• Maintain your work-study contract

Even if your previous residence permit has expired.

👉 It usually includes a note confirming your right to work.

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What if your receipt expires?

⚠️ You must renew it before it expires
👉 Otherwise, you risk losing your legal right to work and continue your contract

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Key takeaways

• EU/EEA students can access alternance freely
• Non-EU students must meet residency conditions
• Work-study programs allow full-time work
• Some nationalities (like Algerians) require additional authorization
• Residence permit renewal is critical to avoid interruptions