Taking a Gap Year | Toulouse School of Management

Taking a gap year at Toulouse School of Management (TSM) offers students the opportunity to take a break in their academic journey to enhance their personal and professional experience. Whether it is to undertake an internship, develop an entrepreneurial project, or gain international experience, taking a gap year allows students to strengthen their skills before continuing their studies. Discover the conditions and procedures for taking a gap year at TSM to best prepare for your professional future.

What is a Gap Year?

A gap year is defined as "a period during which a student, enrolled in higher education, temporarily suspends their studies to gain personal or professional experience, either independently or under supervision in a host organisation in France or abroad." (Décret n°2018-372 du 18 mai 2018 relatif à la césure d'études supérieures)

Here are some examples of reasons for taking a gap year :

Studying in a field different from the student's current programme,
Gaining professional experience in France or abroad,
Participating in civic service in France or abroad,
Developing a student-entrepreneur project.

A gap year cannot exceed two consecutive semesters. It must begin at the start of an academic year.

Any student enrolled in an initial or work-study programme can apply for a gap year.

Please note that applying for a gap year does not constitute an application for a programme. These are two separate procedures and the request must be submitted during the application period.

Application Procedure

Where to Apply?

Bachelor degree candidates at TSM:

Students wishing to take a gap year during their first year of undergraduate studies must apply through the Parcoursup platform when entering their preferences.
Students who wish to take a gap year between Bachelor Year 1 and Year 2, or between Bachelor Year 2 and Year 3, should apply through the eCandidatures platform when submitting their application.

Master degree candidates at TSM:

Students wishing to take a gap year during for their Master 1 should apply through either the Mon Master or eCandidatures platform, depending on their programme and status.
Students wishing to take a gap year between Year 1 and Year 2 of a Master’s programme should apply through the eCandidatures platform.

It is recommended to check the 'Admission' tab on your programme page to determine whether you need to use the MonMaster or eCandidatures platform.

How to apply?

To apply for a gap year, students must complete the online gap year request form, in addition to submitting the required documents for their programme application.

Please note: For students applying for a gap year between Year 3 of bachelor programme and Year 1 of their Master’s, additional documents on the Mon Master platform will need to be completed.

The academic committee will review the applications and provide a decision outlining the conditions for the student's return to their original programme, as well as the terms for validating the gap year.

For more information :

Contact your administrative officer by scrolling down to the bottom of your programme page.

Taking a Gap Year Abroad:

If the gap year involves time abroad, students must provide an additional supporting document by following the procedure outlined and referring to the website diplomatie.gouv.fr.

Fill in the procedure for going abroad document

As part of their studies at TSM, students have the opportunity to take a gap year.

If you are a current TSM student, please refer to the procedure available on your intranet. There, you will find all the necessary information and documents to submit your gap year request.

Check the Gap Year Page on TSM's Intranet

Please note: To access this page, make sure you log in using your TSM email address.

Status during a Gap Year

Students receiving financial assistance (French "bourse" for students), may request to retain their financial support during their gap year. These payments will count towards the total number of financial support payments allowed throughout their studies.

For health insurance, students must contact their health insurance provider to obtain the necessary information regarding their status and the continuation of their coverage.

Students who receive approval from the academic committee to take a gap year must complete their administrative registration. They will be required to pay a reduced registration fee and the Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC).

Registration will be completed in the programme for which the academic committee has granted approval for the gap year. Students registered for a gap year are not required to complete a course registration and are not eligible to sit exams for the programme they are enrolled in.

Any Questions about Gap Years?

Check the Student FAQ