France is an extraordinary place to work not only for EU citizens but also for the rest of the world’s individuals. It allows work-life balance, high pay, focus on employee well-being, etc. the one thing which makes it even more interesting is the CDI contract, which is Contrat à Durée Indéterminée or permanent employment contract. Since it has no set expiration date, it is the most typical and regular form of employment contract in France and provides long-term job security.
France has become more than just a place for croissants and culture—it’s also a land of opportunity for international students chasing both knowledge and a future. For many students pursuing their further studies in top-notch cities like Lyon, Paris, or Toulouse, the journey commences with ambition and curiosity. They soon learn that France is not only allowing them to attend its universities and gain the knowledge but also providing them with access to its impressive labour market.
Just like any other hot study destination, France also allows international students to work 20 hours per week part-time and gain some real-life work experiences apart from theoretical knowledge, which also helps the students to earn some money and cover their living costs with the same sum of money. As far as the post-study work permit is concerned, France allows 12 months of PGWP, which is also known as a temporary residence permit or APS. For Indian students, the APS visa can be extended up to 24 months.
Top 5 High Paying jobs in France for international students
- Business Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Aerospace Engineer
- Civil and Structural Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Business Analyst – France is a developed nation with the seventh-largest economy in the world, and the country’s economy is highly dependent on data-driven decisions, whereas a business analyst serves as the interface between technology solutions and business demands. They do all the tasks easily, and tasks include analysing the data and streamlining operations in order to assist the organisation in increasing productivity.
Average Salary of a Busines Analyst
Entry Level – Starting around 40,000- 50,000 annually
Mid-Level – 55,000 to 70,000 annually
Senior Level – 70,000 to 90,000 annually
2) Data Scientist – The ability to collect, evaluate, and understand data is more crucial than ever in the era of digital transformation. To remain competitive, businesses in every industry—from healthcare to hospitality—are using data to inform their decisions. Because of this, becoming a data scientist is now one of the most lucrative and in-demand jobs in France, particularly for international students who possess the necessary desire and skill set.
Average Salary of a Data Scientist
Entry Level – Starting around 40,000- 50,000 annually
Mid-Level – 55,000 to 75,000 annually
Senior Level – Between 85,000and 1,00,000+ annually
Skills Required for Data Scientist Role – Python, R, SQL, Tableau, Big Data Frameworks
3) Aerospace Engineer – We all know Airbus, Dassault Aviation, and Safran. These all aerospace giants belong to French soil, and it is not only the players but also a base in the global aerospace sector. The French aerospace industry also has many other recognitions in the global forum, such as being in second position in airline exports and being a major contributor to programmes like Eurofighter and satellite constellations. These are all factors that make France one of the best study destinations in the world to start a career in aerospace engineering.
Average Salary of a Aerospace Engineer
Entry Level – Starting around 40,000- 50,000 annually
Mid-Level – 55,000 to 70,000 annually
Senior Level – 70,000 to 1,00,000 annually
4) Civil and Structural Engineer– The French government is very keen to provide affordable housing to its citizens and is promoting a goal of building 40,000 units per year. Plus, it is also undertaking many big projects like thermal renovation of the buildings and the Grand Paris Express, which is Europe’s largest metro project etc.
Average Salary of a Civil and Structural Engineer
Entry Level – Starting around 40,000- 50,000 annually
Mid-Level – 55,000 to 70,000 annually
Senior Level – 65,000 to 90,000 annually
5) Software Engineer – France is known for its robust economy and for having one of the thriving startup ecosystems in the world. With more than 7% growth, the French IT sector is flourishing and showing a strong commitment to the country’s dedication to technological advancement. It has more than 15,000 companies in various ICT subsectors, including Saas, Data analytics, AI, cybersecurity, etc. The demand for software engineers is increasing, and they are enjoying one of the highest-paying titles across Franc
Average Salary of a Software Engineer
Entry Level – Starting around 40,000- 50,000 annually
Mid-Level – 55,000 to 70,000 annually
Senior Level – 65,000 to 90,000 annually
Skills Required for Software Engineer Role – Google cloud, Java, Python, SQL, Docker
Finding These Jobs :
International students can find jobs in France through online job platforms like Pôle Emploi and Indeed. Networking and connecting with recruiters also boosts opportunities. Part-time roles often serve as a gateway to full-time employment.
