Convention de stage information

A Convention de Stage is a tripartite agreement signed by the student, the home university and the host organisation that that facilitates a short-term work placement, usually overseas.

Purpose of a Convention de Stage

A Convention de stage (CDS) is typical tripartite agreement between a student, their host orgnisation and home university for work placements in France, but certain organisations in other European countries may also ask students to complete a CDS or similar agreement before a placement can commence.

Study Abroad can provide a signed CDS for enrolled UCL students (including affiliates) who will be undertaking a work placement outside of term time, so as not to interfere with the programmes of study. If internship dates are within term time, departmental approval is required. Terms dates are defined as the formal last day of term i.e. not when students' last classes or last exams are, but the dates published on UCL's academic calendar website.

Please note the following:

• UCL cannot provide CDS ageements for interrupting students or graduates. Students must be fully enrolled at UCL throughout the duration of their proposed work placement i.e. the end date of the work placement cannot be later than their end date at UCL. Final year students cannot request a CDS for an internships that starts before their UCL end date, but ends after their UCL end date. Students' end dates are not their graduation ceremony dates, but their student record dates that follow UCL's academic calendar.
• UCL cannot sign CDS agreements drawn up by a host company due to legal reasons. 
• UCL only complets CDS agreements online, through Moodle. Physical forms are not sent to students and/or orgnisations.
• UCL cannot sign CDS agreement retrospectively i.e. a student cannot request one for an internship they've already completed.

Requesting a Convention de Stage

Requests must be submitted at least two weeks before the start of a placement, as it takes about 2-3 weeks to process. Clear start date and end dates must be stated. Failure to submit on time and without the correct information may jeopardise the chances of receiving the CDS. Steps on requesting a CDS are outlined below:

1. Request a convention de stage through the online form.
2. If a student makes a successful request, they will be added to the Short-Term Mobilities Moodle course to fill out their CDS, sign it and have their host sign it too.
3. Successful students should then upload their CDS through Moodle, after which Study Abroad will complete the paperwork with their signature.

Whether or not UCL accepts to be signatory of a CDS is entirely at the discretion of the University. Relevant COVID-19, local and/or international guidance may result in UCL's refusal to sign a CDS. Support may also be withdrawn if government or institutional guidelines change in advance of a placement.

For tools and information on international internships, please see the UCL Careers Global Internships Programme.

Convention de Stage Request Form