Are you looking for job opportunities in France but unsure of the best route? Is France a promising country for foreign students to consider working in? What are the job opportunities in France? These are some of the prominent questions that pop up in the minds of international students seeking job in France. To address all your queries, we have prepared this blog.
With increased number of intakes within French colleges and changes in work policies, France is becoming popular among Indian students who want to settle in and obtain a work permit.
In this regard, the blog covers pivotal information regarding work in France, work permit requirements, jobs in France for Indians, the cost of living, part-time jobs in France, the French work visa, and much more. All this information will help you understand the different aspects of considering France as your choice of work country and how to approach it further. So, let us begin the blog without further ado!
Job Opportunities in France for Students
Over the past few years, an increasing number of students have approached and shown interest in the universities of France. This leads to an increased demand for jobs and permanent settlements in European countries. The National Statistics Bureau of France has stated that the employment rate increased from 67.50 percent to 67.80 percent in the fourth quarter.
With student demand rising, job opportunities in France have also seen a hike. International students take up part-time jobs in France and other places within Europe, which opens up job opportunities in France for international students.
Also, Read: Master's in France
Work in France
The work policies of France require people and students to leave the country once they complete their education and apply for a separate work visa. On the other hand, work in France is applicable for students who have paid employment and can also apply for residence visas. Moreover, there are various jobs in France for international students, both part-time and full-time. Further, the rules for master's students are different as they can apply for and receive a 24-month temporary permit for residency to stay back in France after the course is completed.
Part Time Jobs in France
Job opportunities in France for international students also entail part time jobs in France. When students are studying at the university, they are allowed to work 964 hours during the entire year, which equals 60 percent of the legal work in a year.
Please note that the French government assures the minimum wage for every job opportunity in France for international students, known as the SMIC (Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de Croissance or Guaranteed Minimum Wage). According to reports after January 1st, 2021, the minimum wage within the country is 10.25 EUR, with some mandatory social security contributions deductions of around 20 %. All in all, jobs in France for international students consist of working 10 hours a week with a minimum wage of approximately 82 EUR net.
The list below showcases the most popular part-time jobs in France for Indian students:
Part time jobs | Average Salary per hour |
English Tutor | 15 EUR |
Research Assistant | 15 EUR |
Museum Assistant | 11 EUR |
Cashier | 10 EUR |
Technician Support | 10 EUR |
Private Tutor | 20-27 EUR |
Translator | 21-27 EUR |
Waiter | 10 EUR |
Uber Driver | 20 EUR |
Also, Read: How can Indian Students Apply for a PR in France?
Jobs in France for Indian Students
Jobs in France for Indians can be classified into two parts: one is for the general students after their undergraduate degree, and the other is the job opportunities in France for international students who have completed their master's education. In this context, a list of some of the popular jobs in France for Indian students (undergraduate) and top recruiters is given as follows to ensure that you make informed decisions as per your preferences and career objectives:
Most popular field | Job titles | Top recruiters |
Management and Business | Project Manager, Marketing Manager, Management Consultant, Business Analyst, Financial Analyst. | L’Oreal, BNP Paribas, Boston Consulting Group, Mckinsey & Company, Bain & Company. |
Engineering | Data Engineer, Software Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Research Engineer, Mechanical Engineer. | Schneider Electric, EDF, Thales, Airbus, Valeo. |
Sciences | Pharmacist, Data Scientist, Research Scientist, Biotechnologist, Environmental Scientist. | CEA, CNRS, INRA, L’Oreal, Sanofi. |
Arts and Humanities | Museum Curator, Translator, Cultural Manager, Teacher, Journalist. | Cultural Institutions, Publishing Houses, the Ministry of Education, and National Media Agencies. |
Note: The average annual salary in France is EUR 49,000, which is equivalent to 45.02 lakhs INR.
