Study in France for Free in 2025: Apprenticeships 

Introduction:

If you're a young professional or an international student in France, you might wonder how to gain valuable work experience while pursuing your studies. One of the best ways to achieve this is through an apprenticeship. 

In France, apprenticeships are a unique form of contract that allows you as an international student to combine education with hands-on work experience. This arrangement is particularly beneficial for international students trying to enter the French job market. If you are looking to study in France in 2025, you need to know about Apprenticeships in France.

What is an Apprenticeship in France?

An apprenticeship in France is a special type of contract that serves as a bridge between the academic world and the professional environment. 

Unlike a traditional internship, where you work temporarily with no formal job contract, an apprenticeship is a legal agreement involving three parties: the student, the university, and the employer. In most cases, this contract stipulates that the student will spend 50% of their time studying at the university and 50% of their time working at the company. 

As a result of this dual arrangement, students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are highly sought after in the job market.

How does an Apprenticeship Work in France?

As an international student in France, you cannot directly enter the workforce through a standard job contract due to visa restrictions and language requirements. However, if your university allows it, you can participate in an apprenticeship program. 

Essentially, you sign a contract with your university, the government, and the company you work for when you find a job.

Here’s how the Apprenticeship process typically works:

  • University Enrollment: First, you must be enrolled in a university that supports apprenticeship programs.because your university has to approve your apprenticeship.International students need to verify and confirm with the university that they allow non-French speaking candidates for apprenticeships
  • Find an Employer: You can then look for a company that offers apprenticeship opportunities.
  • Sign the Contract: Once you find a match, you'll sign a contract that outlines your responsibilities, the duration of the apprenticeship, and how your time will be divided between work and study.
  • Government Involvement: The French government plays a key role in ensuring that the apprenticeship is in line with labor laws and that all parties fulfill their obligations.

Now that you know how to apply for an apprenticeship, are you interested in the benefits of doing an Apprenticeship in France as an international student?

Apprenticeship

Benefits of Apprenticeship in France

Participating in an apprenticeship in France comes with a range of benefits, particularly for international students:

  • Tuition Fees Covered: The company and government cover your tuition fees, which is a major advantage. This financial relief allows you to focus on your studies and work without worrying about the cost of education.
  • Monthly Stipend: Unlike unpaid internships, apprenticeships come with a monthly stipend that helps you sustain yourself while you gain work experience. This stipend is often enough to cover living expenses in France.
  • Employee Perks: As an apprentice, you are entitled to the same perks as other employees in the company. This includes free healthcare, paid holidays, and access to employee benefits such as discounts and training programs.
  • Skill Development: Apprenticeships provide a unique opportunity to learn in-demand skills while you study.

Besides enhancing your academic knowledge, you will also acquire practical skills that make you more employable. Basically, a win-win situation for you.

Universities Offering Apprenticeships in France

France is home to several prestigious universities that offer apprenticeship programs, making it an attractive destination for students looking to gain practical experience. Some of the top universities include:

University Conditions Location
ESSEC Business School Students are allowed to work from their second-year Cergy, France
Sorbonne University Students are allowed to work from their first or second year Paris, France
EDHEC You might need English and French language proficiency as well Lille, France
EMLyon Proven English Proficiency. The French language requirement may also be an important condition for applying for your apprenticeship Lyon, France
ESCP Studying on the Paris campus must be fluent in French, no older than 30 years old at the time the apprenticeship contract is signed Paris, France
IESEG Proven English Proficiency, Good Academic Performance, Passport Lille, France
SKEMA To apply for an apprenticeship at SKEMA Business School, students must submit a request to the admissions department, which will then review their application Lille, France
Neoma Apprenticeship programs for second and third-year students: The programs use a block-release arrangement, with three weeks at the host company and one week at school. You might need French language proficiency to be eligible for apprenticeship Mont-Saint-Aignan, France


Below is a list of programs that allow apprenticeships in these top-tier universities.

University Compatible Programs
ESSEC Business School Global BBA, Bachelor Act, Master in Management, MSc in Hospitality Management, Advanced Master ® International Purchasing & Supply Chain Management (GAISC), Advanced Master ® International Business Law and Management (DAIM)/ LL.M
Sorbonne University Networks Security with CFA INSTA (ex-ESIEE-IT) (access in M1 and M2), Networks Softwarization with CFA INSTA (access in M2), Security, Reliability and Performance of the Digital sector MSI (access in M1 and M2), Software Science and Technology with the CFA INSTA (access in M2)
EDHEC MiM Business Management (For French speakers)
EMLyon Global BBA, MiM-Grande Ecole, Specialized Masters in Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management, Specialized Masters in International Legal Management (taught in French), Specialized Masters in Digital Transformation, Marketing & Strategy (taught in French)
ESCP Master in Management program (For French speakers)
IESEG Master’s in Audit, Management Control, Corporate Finance, Financial Institutions: Risk, Compliance and Data Analytics, Digital Marketing and E-commerce, Digital Marketing and Innovation, Operations and Supply Chain Management, Management and Commercial Engineering, Retail Management and Business Development, Data Analytics and Visualization
SKEMA Not discretely mentioned
Neoma Master in Management, Bachelor in Business Administration, Bachelor in Service Management
UK vs France, Booth MiM, apprenticeship

Should You study in the UK vs France?

