The CFA EnSup-LR celebrates its 10th anniversary: a springboard to success for higher education students in Occitanie
Since its creation in 2015, the Languedoc-Roussillon – Sud de France Higher Education CFA (CFA EnSup-LR) has been dedicated to the success of students in work-study programs in higher education. Driven by a strong regional momentum, this off-campus CFA brings together six partner institutions: the University of Montpellier, Paul-Valéry University of Montpellier, the University of Nîmes, the University of Perpignan Via Domitia, the National School of Chemistry of Montpellier, and the Institut Agro Montpellier. Each institution has its own apprenticeship training unit (UFA), which works closely with the CFA EnSup-LR.
With 4,500 apprentices enrolled in more than 350 programs, ranging from associate’s degrees to engineering degrees, the CFA EnSup-LR plays a key role in helping young people enter the workforce. At the start of the 2024 academic year, 3,300 apprentices were enrolled across the 17 departments of the University of Montpellier, a testament to the steady growth of this path to excellence.
“A work-study program is the perfect combination: you gain professional experience while reinforcing your theoretical knowledge in school. For me, there’s nothing better!”
Charlotte, a student in the Bachelor’s degree program in mechanical engineering at the IUT in Nîmes
A student-focused administration
Each month, the CFA-UFA Executive Committee meets to oversee day-to-day operations. Three Development Councils are held throughout the year to approve financial statements, new training programs, and major policy directions. Once a year, a Strategic Steering Council brings together the six partner institutions to establish the guidelines for the CFA EnSup-LR.
In addition to providing administrative support for the 4,500 apprentices and their contracts, the CFA EnSup-LR facilitates communication with the 11 Opcos (skills operators) to ensure the proper management of financial assistance applications.
Practical and compassionate support
One of the strengths of the CFA EnSup-LR lies in its personalized support. Through a partnership with the Crous, apprentices receive meal assistance. The CFA also supports mandatory international mobility programs through Opco grants.
“I found my work-study program through a job fair organized by the CFA. This direct contact with the company is much more effective than just exchanging emails.”
Mélody, a student in the Bachelor’s degree program in Marketing Techniques at the Montpellier University Institute of Technology
Results that speak for themselves
The figures demonstrate the effectiveness of this system:
- 97.5% graduation rate
- 98% of apprentices recommend work-study programs
- 3,540 committed partner employers
“What really stood out to me was the variety of assignments and the supportive guidance I received at my company. The work-study program allowed me to actively shape my future.”
Fatima-Zahra, a first-year master's student in health engineering
A path toward independence and integration
There are many benefits to a work-study program: compensation, housing assistance, coverage of training costs, support for obtaining a driver’s license, and company perks (meal vouchers, gift cards, team-building activities, etc.).
“Thanks to the work-study program, I was able to get my driver’s license for just 300 euros, save up for my first car, and gain four years of experience in the space industry!”
Charlotte
For Tiffany, a master’s student in sustainable development, the work-study program is a direct pathway to the professional world: “This type of training has allowed me to apply my knowledge in real-world situations and to ground my thesis in practical experience.”
10 years of success and a renewed sense of purpose
The CFA EnSup-LR has established itself as a driving force for equal opportunity, independence, and employability. By placing young people at the heart of its mission, it has spent the past 10 years building a solid bridge between academia and the business world. Building on this decade of commitment, the CFA is now looking to the future, ready to take on new challenges alongside its students.
Are you a student and still on the fence?
“A work-study program is an opportunity to experience the real world, gain professional skills, and mature as a person. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second.”
Tiffany
Events to support work-study programs
Work-Study Job Matching
To facilitate recruitment and strengthen ties between educational institutions and businesses, the CFA EnSup-LR, in collaboration with its partner institutions, organizes work-study job fairs throughout the region. These events are designed to facilitate direct interaction between candidates and employers.
Upcoming events you won't want to miss:
- IAE Montpellier – May 15, 2025
Employer Registration - Nîmes University Institute of Technology – May 22, 2025
Employer registration
A seminar for training managers
On June 10, 2024, the CFA EnSup-LR will host its annual seminar for the educational leaders of its partner UFA institutions. This is a key event designed to foster dialogue, enhance best practices, and collaboratively shape the future of apprenticeship training at the CFA for higher education.
The new school year starts on October 13!
The start of the academic year for apprentices is scheduled for Monday, October 13, 2025.
Please note: contracts may begin up to three months before or after the training start date.
The STUDEA platform will open in early May.
Stay tuned!
CFA EnSup-LR is very active on social media—follow us to stay updated on the latest news, work-study opportunities, upcoming events, and inspiring stories from our apprentices.