This scheme enables you to temporarily suspend your studies to take part in a personal, professional experience or commitment in France or abroad.

It’s up to you to decide whether or not to take this break. It can:

  • help you to reflect on your choice of course
  • contribute to your personal development
  • contribute to the acquisition of new skills

What is a break in studies?

  • How long does it last? One semester or a full academic year. The break in studies cannot be split up and must align with the university semesters.
  • When? From the start of the first year of the course, but not after the second year of a master’s programme.
  • Where? In France or abroad.
  • To do what?
    • Professional experience
    • Starting a business
    • Staying abroad
    • Civic service
    • Any other personal project (involvement in an association; holding an elected office; pursuing another course of study; preparing a competitive examination, etc.)

Before the break in studies

You must commit to maintaining ties with your university by signing an agreement.

During and after

Break in Studies Framework 2024/2025

Download the framework document for the break in studies

How to apply

- Be enrolled or in the process of enrolling at the University of Lille.

- Download the break in studies application form, which includes, among other things, writing a letter explaining your reasons.

- Application to be submitted to your member school/faculty/institute (list attached):

  • for an application concerning the1st semester or full academic year: before 16 September
  • for an application concerning the2nd semester: before 16 December.

- If the break in studies is approved, an agreement is drawn up between the student and the management of the member school/faculty/institute. If the break in studies is part of an internship, download the break in studies agreement and have it completed by the host organisation.

Supporting documents to be enclosed

  • Cover letter
  • Certificate of enrolment (if already enrolled)
  • Proof of admission (if not yet enrolled: confirmed Parcoursup choice, confirmation of acceptance as inbound transferring student, eCandidat decision, etc.)
  • Previous year’s results (if applicable and if studies completed outside the University of Lille)
  • Confirmation from the host organisation willing to commit to the duration of the planned break in studies (if applicable)