Working in France during and after your degree
Working during your degree
964 hours a year (about 60 percent of full time), which allows roughly 20 hours a week. Wages: €11.88 an hour gross minimum wage (SMIC, 2025).
Working after you graduate
Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS) / Recherche d'emploi: 12 months after a master's; 24 months for Indian nationals. Work in any job while searching; convert to a work permit with a qualifying salary.
After a master's you can apply for a 12-month Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour to find work; Indian nationals get 24 months under a bilateral agreement. A job at 1.5 times the minimum wage converts it to a talent or salaried residence permit.
Sectors hiring graduates
| Sector | Demand |
|---|---|
| Aerospace and engineering | High |
| Luxury, fashion and retail | High |
| Software and AI | High |
| Banking and consulting | Medium to high |
| Hospitality and tourism | Medium |
| Pharmaceuticals | Medium |
Subjects that lead to these jobs
Figures are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
Get this checked for your case
Rules change and every application is different. A counsellor confirms the current position for your country and course. Free.
Talk to a counsellorRelated questions
Do I need to speak French to study in France?
Not for an English-taught programme. Daily life, internships and jobs are far easier with French, and many schools include French classes in the fee.
How long can I stay after my master's in France?
12 months on the APS for most nationals, 24 months for Indian nationals. Bachelor's graduates are not eligible.
Is a French public university degree recognised abroad?
Yes. Public universities award national diplomas recognised across the EU and beyond. For business, check that a school's programme is Visa-accredited or triple-crowned (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA).