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Finding a work-study apprenticeship in France for September 2027: the month-by-month calendar

When to search, when French companies hire, the Parcoursup 2027 dates and the three-month rule: the calendar for signing an alternance contract in time.

By the PisteJob team · updated October 31, 2026 · 5 min read

In France, a work-study programme (alternance, usually under an apprenticeship contract) starting in September 2027 means finding two things: a course (a school, an apprenticeship training centre called a CFA, or a university) and a company that signs your contract. The second is often the hardest. In a study by Apec, the French executive employment agency, of work-study students at bachelor's level and above, 67% said they found it hard to find their company. The good news: the calendar is known, and those who start early get ahead.

Key points

• According to Apec, students start searching about six months before the start of the course, and 61% of the apprentices surveyed had started before May.
• On the company side, 27% start recruiting before May, most do so in May and June, and more than half have already chosen their apprentice by mid-June (77% of large companies).
• If your course goes through Parcoursup, the French higher-education admissions platform, 2027 applications run from 18 January to 11 March 2027, to be confirmed by 1 April at the latest.
• French law lets you start training at a CFA for up to three months without an employer: a safety net, not a plan.
• An apprenticeship contract is open up to the age of 29 at the start of the contract, with exceptions.

The calendar, month by month

The Parcoursup dates come from the 2027 calendar published in October 2026 (L'Etudiant). Master's programmes and many schools have their own platforms and dates: check them from the autumn, course by course.

Course or company: where to start?

Both at once. The course gives you a framework and often company contacts. The company can only sign once you know which diploma you're preparing. And if the contract isn't signed by the start of term, it isn't necessarily over: many students sign during the summer or in September, and schools often allow a few weeks after the start of term to finalise (L'Etudiant).

Where to search: the channels that work

Here's how the apprentices surveyed by Apec found their company:

• their personal or professional network: 31%;
• job ads published outside their school: 29%;
• a speculative application: 24%;
• an opportunity passed on by their school: 24%.

Speculative applications are underrated: 80% of companies that hired apprentices in the past three years say they looked at speculative applications.

For job ads, the French public service La bonne alternance brings together offers posted by recruiters, offers from partner sites and those of France Travail, the public employment service. It also lists companies identified as likely to hire apprentices, useful for targeting speculative applications.

How many applications to expect

Often a lot. In the Apec study, 47% of apprentices applied at least 20 times, and only 8% sent a single application. 77% were in contact with at least two organisations, and 42% with four or more.

Being ready to adjust your criteria helps too: about two thirds of apprentices widened their criteria, from the start or along the way (area, type of role or company). Of those, 84% say they're happy with their apprenticeship.

What companies look at

According to Apec, motivation and interest in the role matter to 99% of companies ("very important" for 82%). Behavioural qualities matter to 97%. Technical skills matter to 86%, but only 35% call them very important: nobody expects an apprentice to know everything already. And 77% of companies ask for a cover letter.

In practice: a short, targeted application saying why this role and this company beats sending the same text everywhere.

The safety net: three months without an employer

If you're between 16 and 29 (or at least 15 and have finished lower secondary school) and don't have an employer yet, you can start your apprenticeship training at a CFA for up to three months (article L6222-12-1 of the French Labour Code). This time is for finishing your search, not starting it: by the start of term, many companies have already chosen.

Age: who can sign an apprenticeship contract

You must be no older than 29 at the start of the apprenticeship. The limit doesn't apply in particular if the new contract prepares a higher diploma than the previous one, if the previous contract ended for reasons beyond your control, if you have recognised disabled worker status, if you plan to create or take over a business that requires the diploma, or if you're a registered high-level athlete (Opco EP, article L6222-2).

Frequently asked questions

Is November too early to start looking?

No. Students start about six months before the start of the course on average, and a quarter of companies start recruiting before May. November and December are the right time to settle your plan, prepare your CV and list the companies to contact.

I still have no company in September: is it over?

No. 17% of employers only start recruiting in September, and you can start at a CFA for up to three months without an employer. Widen your area or the type of role, and follow up with the companies you've already contacted.

Do I need a cover letter?

Usually, yes: 77% of the companies surveyed by Apec ask for one. Above all, it should show your motivation for this specific role.

How much does an apprentice earn?

It depends on your age, your contract year and the type of contract. All the amounts are in our guide Apprentice pay in France in 2026.