Sign your work-study contract
Once your visa is validated and you are enrolled, if the rule for newly arrived students allows it.
Newly arrived student — professionalisation contractAfter 1 year of residence
Verified on 07/10/2026 · Code du travail R5221-7Source
Newly arrived student — apprenticeshipAfter 1 year of residence, or from arrival if the programme leads to a master's degreeCriterion: enrolment in a programme leading to a master's degree, or to a level I diploma accredited by the Conférence des grandes écoles (1° of articles D421-6 and D422-13 of CESEDA). The professional bachelor's (2°) does not qualify.
Verified on 07/10/2026 · Code du travail R5221-7, CESEDA D421-6 et D422-13Source
Maximum age of an apprentice29 (until the day before turning 30)Up to 35 in some cases (higher qualification, contract ended for reasons beyond your control); no limit in others (disability, starting a business, elite athletes).
Verified on 08/10/2026 · Service-public F2918Source
How to do it
Do not sign a professionalisation contract before the end of your first year of residence in France: the law refers to a year of residence, not a year of study.
- 1Before signing, check the rule for newcomers: a professionalisation contract is only possible after your first year of residence in France; the same goes for apprenticeship, unless you are enrolled in a programme leading to a master's degree or to a level I diploma accredited by the Conférence des grandes écoles.
- 2Make sure you hold a student VLS-TS validated on ANEF or a student residence card: this is the permit required to sign a work-study contract.
- 3Sign a written contract drawn up on the official form: cerfa n°10103 for apprenticeship, cerfa n°12434 for professionalisation.
- 4Read the details before signing (diploma being prepared, salary, apprenticeship supervisor or tutor), then keep your copy of the contract.
- 5Remind your employer that they must file the nominative declaration (déclaration nominative) with the préfecture at least 2 working days before you start.
What you need
- Your validated student VLS-TS (ANEF validation certificate) or your student residence card
- Your certificate of enrolment in the programme
- Your copy of the signed contract
Tips
- For an apprenticeship in your first year, what counts is your enrolment in a master's-level programme: keep your certificate of enrolment to hand.
- Apprenticeship has an age limit: check on the service-public page that you meet the conditions before signing.
- No money can be asked from an apprentice to sign, register or end an apprenticeship contract: if someone asks you to pay, be careful.
A question about this step?
“Sign your work-study contract”: ask Mbeng, the answer comes from the guides and official sources.