Teach English in France with TAPIF
Teaching Assistant Program in France 2027–28: stipend, eligibility, dates and how to apply
Teach English in France with TAPIF
The Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) places around 1,200 Americans every year as English language assistants in French public schools. Here's what it pays, who can apply, and how to make your 2027–28 application stand out.
TAPIF at a glance
Applications for the 2027–28 cohort open on 15 October 2026. The programme is run by the French Ministry of Education and France Éducation international with the French Embassy in the United States.
Monthly stipend
€1,010.67 gross, about €810 net
Light timetable
Up to 12 hours a week, in up to three schools
Seven-month contract
1 October to 30 April
Visa and health cover
Long-stay visa and French health insurance
School holidays
French school holidays to travel and explore
Nationwide placements
Every region, plus the overseas departments at a higher rate
What does a TAPIF assistant do?
You support the school's English teachers rather than running classes alone. Your role depends on whether you're placed in a primary school (école) or a secondary school (collège or lycée).
- Lead speaking activities and conversation practice
- Run small groups while the teacher works with the rest of the class
- Share American culture, holidays and current events
- Help students prepare for oral exams
- Support English clubs and activities
TAPIF requirements and eligibility
- US citizen or permanent resident, with a passport valid to the end of your contract
- Aged 20 to 35 when the programme starts
- At least three years of higher education (current juniors and seniors can apply)
- Native English speaker with B1-level French
Selection favours applicants with experience teaching or working with children, teenagers or adults. It isn't compulsory, but it's one of the clearest ways to strengthen your application.
Not American? UK citizens apply through the British Council's English Language Assistants scheme, and other nationalities through their own national partner. See every route on our teach English in France page.
Do you need a TEFL certificate for TAPIF?
It isn't required, but it strengthens your application, prepares you for the classroom and qualifies you for paid teaching work when your contract ends. Save 20% on either course with code TAPIF20.
120-Hour Professional TEFL
Our fully accredited core course, covering lesson planning, grammar, classroom management and teaching children. Easy to finish before your TAPIF deadline.
- Certified in as little as 3 weeks
- Fully online and self-paced
- No teaching experience needed
- Free job placement support
150-Hour Advanced TEFL
Our most popular course. Everything in the 120-hour, plus specialist modules for exam classes, large groups and a wider range of learners.
- Prepares you for collège and lycée classes
- Ready for large and mixed-level groups
- More training hours to strengthen your application
- Qualifies you for paid jobs after TAPIF
Prices in GBP; your card converts to USD automatically. Compare all TEFL courses
TAPIF 2027–28 timeline
15 October 2026
Applications open on the official TAPIF website.
January to March 2027
Deadline, with no extensions. Check the official site for the exact date.
April 2027
Results, with your region and school level.
June to August 2027
Your contract (arrêté de nomination) arrives and you apply for your visa.
1 October 2027
Your contract starts, running to 30 April 2028.
How to apply for TAPIF
You apply directly on the official TAPIF website, which charges a small application fee. You'll usually need your passport or green card, a personal statement in French, university transcripts, proof of your French level and recommendation letters.
Tips for a stronger application
- Show teaching experience: tutoring, coaching, camps or a TEFL certificate
- Have a French speaker check your personal statement
- Be flexible about region and school level
- Request recommendation letters early
Where are TAPIF assistants placed?
Assistants are placed in every region of mainland France, from big cities to rural towns, and in Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana and Réunion. You can give preferences, but the programme decides. The stipend goes much further in cities like Toulouse, Rennes or Montpellier than in Paris.
After TAPIF: paid teaching jobs
When your contract ends on 30 April, you can renew, move into a private language school or tutoring in France, or take a salaried job abroad. TEFL UK recruits for schools in Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and beyond, and most of these roles ask for a 120-hour TEFL. Browse our TEFL jobs or the jobs board.
TAPIF: your questions answered
What is TAPIF?
TAPIF (the Teaching Assistant Program in France) is a French government programme that places around 1,200 Americans each year as English language assistants in French public primary and secondary schools for seven months, from October to April.
How much does TAPIF pay?
TAPIF assistants receive a monthly stipend of €1,010.67 gross, which is roughly €810 net after French social security deductions. Assistants placed in the overseas departments receive a higher rate.
When do TAPIF 2027–28 applications open?
Applications for the 2027–28 cohort open on 15 October 2026. The deadline is usually between January and March, so check the official TAPIF website for the exact closing date.
Do I need a TEFL certificate for TAPIF?
No, a TEFL certificate is not a TAPIF requirement. However, selection favours applicants with teaching experience, and a TEFL gives you classroom skills, a stronger application and a qualification you can use for paid teaching jobs after your placement ends.
Who is eligible for TAPIF?
You must be a US citizen or permanent resident aged 20 to 35, have completed at least three years of higher education, be a native English speaker and have intermediate French at B1 level.
Can UK or Irish citizens apply for TAPIF?
No. TAPIF is the American strand of France's language assistant programme. UK citizens apply through the British Council's English Language Assistants scheme, and other nationalities apply through their own national partner.
How many hours do TAPIF assistants work?
Assistants work up to 12 hours a week, which may be split across as many as three schools.
What can I do after TAPIF?
Many assistants renew for a second year, move into private language schools or tutoring in France, or use their experience to secure paid teaching jobs in Asia, Latin America or online. A TEFL certificate is usually required for those paid roles.
Apply for TAPIF
Applications are made directly with the programme, not through TEFL UK. The button opens the official TAPIF website in a new tab.
Want a paid teaching job when your contract ends? Register with us below and our placement team will be in touch.
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