Student job Bordeaux: your right to work (EU vs non-EU), the hours cap, where to find part-time work and how to get paid at least the minimum wage.
Yes, you can work while studying in Bordeaux. If you're a national of the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you have free access to the labour market. If you're a non-EU student with a "student" residence permit (validated VLS-TS or carte de séjour — residence card), you can work up to an hours cap set at national level, without a separate work authorisation. This guide explains your right to work, the number of hours allowed, where to find a part-time student job in Bordeaux and how to get paid properly.
Do you have the right to work as an international student in France?
That's the first thing to settle, and it depends on your nationality. Here are the two main cases.
| Your situation | Right to work | What you need to know |
|---|---|---|
| EU / EEA / Swiss student | Free access to the labour market | You need neither a residence permit nor a work authorisation to take salaried work. |
| Non-EU student ("student" residence permit, validated VLS-TS) | Allowed, as a secondary activity | You can work without a separate work authorisation, up to an annual hours cap (see below). |
Careful: some nationalities fall under specific rules. Algerian students, for instance, are subject to particular rules (a prior work authorisation is still required, with a different cap). Always check your exact situation on the official source: Can a non-European student work in France? — service-public.gouv.fr and Can a European student work in France?.
How many hours can an international student work?
For non-EU students holding a "student" residence permit, the law sets salaried work as a secondary activity up to 60% of the legal annual working time, i.e. 964 hours per year.
A few essentials to keep in mind:
- No work authorisation to apply for as long as you stay within this limit: the prior work authorisation has been abolished for this case.
- The count runs over a rolling 12 months from the start date of your residence permit (not the calendar year, January–December).
- Your employer must file a nominative declaration (déclaration nominative) with the préfecture at least 2 working days before your contract starts.
- Exceeding the limit can jeopardise the renewal of your residence permit. Stay within the rules.
These rules can change, and special cases exist (apprenticeships, internships under an agreement, specific nationalities). Always check the current wording on service-public.gouv.fr and etudiant.gouv.fr before signing.
Where to find a part-time student job in Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a student and tourist city: opportunities are plentiful, especially in hospitality, events and services. Here's where to look first.
| Where to look | Type of jobs | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Jobaviz (CROUS jobs platform) | Student jobs compatible with your studies, across France | Free, run by the CROUS network. The number-one move for a student. |
| Your university / school | Tutoring, campus jobs, student contracts | Ask at the student life office or the jobs desk. |
| Hospitality, cafés, events | Waiting, kitchen porter, runner, one-off shifts | High demand in Bordeaux, especially evenings and weekends. |
| Babysitting, private tutoring | Childcare, one-to-one lessons | Flexible, easy to fit around your timetable. |
| Shops, retail | Till, shelf-stacking, seasonal | Often part-time contracts suited to students. |
A student job is also a great way to practise your French and meet people. Put together a short, clear CV in French, tailored to the role you're after.
How to get paid properly
A few simple rules to avoid nasty surprises:
- Minimum wage: you must be paid at least the SMIC (the legal minimum wage). Don't fix a figure in your head: the hourly SMIC rate is revised regularly — check the rate in force on service-public.gouv.fr.
- A written contract: always insist on an employment contract. It protects you and proves your situation.
- A French bank account to receive your wages: essential. We explain how to open a French student bank account.
- Beware of offers that seem too good: a "job" paid cash with no contract, or one that asks you for money upfront, is a red flag. See our anti-scam tips to spot the traps.
FAQ — Student job in Bordeaux
Can an international student work in France? Yes. EU/EEA/Swiss students have free access to the labour market. Non-EU students with a "student" residence permit can work as a secondary activity, without a separate authorisation, up to the annual hours cap. Check your situation on service-public.gouv.fr.
How many hours can a non-EU student work per year? Up to 60% of the legal annual working time, i.e. 964 hours per year, counted over a rolling 12 months from your residence permit date. Confirm the current rule on service-public.gouv.fr, as special cases exist.
Do I need a work authorisation for a student job? For most non-EU students, no: the prior work authorisation has been abolished within the 964-hour limit. Some nationalities (such as Algeria) fall under specific rules — check your case.
Where can I find a student job in Bordeaux? Start with Jobaviz, the CROUS platform. Also look at your university's offers, hospitality, events, babysitting and tutoring. Bordeaux offers plenty of opportunities, especially in season.
How much will I be paid? At least the SMIC, the legal minimum wage. Its hourly rate changes regularly: check the rate in force on service-public.gouv.fr and always insist on a written contract.
A student job fits into a bigger picture: managing your student budget in Bordeaux well, knowing how to get around and eat cheaply. Follow our Bordeaux settling-in guide step by step and explore the student services that make life easier. Before you look for a job, you need a stable base: find your student accommodation in Bordeaux on Studroof.
This article is informational and does not replace official sources. International students' right to work, the hours cap and the SMIC amount change over time: always check the current information on service-public.gouv.fr and etudiant.gouv.fr. Last updated: July 2026.