General Framework for Work-Based Internships
An internship is a temporary period of practical experience in a professional setting. It enables the intern to develop skills, apply what they have learned in their training, and facilitate their entry into the workforce, in accordance with Article L.124-1 of the Education Code.
To ensure that internships align with the educational program and respect the fundamental rights of interns, a specific regulatory framework is established by official legislation.
Internship Periods and Duration
An internship must be completed as part of a valid administrative enrollment. It may not extend beyond the date of the examination committee meeting.
The internship may be completed on a continuous or intermittent basis
It is calculated in hours of actual attendance (excluding weekends and holidays)
The maximum authorized duration is 6 months, or 924 hours, at a single host organization
A longer duration may be considered on an exceptional basis, subject to prior approval from the educational institution and compliance with regulations.
Internship Agreement
The internship agreement is mandatory and serves as the reference document in case of need or dispute.
It must be signed by:
- the intern
- the host organization
- the internship supervisor
- the educational or training institution
- the supervising teacher
Stipend
Since the intern does not have employee status, the financial compensation is referred to as a stipend.
Legal Requirement
The stipend becomes mandatory after the 309th hour of the internship, which is approximately 2 months of attendance.
Calculation guidelines:
7 hours of attendance (consecutive or not) = 1 day
22 days (consecutive or non-consecutive) = 1 month
Legal Minimum Amount (2026)
The minimum amount is set by law at 15% of the Social Security hourly ceiling.
In practice, this amount is generally around €4.50 per hour of internship, subject to the annual adjustment of the Social Security ceiling.
This amount:
- may be higher depending on collective bargaining agreements or industry-wide agreements
- may be paid even for internships lasting less than 2 months (at the discretion of the host organization)
Additional Benefits
The intern is entitled to the same benefits as employees of the host organization:
- access to the company cafeteria (depending on the company)
- partial reimbursement of transportation costs
Any vacation time is determined by the host organization and must be specified in the agreement.
Social Security Coverage
The intern must be enrolled in a social security program and have liability insurance.
In the event of an accident or illness (at work or while commuting), coverage is provided in accordance with current Social Security regulations.
Information: https://www.ameli.fr/
Modification, Interruption, and Postponement
An internship may be:
- suspended (e.g., due to illness)
- postponed to a later date
- permanently terminated by mutual agreement between the parties
Any modification must be the subject of an amendment to the internship agreement signed by all parties.
In the event of a disagreement, the internship may be terminated following written consultation, without specific notice.
Specific Internship Terms
The internship may take various forms:
- in-person
- remotely (telecommuting)
- abroad
Student Engagement
As part of student engagement, the internship may be replaced by:
- volunteer work with a nonprofit organization
- a professional activity
- civic service
- volunteer service in the armed forces
- volunteer firefighting
- service in the military reserve
Gap Year
The internship may also be part of a gap year, subject to specific conditions.