The second type of job opportunity for international students in France is the high-paying jobs students can secure after completing their master’s education. The following are the most famous high-paying jobs are-
Job Title | Average Annual Salary (EUR) | Salary Equivalent (INR) |
Data Scientist | 45,919 | 42.19 lakhs |
Data Analyst | 41,746 | 38.35 lakhs |
Marketing Manager | 46,811 | 43.01 lakhs |
Senior Software Engineer | 60,147 | 55.26 lakhs |
Project Manager | 46,792 | 42.99 lakhs |
Customer Success manager | 51,651 | 47.46 lakhs |
Software Engineer | 46,358 | 42.59 lakhs |
Pharmacist | 63,200 | 58.07 lakhs |
Cost of Living in France for Indian Students
It is estimated that the cost of living in France for Indian Students is 200% higher than in India. So for fulfilling your dream of pursuing your studies in France, you should be aware of the average cost you will have to bear while being in the country. Although the costs vary, here is an average cost one should consider-
Particulars | Average Monthly Cost in EUR | Average Monthly Cost in INR |
Rental for 1 bedroom apartment | 550 | 37,603.50 |
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Water, etc.) | 140 | 9,571.80 |
Monthly pass (Transport) | 48 | 3,281.76 |
Telephone, Internet, etc. | 28 | 1,914.36 |
Recreation | 100 | 6,837.00 |
Food and Drink | 145 | 9,913.65 |
Monthly Average Spend | 1,011 | 69,122.07 |
Also, Read: How to Get a Student Visa for France
France work permit requirements
Job opportunities in France for international students are available with certain work permit requirements and parameters, which, when fulfilled, allow a student to work while residing in the country. These parameters are as follows:
Parameters | Temporary Residence Permit-Employees (APS) | Temporary Residence Permit- Temporary Worker (WIP) |
Eligibility | It is open for graduates who have a Master’s degree or have an equivalent professional qualification. | It is only open to students who have received a job offer from a French company before the completion of their graduation. |
Duration | It is valid for 12 months and non-renewable. After that, students must change their status and request a residency permit adapted to their situation. | It is valid for the entire term of the contract of employment, which should not exceed 12 months |
Work Rights | The temporary residence permit allows any activity in metropolitan France during the search for a job within the limit of 60% of annual working time. | It allows the student to work full-time in the specific job offered. |
Application Process | The application process requires supporting documents like your diploma, CV, and proof of job search efforts. | The employer of the company you are working in will handle the application process. |
Conclusion
To conclude, France is an ideal destination for education and work as its job market is continuously flourishing. From Management and Business to Arts and Humanities to Healthcare and Engineering, you will find a myriad of options for freshers, graduates, and post-graduates. Bain & Company and L’Oreal are the most sought-after workplaces in France, along with other expanding companies in several industries.
We hope the above information regarding job opportunities in France for international students is helpful to you. If you would like to gain a deeper insight into this or want to study in France, we encourage you to speak with our team of expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). Our counsellors will provide you with guidance throughout your study abroad. Get help with the application process, SOPs, and filing for a visa. Visit us for one-to-one counselling or avail yourself of free video counselling via our website. We will be happy to help you, so please do not hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011.
FAQs
1. Is speaking French a compulsion to work in France?
Understanding and speaking French is essential for finding jobs in France, as it increases the chances of job opportunities for international students. However, speaking French is not a compulsion or a mandatory requirement.
2. What is the work culture of France?
Although the French market is highly competitive, people of high calibre are able to get jobs in reputable organisations. Working in France consists of 35 hours per week from Monday to Friday. French work has a high working culture based on principles of tradition and attention to detail.
3. How can Indian students find jobs in France?
The most reliable and convenient way for Indian students to find jobs in France is online. They can either look through Pôle Emploi, the French national employment website, or the European Employment Services, EURES.
4. Do international students get jobs in France?
Yes, with a post-study work visa within the country, international students can work for 12 months after graduation. Along with that, you can also apply for Temporary Residence Permit. With this permit, an international student can search for jobs within 60% of annual working time.
5. What are the high-paying jobs for international students in France?
Software engineers, research scientists, marketing managers, data analysts, and biotechnologists are the highest-paying professionals in France.
6. What is the average annual salary for an international student in France?
The average annual salary earned by an international student in France is 43,000 EUR, which roughly converts to 38.91 lakhs of Indian rupees.
7. What is the minimum wage an international student can get in France?
According to January 2024 reports, the current minimum wage is EUR 11.65, equivalent to 1,054 INR per hour.
8. Can international students work while pursuing their studies in France?
Yes, international students with a valid student visa can work a total of 964 hours in a year, which roughly converts to 60% of a full-time week in France. However, there are certain restrictions, especially for Algerian students.
9. Can a student cover their expenses with part-time jobs?
No, as a student, your job opportunities in France are limited by various restrictions. In addition, no single position would provide sufficient income to cover both studying and living costs.
10. How much an international student can earn with part-time jobs in France?
The average minimum hourly pay for students is approximately EUR 7.61, which is equivalent to 680 INR. On average, according to the figure, a student can earn up to EUR 7,900, which is equal to 7,10,380 INR per year.
