Financing your studies

Apprenticeship contracts are fixed-term contracts of 6 to 24 months, with the possibility of an extension in certain cases. The duration of the training is fixed by an agreement and can be equal to or less than that of the course cycle. The pace of work and study may vary according to the program chosen, for example: 3 days in school / 2 days in the company, 1 day in school / 4 days in the company or 1 week in school / 3 weeks in the company.

Young people from 16 to 29 years old may benefit from these and are paid according to their age and the number of years of apprenticeship, i.e. between 27% and 100% of the minimum wage (SMIC). Tuition fees are partially or totally covered by the company’s funding organization (OPCO). The amount of this coverage depends on several factors (duration of the contract, the host structure’s professional branch, etc.)

The French state is offering exceptional one-off hiring support for contracts signed between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023. This aid guarantees the coverage of tuition fees and costs for the recruitment of a young person and ensures 80% to 100% of the apprentice’s salary.

The professional training contract is a work contract for young people under 26 that enables them to acquire professional experience while completing training to obtain a qualification or a degree. The student signs a work contract that enables them to benefit from the same rights as company employees. The duration of the contract varies from 6 to 36 months with a rhythm of work-study that varies according to the course chosen, for example: 3 days in school / 2 days in the company, 1 day in school / 4 days in the company or 1 week in school / 3 weeks in the company.

Tuition fees are partially or totally covered by the company’s funding organization (OPCO).  The amount of this coverage depends on several factors (duration of the contract and rate of coverage applied by the OPCO).

Trainees are paid between 65% and 80% of the minimum wage (SMIC) depending on their age and the number of years of training, with the possibility of benefiting from 5 weeks of legal paid leave per year and one period of unpaid leave for the preparation of an examination (up to 5 days).

It is possible to complete a full-time work-study internship for 6 months per academic year with the same employer. Any student who is enrolled on a course that gives them student status may benefit from this.

If the internship lasts more than 2 months, a gratuity is obligatory and must amount to at least €3.90 per hour of work, net and non-taxable.
Tuition fees are at the student’s expense, but the company may choose to cover part or all of these. 

This format of work-study internship enables trainees to acquire professional experience, combine hands-on practice with classroom theory, receive a gratuity, and to develop a network and skills.

The part-time fixed-term contract is an employment contract with a duration that has been previously agreed between the employer and the employee. Part-time work implies fewer working hours than a full-time contract, between 24 and 34 hours per week. 

Employees from the age of 16 may benefit from this, with payment based on the hourly wage. Tuition fees are at the employee’s expense, but the company may choose to cover part or all of these. 

This part-time fixed-term contract enables trainees to acquire professional experience, combine hands-on practice with classroom theory, finance all or part of their training thanks to paid employment, and to develop a network and skills.

This type of contract with unlimited duration may be requested by the employee or the employer. A part-time contract is a contract with fewer working hours for the employee than a full-time contract. The duration is between 24 and 34 hours per week and is available to employees from the age of 16.

The employee is paid on the basis of the hourly wage and annual tuition fees are at their expense. Nevertheless, the company may choose to cover part or all of these fees.

This part-time permanent contract enables trainees to acquire professional experience, combine hands-on practice with classroom theory, finance all or part of their training thanks to paid employment, to develop a network and skills, and ensure stable employment and remuneration after graduation.

Civic service is a voluntary engagement for students between 16 and 25 (or 30 for disabled students) in a regional authority, sports association or a public establishment. 

The duration is from 6 to 12 months (minimum 24 hours per week), with monthly remuneration of €473.04 paid by the French state and coverage of transport or meal costs by the host organization. Annual tuition fees are at the student’s expense. 

Civic service enables trainees to acquire professional experience and to develop a network and skills.