International students in France on a VLS-TS student visa have the right to work, but with strict hour limits that are calculated annually rather than weekly.

The limit is 964 hours per year. This translates to roughly 60 percent of the standard French full-time work year. You can distribute these 964 hours however you wish through the year, whether as a continuous part-time job, seasonal work, or irregular hours. The total for the calendar year must not exceed 964.

This right applies automatically from your student visa. You do not need to apply for a separate work permit. Your employer will note your student visa status when preparing your employment contract.

The type of work you can do is not restricted to any particular sector. Students work in retail, restaurants, tutoring, call centres, administration, and whatever else fits their schedule. Many universities also have student employment offices (Bureau de Aide à la Réinsertion Professionnelle) that post campus or local job listings specifically for students.

Pay attention to tax and social contributions. Even as a student working part-time in France, you pay French social contributions (cotisations sociales) and potentially income tax if your earnings exceed the non-taxable threshold. Your employer handles these deductions automatically, but check your payslips to understand what is being deducted.

EU Blue Card or work permit is not involved for students working within the 964-hour limit. However, if you graduate and want to continue working beyond that status, you need to change your immigration status. The APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) is the post-graduation option explained in a separate guide.