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

Yes, and the benefits associated with this status.

Yes, but at a reduced rate¹ when the diploma you are studying for is a national diploma.

¹ See this page.

Only if your plans for a break in studies involve a course leading to a national diploma

Yes, by your course director.

You retain the right to re-enrol in the course you were taking prior to the break in studies². You will have to report to the University of Lille on your break in studies by drawing up a portfolio of experience and skills (portefeuille d’expériences et de compétences;PEC).

² provided that you comply with the admission requirements for the course in question, and that you enrol in accordance with the university’s procedures and timetable.

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)