Study in France for Free in 2025: Apprenticeships
Table of contents
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?
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 |
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.
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!
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