Contact us to learn more about our programs
Would you like to join us?
To start a work-study program during your master’s degree, you must have signed a contract with the company that is hosting you. At this point, you are free to choose between two options, the apprenticeship contract or the professionalization contract. Discover the benefits of the options available to you here. Also learn about the best solution for your situation.
What are the different types of contracts that can be signed during a work-study Master?
Students in a work-study master’s program can mainly sign two types of contracts:
- the professionalization contract
This is a contract between the student and a company that has accepted his or her work-study situation. Through this contract, the student is able to obtain his or her diploma and a recognized professional title at the same time. This contract is usually for a 12-month renewable term or a 24-month term.
- the apprenticeship contract
This contract is very similar to the professionalization contract. Being a tripartite contract linking student, company and school as well, the apprenticeship relies more on the skills of the student. In spite of this, the latter will always be considered as a full employee of the company. This contract can last up to 36 months depending on the student’s level.
- the alternating internship contract
The internship is a 6-month contract with no possibility of renewal. The student keeps this status and receives only internship allowances. The objective of this internship is to give the student an opportunity to discover the professional world of his sector.
Why choose an apprenticeship contract during a work-study Master’s program?
For a work-study Master’s degree, choose an apprenticeship contract if your objective is to obtain a diploma or professional title. Your employer will fully understand the constraints of your studies and will adapt accordingly. Moreover, an agreement between the latter and the school will be established.
With an apprenticeship contract, you will be covered until you graduate. The duration of the contract can last from 6 months to 3 years. You can complete your two years of the Master’s program within the same company if you wish. This type of contract even favors people with disabilities. For the latter, the contract can be extended up to 4 years.
Why choose a professionalization contract during a work-study Master?
If you plan to continue your studies in the long term after the master’s degree, the professionalization contract is more suitable. Indeed, it is more suitable for continuous training. Depending on the company and the student, the contract may be for a fixed or open-ended period.
For a fixed-term contract, the minimum duration is 6 and 12 months. The contract must cover at least one semester of the master’s student. Depending on the situation, it can be extended. As a result,
What are the conditions for signing a work-study contract during a Master’s degree?
The conditions of access to a work-study contract are quite free. Students can choose both a public and private organization. All you need to do is meet the age requirements for an apprenticeship or professionalization contract.
Who is the apprenticeship contract for?
The apprenticeship contract is open to all students between the ages of 16 and 29. This is a principle, as the exceptions allow students who are 15 years and one day old to enter the training. Also, people over 29 years old can still register as long as they have a project to create or take over a business.
Who is the professionalization contract intended for?
The professionalization contract is intended for young people between the ages of 16 and 25. In principle, this contract is used to complete an initial training.
How long is a contract for a work-study Master’s degree?
Duration of an apprenticeship contract
The duration of an apprenticeship contract may or may not be limited in the contract. If limited, it must cover at least 6 months and at most 3 years. In the form of an open-ended contract, the parties are free to set the deadlines provided that the contract begins with an apprenticeship period.
Duration of a professionalization contract
The professionalization contract lasts an average of 6 to 12 months. Depending on the situation, however, the contract can be extended to 36 months. In general, this period is to be adapted to the duration of the work-study master’s program.
How are the students of the Master’s degree in work-study paid according to their contract?
Whether it is an apprenticeship or professionalization contract, the system remains the same. The company takes into account the age of the apprentice and the number of years he or she has been on the job to calculate his or her salary. The older the student, the closer the salary is to the minimum wage. For the rest, the calculation is based on the percentage set by law.
Is it possible to do a Master’s degree in alternation at ESCE?
Thanks to its Grande Ecole program, ESCE offers a work-study master’s degree for 4th and 5th year students. The student can choose from 4 specializations. In case of difficulty with the choice, the school will provide accompanying persons.
Updated 21 April 2023