How to Apply for Apprenticeships in France?

If you're interested in pursuing an apprenticeship in France, here are the steps you should follow:

  • Research Universities: Start by identifying universities that offer apprenticeship programs. Make sure the university’s programs align with your career goals and interests.
  • Enroll in a Suitable Program: Once you've chosen a university, enroll in a program that supports apprenticeships. Be sure to check the eligibility criteria, as some programs may require prior work experience or language proficiency. Dreaming of studying in France but confused about where to start? Schedule a call with us and let EdYou Abroad take care of the rest.
  • Search for Apprenticeship Opportunities: After enrolling, begin searching for companies that offer apprenticeship contracts. University career services may have partnerships with companies and can help you in your search.
  • Prepare Your Application: Once you find a suitable apprenticeship opportunity, prepare a strong application that highlights your academic achievements, work experience, and motivation for applying. Always remember a well-structured Essay and properly drafted application can land you your dream university admit. Not confident enough in your profile? Get your Profile evaluated for free today with EdYou Abroad!
  • Sign the Contract: If your application is successful, you’ll sign the apprenticeship contract with the university, the company, and the government. This contract will outline the terms of your apprenticeship, including your work schedule, responsibilities, and compensation.
emlyon mim, M7 MBA, apprenticeship

Prefer a video format to understand the full process? We got you covered!!

Conclusion

An apprenticeship in France is an incredible opportunity to gain practical work experience while continuing your education. It’s a perfect blend of learning and earning, making it an ideal choice for international students looking to enhance their skills and build a strong foundation for their future careers. If you’re interested in studying in France this 2025 but don't know where to start? Book a call with our founder, an ESSEC grad herself, and get your journey started today!

Success Stories​

Krutika
Admits from EDHEC Business School

Bijal was instrumental in structuring my application to demonstrate my work. She provided me with timely feedback and guidance. Being an MiM student herself, she shared her personal experience at every stage which helped me to have a better understanding of the process and get into the school of my choice.

Santanu Kumar Pal
Admits from EDHEC Business School

I highly recommend Bijal Gandhi, the founder of EdYou Abroad, a Higher Education Consultancy Company, for her exceptional services in guiding students through the master’s application process. Bijal’s expertise in personalized assistance, value for money, and honest, unbiased advice sets her apart. Her commitment extends beyond admission, as she continues to provide valuable guidance even after acceptance. With Bijal’s assistance, I successfully gained admission to EDHEC Business School, a top-tier institution. I am grateful for her professionalism and dedication, and I confidently endorse EdYou Abroad’s consultancy services for anyone pursuing higher education opportunities.

Urmi Panchamia
Admits from University of Toronto

EdYou with the super experienced counsellors, have ALL the answers to your Study Abroad Journey. So Helpful, couldn’t have imagined anyone else giving me the kind of insight and expertise for my applications. The guidance with Cv Building, Portfolio and SOP has increased my chances of getting into top colleges. Would recommend every student to plan their future abroad with EdYou.

Simran Jariwala
Admits from Stevens Institute of Technology

Even though I had no tech background, Bijal’s help got me into good business and data analytics programs that too with scholarships. Thank you so much for believing in me!

Sreekanth Reddy Annareddy
Admits from EDHEC, SKEMA

I highly recommend Bijal as a study abroad consultant. What really set her apart was how personalized the entire service was. She didn’t just give generic advice but took the time to understand my goals, preferences, and concerns. From suggesting the right universities to helping me refine my application, every step felt tailored to my needs.

What truly stood out was the genuine support she provided. Bijal was always there to answer my questions and give advice that felt both thoughtful and sincere. It wasn’t just about getting me into a program, she genuinely cared about my journey and well-being throughout the process. Her attention to detail and constant encouragement made a huge difference, and I felt confident every step of the way.

If you’re looking for a consultant who offers a genuine support throughout your study about journey, Bijal is the one you want by your side.

Aditya Shetty
Admits from SKEMA Business School

I am delighted to write this recommendation for Bijal, whose exceptional guidance played a pivotal role in my admission to the Master in Management program at Skema Business School, Paris.

Bijal’s expertise as a counsellor goes beyond just offering advice; she takes the time to understand her students’ aspirations, strengths, and challenges. Her ability to provide personalized strategies and insights helped me build a compelling application that truly reflected my skills and potential.

