France legally requires companies to pay interns a minimum monthly stipend called the gratification, roughly EUR 620-660 per month for a full-time placement in 2026, for any internship longer than two months. Combined with a mandatory VLS-TS long-stay visa, France has one of the more structured internship systems in Europe for Indian students. This guide covers the visa process, the Campus France procedure, what interns actually pay to live in Paris and Lyon, and how the gratification compares to your monthly budget.
For broader context on European internship funding options, read our guide to stipend internships in Europe for Indian students before diving into France specifically.
VLS-TS visa: what Indian students need to know
France requires a VLS-TS (visa de long sejour valant titre de sejour) for any internship exceeding 90 days. This visa doubles as a residence permit for its full validity, so you do not need a separate carte de sejour application at a prefecture once you validate it online after arrival. For internships under 90 days, a standard Schengen Type C short-stay visa applies instead.
Applications go through the France-Visas online portal first, then biometrics and document submission at VFS Global France centres in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad. Indian students must also register on Campus France India before applying, since the internship convention needs to be linked to your Campus France file if the placement is tied to your degree programme.
Processing time: 3-6 weeks from document submission, though peak season (June-August applications) can stretch to 8 weeks. Apply at minimum 8 weeks before your internship start date.
Fee: EUR 99 (approximately INR 8,900 at current rates) for the visa itself, plus a VFS service charge of approximately INR 2,000, plus a mandatory OFII validation tax of EUR 60-200 depending on visa duration, paid after arrival in France.
Document checklist for Indian applicants
- Convention de stage (internship agreement): A tripartite agreement signed by the host company, your university (Indian or French), and you. This is the single most important document; French consulates reject applications where this is incomplete or unsigned by all three parties.
- Campus France registration: Required if your internship is part of an academic programme. Register and complete your file before booking your visa appointment.
- Proof of accommodation in France: A signed lease (attestation de logement), student residence confirmation, or a host's certificate with their address proof. Hotel bookings are not accepted for the VLS-TS.
- Proof of financial resources: Approximately EUR 615 per month of stay (aligned with the French minimum subsistence reference, the RSA socle), shown via bank statements from the last three months.
- Health insurance: Coverage valid across the Schengen area for the full duration, though once your internship is confirmed and gratification is paid, you may become eligible for French social security (Securite Sociale des Etudiants) depending on your status.
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages, valid for the full intended stay.
- Two recent passport photographs meeting French visa specifications.
Practical note: Without a signed convention de stage, your visa application will be refused outright. Secure this document from your host company before booking any VFS appointment.
The gratification: France's mandatory internship stipend
Unlike most European countries, France has a legally mandated minimum stipend for internships, called the gratification. Any internship longer than two months (roughly 44 working days, consecutive or not, within the same academic year) must be compensated at a minimum rate indexed to the French social security daily ceiling.
| Detail | 2026 Rate |
|---|---|
| Minimum hourly gratification | ~EUR 4.35/hour |
| Full-time monthly equivalent (151.67h) | ~EUR 620-660/month |
| Threshold to trigger mandatory gratification | Internships longer than 2 months |
| Tax and social charges on gratification | Exempt up to the minimum threshold |
Many companies, particularly in Paris tech and consulting, pay well above this legal minimum, often EUR 1,000-1,400 per month for structured internship programmes. The gratification is a floor, not a ceiling.
Monthly costs: Paris vs Lyon
Paris and Lyon are the two most common landing cities for Indian interns. Lyon runs 20-25% cheaper on accommodation with a comparable job market in tech, biotech, and manufacturing.
| Expense | Paris | Lyon |
|---|---|---|
| Shared room rent | EUR 650-950 | EUR 450-650 |
| Food (groceries and occasional restaurants) | EUR 280-380 | EUR 250-330 |
| Navigo/TCL transport pass | EUR 84 | EUR 75 |
| SIM card (data plan) | EUR 10-15 | EUR 10-15 |
| Going out (weekends, social) | EUR 150-250 | EUR 120-200 |
| Realistic monthly total | EUR 1,175-1,675 | EUR 905-1,270 |
A EUR 660 gratification-minimum stipend covers roughly half to two-thirds of realistic Paris living costs, so most Indian interns budget for a shortfall unless their company pays above the legal minimum. Lyon closes this gap considerably: a EUR 660 stipend covers close to the full realistic monthly cost there.
Student flat-share platforms La Carte des Colocs and PAP are the main ones used by interns. CROUS student housing is technically available to exchange students but has very limited stock for short-term interns; apply the moment your convention de stage is signed if you want to try.
Erasmus+ ICM funding for Indian students in France
Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility (ICM) supports placements at European institutions for students outside Europe. For your Indian university to access this for France, it needs an active ICM agreement with a French partner institution. These agreements are renewed annually and vary by university and department, so confirm current status with your international office rather than assuming last year's list still applies.
Combining an ICM grant with the mandatory gratification is common practice and generally permitted, since they come from different sources (EU programme funding vs. the host company's legal obligation). Confirm with your Indian university whether any internal rules restrict combining funding sources.
Building a profile that gets responses from French companies
French recruiters, particularly in Paris tech, consulting, and luxury retail, look for candidates whose profile clearly states language level (basic French is a strong plus even in English-speaking teams), academic specialisation, and availability dates upfront. Applications that bury this information in a generic CV get overlooked.
The Internship Abroad platform structures your profile so recruiters see sector focus, language skills, and academic background immediately. Create your free profile and get matched with France placement opportunities currently open to Indian students. See how an Indian engineering student presents their profile for a concrete example that converts with European recruiters.
For a broader look at which European destinations offer the best stipend-to-cost ratio for Indian students, the Europe stipend internships guide compares France, Germany, Netherlands, and Spain side by side.
Ready to apply for a France internship?
Secure your convention de stage first: without it, no visa appointment is possible. Register on Campus France India early if your placement is degree-linked, and book your VFS appointment at minimum 8 weeks before your intended start date.
Start your free profile on Internship Abroad to access France-specific placement opportunities, visa guidance, and support from our placement team throughout your application.