Life During Your Scholarship
Academic Life in France
0–20 scale. 10 = passing. 14+ = good. 16+ = excellent. Don't panic at "low" grades.
CM (lectures) + TD (tutorials). Less hand-holding than Anglo-Saxon systems. Self-directed learning expected.
Usually January + May/June. Oral exams are common. "Rattrapage" (retake) exams in September.
BU (university libraries) + BNF (national). Student card grants access. Peak: exam season = queues.
Working While Studying
Legal limit for student visa holders. ~20 hours/week during term, full-time in holidays.
€11.88/hour gross (2026). Most student jobs pay at or near minimum wage.
Tutoring, restaurant work, retail, university assistant. English tutoring pays well in Paris.
Some scholarships (especially Eiffel) restrict or discourage employment. Check your conditions.
Social Life & Integration
BDE (student union), sports clubs, cultural groups. Best way to meet French students. Join during rentrée.
ESN (Erasmus Student Network), institutional buddy systems. Pair with a local student.
Museums (free under 26 for EU), cheap cinema (€4–5 with student card), festivals.
Join activities. Speak French (even badly). Dinner invitations = friendship milestone in France.
Admin & Renewals
Apply 2–4 months before expiry at your prefecture. Online for some prefectures. Slots sell out fast.
Eiffel: renewed annually based on academic results. BGF: check embassy conditions.
Pay annually (€103). Required for re-enrollment each year.
Ameli covers base. Consider a mutuelle (top-up) for dental/optical: ~€20–30/month.