Post Study Work Options in France for International Students in 2025

France is a popular study-abroad destination for international students because of its dynamic culture, modern educational system, and high quality of education resulting in increased international students and them applying further for PSW in France after Masters (Post study work visa). Many students remain in France after finishing their degrees to apply for post-study career opportunities.

Indian students benefit from supportive regulations and a strong employment market in France which is the main reason behind France stay back for international students. International graduates who comprehend the visa restrictions and are active in their job hunt can make the most of their time in France and start their professional paths.

The stay back period in France after Masters is up to 24 months, whereas PSW in France after bachelor is one year. This article provides an extensive overview of post study work visa in France for international students, with an emphasis on the stay-back time, visa rules, France stay back for international students, and opportunities particular to Indian students.

France post study work visa after masters

A wide range of exciting PSW France options which will lead to France stay back for international students are available thanks to the numerous international startups in the country. Apart from this, French cities like Paris, Lyon and Nice are home to fast-growing companies that offer interesting work opportunities to students. Hence, students can go for France PSW after masters or bachelors.

PSW France Special Conditions For Masters And PhD Students

In France, students pursuing masters or PhD can get Post study work permit only under special conditions, including:

• Masters holders can apply for a temporary residence permit (APS) for up to two years so that they can search for job or start a business related to their field of study.
• It is also possible for the PhD students to work part-time while studying. They can also be eligible for additional work permits under few special conditions.

Benefits of Post-Study Work Permit in France

A post-study work visa in France offers several advantages to international students, including:

• Work Experience: With a post-study work permit in France, students can gain valuable work experience.
• Permanent Residency: With this visa, students can integrate into French society and stay longer in France.
• Financial stability: A PSWV enables graduates to earn a living in France and become financially stable.
• Entrepreneurial Opportunities: During this time, students can explore entrepreneurial options and set up a startup.

Eligibility Criteria to Obtain a Post-Study Work Visa in France

Students must meet certain eligibility criteria to obtain a post-study work visa in France from India. These include:

Academic qualifications: They must have a masters or higher qualification degree from a reputed French institution.

Proof of financial stability: Students must demonstrate that they are financially sound to be able to support themselves during the visa period.

Intent: Students must demonstrate the motive of setting up a business or find jobs in France related to their study.

Validity of Stay in France: Students must have a valid student visa or resident permit to be eligible for a post-study work permit in France.

Documents Required For Applying for Post-Study Work Visa In France

Following are the mandatory documents that you will require for obtaining post-study work permit in France:

• Valid passport
• Proof of proficiency in French (diploma or certificate)
• job or employment offer
• proof of financial stability
• visa application form
• recent passport-sized photographs
• proof of accommodation in France

Types Of Post-Study Work Visas In France

Short stay visa: The short stay student visa is for students who wish to study in France for a training or course that is not for more than three months. One can look for short part time PSW in France for that time.

Temporary long-stay visa: This visa is valid for a period between 3 to 6 months and is ideal for students who wish to enrol in a study program that is longer than 3 months. This France stay back for international students help them to legally complete an academic course in France.

Long stay visa: The long stay student visa for France is issued to students seeking education in France for a period longer than 3 or 6 months. This visa is considered equivalent to a residence permit and is generally subject to further formalities upon the candidate’s arrival in France. This visa opens abundant of PSW in France opportunities for international students.

The validity of the visa is dependent on the duration of the study program. It is 3 years for a bachelor’s course, 2 years for a master’s degree and four years for a Ph.D. program. As per the announcement by the Indian Prime Minister recently, the France post study work visa duration for master's students has been increased to five years resulting in a longer France stay back for international students.

Students who are on a long stay student visa are allowed to stay back in France and work in the country after their studies are over, provided they have a paid employment offer. This is applicable for students doing both bachelors and master’s degrees in France, but they will have to apply for a work permit to explore PSW in France.

Temporary residence permit: Those who are doing a master's course can apply for a temporary residence permit or APS, which is valid for a period of six months. This is a temporary visa that cannot be renewed. You cannot get permanent employment on this visa, and it limits the time and duration of work per week. You must leave the country unless you are able to find a permanent job as PSW in France.

The advantage of having this work permit is that students get extra time to search for a job and consequently gain permanent residence. If you are staying on this visa, you can convert this to a permanent work permit if you get a job offer for full-time employment which offers a salary that is 1.5 times more than the minimum wage. Hence, this can be one of the most useful to find PSW in France.

The rules and regulations regarding the post-study work visa will vary based on the country you belong to, so you should be clear about them before you apply for the permit clearly stating the France stay back for international students reasons.

How To Apply For a Post-Study Work Permit In France?

Students can apply for a 5-year post study work visaFrance by following these steps:

1. First, know if you are eligible for a post-study work visa in France or not.
2. Keep handy all the necessary documents, such as a valid passport, current residence permit, proof of completing your degree, proof of financial stability, proof of residence, and a job offer or a business plan in France.
3. Be aware of when, where, and how to apply and submit your application.
4. Pay the application fee and wait for approval.
5. Start the job search.

Job Opportunities After Master’s in France

After obtaining a master's degree, international students in France can apply for an APS, or temporary residency permission. The permit is valid for 12 months and can be renewed once, allowing graduates a total of 24 months to seek employment and they can easily do France stay back for international students. The period of a France post-study work visa varies according to the degree of education.

The APS can be valid for up to 24 months for master's graduates, while it may be shorter for bachelor's graduates, usually about 12 months. International students must apply for the APS before their student visas expire. This requires providing a variety of documents, including proof of graduation, a valid passport, and proof of financial stability.

PSW in France for International Students 2025

The APS permits overseas students to work up to 60% of the work week (964 hours per year) while looking for full-time employment in their field of study. After completing a master's degree, one can usually stay in France for up to 24 months. This phase is essential for graduates, since it provides them enough time to choose a job that matches their credentials and goals. International students who get their bachelor's degree in France can apply for a temporary residency visa in order to search for work.

France post study work visa

To stay back in France after bachelor degree, non-European students must have a job offer or a work contract and be paid at least one and a half times the minimum salary. Without the assurance of employment, a foreign, non-European graduate can submit an application for an APS - temporary residency visa that is valid for twelve months and non-renewable while seeking France PSW after masters or bachelors. To do so, individuals must hold a professional Bachelor's or Master's degree or be in the process of launching their own company.

Students from Senegal, Gabon, Benin, Tunisia, Mauritius, Cape Verde, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Lebanon, and India have access to special criteria while obtaining a provisional residence permit (APS) in France and explore PSW in france 2025 after masters/bachelors.

Practical Advice When Looking For Work in France

Here are a few suggestions to do France stay back for international students seeking work opportunities in France:

• Before applying for a job, one must choose the type of employment they want and then prepare a CV and a cover letter that meet French requirements.

• Before applying for a job, one must choose the type of employment they want and then prepare a CV and a cover letter that meet French requirements.

• Save the search parameters and keep an eye for new job postings.

• Take the time to update your CV and customise it to the job offer you might be looking for.

• Sending spontaneous applications to companies that interest you will allow them to get to know you more.

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