National Master’s degrees (“n+” or “i”) issued by the “n+i” network schools give French and foreign engineers equal career opportunites in France and abroad.
Graduates with these degrees can apply for a temporary resident’s permit to stay in France for 6 months (or over 2 years if they find employment in France)
The application for the temporary permit must be made at the latest four months before the “student” permit expires.
Once employment has been found, the permit becomes a full-time work permit, as long as the type of employment and the salary correspond to the degree obtained.
In 2011, over 90% of engineering students had received job offers before they graduated! The average gross salary for a first job in France for a young engineer is €34,000 per annum.
Note, december 15th, 2011 : Clarification of French legislation governing student visas and work permits delivered after national degree. To read here : http://www.nplusi.com/news#event_id_43