Take a gap year or gap semester

What is a gap year or gap semester?

A gap year or gap semester (période de césure) allows a student to take a break from their studies for one or two semesters (six months or one year) to gain personal or professional experience, in France or abroad.

Who can request a gap year or gap semester?

Anyone enrolled at the University of Strasbourg can request a gap year or gap semester. You can take a gap year or gap semester immediately after finishing your high school studies, even before starting university.

You can take one gap semester or gap year per degree cycle. For example, one gap semester or gap year during your Bachelor's degree and then another during your Master's degree.

What can you do during a gap year or gap semester?

Take part in civic service
Become a volunteer or join an association
Work for a company
Complete a traineeship
Take a training course
Start or grow a business
Spend time abroad
Prepare for a sports competition or artistic project

Advantages of taking a gap year or gap semester

You gain valuable personal or professional experience and develop new skills
You can keep your student status, with reduced registration fees
You can request to keep your scholarship, grant or other financial support
The university offers continuous support throughout your time away
The university guarantees your return to your programme

How to request a gap year or gap semester

Prepare your documents and send them to your faculty's Academic Administration Office (scolarité) or to your doctoral school. If you are applying or reapplying to a programme through Parcoursup, remember to indicate that you wish to take a gap year or gap semester.

Already enrolled at the University of Strasbourg?

Find the application deadlines and procedure on the intranet (Ernest)

Not yet enrolled?

Contact the Academic Administration Office of the faculty you wish to join

Useful resources

Help and support

Contact your faculty's Academic Administration Office