What administrative procedures are required once in France?
Upon arriving, find out whether your establishment holds orientation events prior to the start of the year, or "welcome mentoring sessions" designed to help you get used to your new environment. Refresher courses may also be offered, for instance, in mathematics.
Student Welcome Organisations
The National Centre for University and School Funds (CNOUS) manages both the scholarships offered by the French government to international students, and the scholarships granted by foreign governments. Present locally across the entire country, it is designed to welcome international students and foster mobility in Europe. It facilitates working and living conditions for students by providing food services, housing, scholarships and social assistance, cultural services, employment services and temporary jobs, etc.
A number of CROUS have set up "one-stop offices" so that international students can complete their administrative procedures more easily. In conjunction with the prefectures, they will take you through the residency permit application process, provide information about mutual insurance, or inform you about housing. One office can be found at Charles-de-Gaulle Airport near Paris (Terminal 2F, Level 0, Gate 00), where CNOUS workers are presently at all times.
The list of all the CROUS offices can be viewed at the CNOUS Web site: www.cnous.fr.
Academy and Administrative Registration
You will be officially enrolled once you have completed the administrative and academic registration process. Administrative registration, which can take place on-site or by mail, involves paying tuition fees and receiving your student ID card. The latter is valid throughout the school year, from 1 October to 30 September of the following year.
At academic registration, you will choose your electives, discussion sub-groups and hands-on group. This will determine your schedule.
Residency Permit
If you intend to study in France for more than three months, you will need to apply for a residency permit, unless you are a European Union citizen. The permit is valid for at most one year and may be renewed. The process is to be undertaken with the prefecture of your place of residency. A EUR 55 tax is due.
Administrative Procedures for Working in France
One out of every two students works. Like them, you may need to work to make ends meet, whether in babysitting, language courses, telemarketing, newspaper distribution, sales or another area - the opportunities for students are plenty. With a few conditions. If you are not a citizen of the European economic area, you will need to request a temporary work permit (APT). File your request with the Departmental Directorate on Labour, Employment and Vocational Training (DDTEFP) of your place of residency, at the International Labour Department. You will find the relevant addresses at the Ministry of Employment's Web site.
Upon receiving an application, the DDTEFP must issue a certificate authorising the student to work while his application is processed. The Temporary Work Permit (APT) is valid for nine months at most and can be renewed. APT-bearers may not work more than part-time, 17.5 hours per week, calculated as a yearly average. This means that full-time work during the holidays is possible.
Tip: A Residency Permit for "Scientists"
You may be issued a "scientist" residency permit if you entered France on a long-term visa to carry out research or teach at the university level.