Throughout the process, Bijal was not only a mentor but also a source of constant encouragement. Her meticulous attention to detail ensured my essays, resume, and other materials met the highest standards. She also provided invaluable support in preparing me for interviews, equipping me with the confidence and clarity needed to succeed.

I wholeheartedly recommend Bijal to anyone seeking expert guidance for their academic or professional journey. Her skills, experience, and passion for helping others achieve their goals make her an asset to anyone fortunate enough to work with her.

Ananya Shenoy
Admits from Georgetown University

Bijal played a pivotal role in helping me structure my application to highlight my work and achievements effectively. Her feedback was always timely, insightful, and tailored to my goals. Her guidance was instrumental throughout the process and played a key part in helping me gain admission to the school of my choice. Thankyou!

Sivaraam K
Admits from ESADE, EDHEC, FSFM

I am incredibly grateful to Bijal for the invaluable support and guidance she provided throughout my academic journey. At a time when I felt uncertain and doubted the strength of my profile, Bijal’s insightful understanding and personalized approach completely transformed my perspective. She helped me streamline my entire application process and gave me clarity on choosing the right university—one that I genuinely had a chance at—and even helped improve my acceptance chances significantly.

What truly stood out was her dedication to my essay drafting challenges. Bijal treated it with such care and importance that it felt extraordinary, and I am deeply thankful for that. Even after receiving an early admission offer, she encouraged me to hold on and explore other options, knowing my profile was strong enough for a better fit. Thanks to her mentorship, care, and up-to-date knowledge of universities worldwide, I ultimately secured a place at a top 20 global university for my business master’s program—something no other consultancy would have advised.

Bijal made me realize the potential in my profile when I couldn’t see it myself. I wholeheartedly recommend her for anyone seeking deep, thoughtful analysis for university selection, academic research, or professional guidance. She is not only growing in her expertise but also helping others grow alongside her.

Anshul Pokharna
Admits from EDHEC, BITSOM

I worked with Bijal Gandhi during my MBA application process, and I’m genuinely glad I did. When I first started, I was focused on going abroad. But after a few discussions with my parents, I began exploring Indian options too — that’s where Bijal really stepped in.

She never gave templated advice. Instead, she helped me think through both options carefully — understanding my profile, career goals, and what I really wanted from an MBA. Her approach was balanced, honest, and very thoughtful.

One thing I truly appreciated was how seriously she took BITSoM. A lot of people would have dismissed it just because it’s a new school, but she did her homework. She looked into the faculty, curriculum, industry connects, and overall potential. Her analysis gave me the confidence to apply — and eventually accept the offer.

If you’re looking for someone who’ll truly guide you — not just help you apply — Bijal is someone you can trust.

Bhavana Manikonda
Admits from UCL

am super happy to recommend Bijal! She was an amazing mentor who guided me through a big career change from medicine to management. I got into UCL, which top 9 in the world…I was clueless about what course to choose, which university to choose , but Bijal’s guidance and support were spot on. She’s super friendly, and always available to help.Bijal not only provided me with valuable insights and advice but also ensured that I was well-prepared for every step of the process. She was consistently available to answer my questions and offer support, and her enthusiasm and passion for her work are contagious.
I can surely say that no one understands what course you need and university you pick,beacuse I have seen friends struggle taking universities and courses recommended by consultants as they get money through tieups she really never compromised and I really love this about her.

What struck me most about Bijal was her commitment to delivering on her promises. She did everything she mentioned . I had a smooth and successful experience. Her guidance and mentorship were invaluable, and I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to work with her. Bijal made the whole process smooth and stress-free. If you need guidance on your abroad journey bijal is the best!!!

Mrunal Hulke
Admits from ESSEC Business School

I’m incredibly grateful to Bijal for her unwavering support throughout my study abroad application journey. From our first conversation, she took the time to truly understand my background, strengths, and aspirations, and helped me express my story in a way that felt both authentic and compelling. Her feedback on my applications to HEC Paris and ESSEC Business School was always clear, actionable, and encouraging, which made the whole process feel much less daunting. Bijal also guided me through my interview prep, helping me find my voice and present myself with confidence. Thanks to her mentorship, I was thrilled to receive initial shortlists from both schools. I wholeheartedly recommend Bijal to anyone pursuing their dream of studying abroad, her guidance and genuine care truly make all the difference.

Cesar Souza
Admits from London Business School

I’m deeply grateful to everyone who supported me throughout this journey, and especially to Bijal Gandhi from EdYou Abroad, who played a key role in making this achievement possible. Their support went far beyond strategic guidance. They helped me structure my story, highlight my experiences, and build a coherent and authentic application. I couldn’t have done it without them.

What can we do for you?​