You have found an internship offer that you really like.

The tasks are interesting. The company is attractive. The position matches your career goals.

But the salary seems too low.

Should you accept? Should you negotiate? Is it legitimate?

Good news: yes, it is possible to negotiate your internship compensation, as long as you do it wisely.

Here is a complete guide to understanding the rules, assessing your situation, and negotiating effectively, in France or internationally.

Internship compensation: what does the company gain?

Before negotiating, you need to understand one essential point: an internship is a win-win agreement.

A company does not hire an intern out of altruism. It gains concrete advantages.

👉 Lower salary costs

Internship compensation is lower than a regular salary. In France, the legal minimum (beyond 2 months) is set by law. This represents a more controlled cost for the company.

👉 Limited social charges

Below the legal threshold, employer contributions are reduced.

This makes hiring an intern financially attractive.

👉 A fresh and dynamic perspective

An intern brings:

• A younger perspective
• Strong digital skills
• A different approach

👉 A pedagogical investment

Training an intern also benefits the company.

It strengthens its management culture and employer brand.

Understanding these advantages will help you argue more effectively during a negotiation.

Internship compensation in France: what are the obligations?

In France, internships are regulated by law.

For an internship longer than 2 months:

• Minimum compensation is mandatory
• 50% reimbursement of transportation costs
• Access to the company cafeteria or meal vouchers

Compensation is tax-exempt up to a certain threshold.

If the company does not comply with these obligations, you have the right to raise the issue.

However, abroad, the rules vary significantly.

International internships do not always benefit from the same legal framework.

That is why structured programs, such as supported international mobility programs, offer greater security, especially thanks to funding schemes and international mobility grants that help secure your project.

Are you in a position to negotiate your internship salary?

This is THE question.

Not everyone can negotiate in the same way.

Here are the main criteria to consider.

👉 Your level of education

The more advanced your level of education (Master’s degree, specialized school, advanced technical training), the stronger your argument can be.

Academic level is often a reference point for companies, especially if you have little professional experience.

👉 Your experience

This is the key factor.

• Have you completed similar internships before?
• Do you have concrete projects to showcase?
• Do you have immediately operational technical skills?

The more autonomous you are, the less the company will need to train you.

And the more legitimate your request for higher compensation becomes.

👉 The size and sector of the company

Not all companies have the same room for negotiation.

• Finance, industry, tech: often higher compensation
• SMEs / start-ups: more flexible but sometimes limited budgets
• Large corporations: bigger budgets but rigid salary policies

Research before negotiating. Platforms like Glassdoor can provide benchmarks.

👉 Supply and demand

If the position is highly sought after, the company will have less incentive to increase the compensation.

On the other hand, if your profile is rare or particularly well suited to the role, you gain negotiation power.

How to practically negotiate your internship salary?

Let’s move to practice.

You are ready to send an email or call the recruiter. What should you say?

👉 Justify your request with specific arguments

An effective negotiation is based on facts, not emotions.

Here are valid arguments:

• You need to relocate and cover high housing costs
• The cost of living in the city is high
• The position requires advanced technical skills
• You already have solid experience
• The offer is below industry standards

Be clear, factual, and professional.

👉 Highlight your skills

If the tasks are complex but the compensation is low, point out the gap.

Explain:

• What you can bring from day one
• The results you can deliver
• The specific skills you master

The more operational you are, the more credible your request will be.

👉 Stay open to discussion

Negotiating does not mean demanding.

If the company refuses:

• Ask for the reasons
• Check whether your request was realistic
• Look for a compromise (benefits, meal vouchers, flexible hours…)

The goal is not to lose the opportunity.

The goal is to find a balance.

Internship abroad: a different logic

They provide:

• A secure framework
• Compensation or grants
• Administrative support
• A structured professional experience

International mobility is not only about salary.

It is an investment in your future.

Should you always negotiate your internship?

No.

If:

• The internship is perfectly aligned with your goals
• The company offers strong educational value
• You are just starting out and lack experience

It may be strategic to accept.

An internship rarely makes you rich.

But it can accelerate your career.

The real question is not:

“How much will I earn?”

But rather:

“What will I learn?”

In summary

To negotiate your internship salary:

• Analyze the context
• Assess your profile
• Prepare concrete arguments
• Stay professional and open
• Think long term

An internship is a stepping stone.

Not a final goal.

And if you want to live a structured, rewarding, and international professional experience, there are suitable solutions available.

🌍 Want to go abroad?