During Your Scholarship: Academic Life & Survival in France
You've arrived and survived the bureaucracy gauntlet. Now comes the reason you're here: studying. This guide covers the French academic system, your work rights, permit renewal and how to make the most of your time in France.
ScholarshipUnion Editorial
2 min read
Updated Oct 5, 2026
Academic life in France
Grading system. Everything is marked out of 20: 10 is a pass, 14+ is good and 16+ is excellent. Don't panic at "low" grades.
Lecture style. Courses mix CM (lectures) and TD (tutorials). There is less hand-holding than in Anglo-Saxon systems, and self-directed learning is expected.
Exam period. Usually January and May/June. Oral exams are common, and "rattrapage" (retake) exams take place in September.
Libraries. University libraries (BU) plus the national library (BNF). Your student card grants access; expect queues at exam season.
Your Eiffel award stops if you repeat a year, sign an apprenticeship or a salaried doctoral contract, or change to a programme in another field or institution. Internships abroad and gap years must be reported to Campus France in advance.
Working while studying
Student visa holders can work 964 hours a year — about 20 hours a week during term and full-time in the holidays. Most student jobs pay at or near the minimum wage: tutoring, restaurant work, retail and university assistant posts. English tutoring pays well in Paris.
Some scholarships limit work. Eiffel ends at once if you sign an apprenticeship, professionalisation or salaried doctoral contract, so check any job with Campus France first.
Social life & integration
- Student associations: the BDE (student union), sports clubs and cultural groups are the best way to meet French students. Join during the rentrée.
- Buddy programmes: ESN (Erasmus Student Network) and institutional buddy systems pair you with a local student.
- Cultural activities: museums (free under 26 for EU residents), cheap cinema (€4–5 with a student card) and festivals. Eiffel scholars also get Campus France's weekend trips, sport and shows at student prices.
- Making French friends: join activities and speak French, even badly. A dinner invitation is a friendship milestone in France.
Admin & renewals
- Titre de séjour renewal: apply 2–4 months before expiry at your prefecture (online for some prefectures). Slots sell out fast.
- Scholarship renewal: Eiffel continues each year only if you pass that year; BGF conditions depend on your embassy.
- CVEC fee: pay it every year (€105 for 2026/27). It's required for re-enrolment.
- Health insurance: Ameli covers the basics. Consider a mutuelle (top-up) for dental and optical, at about €20–30 a month — Eiffel scholars get one free from Campus France.
Read the FAQ.