Be it the TGV ( Train à Grande Vitesse or “high-speed train”), or the Canal du Midi, France has been at the forefront of several ground-breaking engineering projects worldwide. Engineering sciences are an area of excellence in France’s higher education system. France is one of the top destinations for engineering and management degrees after the USA and China. It has some of the world’s top engineering universities that students from across the globe prefer. If you want to pursue engineering, and are on a lookout for some of the best engineering courses, then this blog will help you narrow down your list of universities to choose from in France.
Best Universities in France for Studying Engineering
France has some of the world’s best engineering universities known for their academic curriculum, expert teaching, extensive research facilities, and placement assistance services. The leading universities in France for teaching engineering are as follows:
École Polytechnique,
CentraleSupélec,
INSA Lyon,
Université Grenoble Alpes,
Polytechnique University of Nantes,
Mines ParisTech,
Université de Technologie de Compiègne (UTC),
Université Paris-Saclay
Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC)
National Institute of Applied Sciences (INSA) of Toulouse
1. École Polytechnique
The 1st engineering university to feature in our list is the École Polytechnique. It was established in 1794 and is a founding member of the Polytechnique Institute of Paris. In partnership with the FU Foundation School, it offers a Global dual degree in Engineering . It is for 5 years and consists of a combined bachelor’s and master’s program. During the first three years, École Polytechnique allows students to develop a solid academic background in science, while exploring topics unrelated to pure sciences.
As a part of its application process, you need to submit a CV, 2 LORs, and a personal statement, in which you have to answer the following questions in 300 words each:
Beyond the reputation of École Polytechnique and its campus life, please explain which academic aspects of our program and institution appeal to you and how they fit your goals.
As a student, you will have opportunities to contribute to the student community and share your passions. Write a pitch to your peers to motivate them to embark on this adventure with you, considering that your own experience may inspire them.
Tell us about your interest in science: how it started, what you are particularly interested in, and how you remain engaged.
Tuition Fees – €15,750 (for EU students), and €18,800 (for non-EU students)
2. Centrale Supélec
Formed after the merger of two prestigious institutions, the Centrale Supélec came into being in 2015. It is considered to be one of the best engineering schools in France which is highly regarded for offering the following engineering courses:
Bachelor’s in Global Engineering is taught in collaboration with McGill University. It is a four-year course. As a part of this course, you will get to learn about relevant issues like climate change, new technologies, digitalization and programming, innovation, etc. To apply for this, you need to submit a personal statement and have to appear for an interview.
Tuition Fees- €44,000 per year (for non-EU students), and €7,900 per year (for EU students)
Master’s of Engineering at CentraleSupélec is a 2-year program that offers you the option to choose from a range of 16 specializations like electronics, energy, civil engineering, mechanics, computer science, and environment, to name a few.
Tuition Fees- €243 (for EU students), and €3,770 (for non-EU students)
A Master’s in Global Engineering is meant for candidates who have a 4 year Bachelor’s degree in Science or Engineering from a non-French university. This course is for 2 years. It will help you build the required competencies and skills required to become a top-level science and engineering professional. You need to submit a resume, motivation letter, and LORS, and will be asked to appear for an interview, if you wish to enroll in this course.
Tuition Fees – €18,000 per year
Masters in Mechanical engineering – As a part of this course, you are made to learn about various mechanical disciplines, such as materials science, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and systems engineering. You will also get to learn about advanced manufacturing techniques, robotics, and automation.
To seek admission for this course, you must have a solid background in mathematics, chemistry, and physics. The admission process involves two stages:
Provisional selection by application
Entrance examinations which consist of a written and an oral science exam, followed by an interview
Duration- 1.5 years
Tuition Fees- € 2,500 to € 5,000 per year
3. University of Lyon
Yet another specialized top-level higher education institution in France to feature in our list is the University of Lyon. It was established in 1896. It teaches a wide variety of engineering programs, out of which the most prominent one is its Electrical Engineering course. The INSA curriculum is a 5-year program, in which the first two years involve a common track, in which students are made to learn about the fundamentals of engineering, followed by specialization in a specific field of engineering. After which, they can acquire a Diplôme d’ingénieur , equivalent to a Master of Science.
In its Electrical Engineering program, emphasis is placed on letting students get a firm grasp of how electrical and electronic systems operate and are developed. The program aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of electrical systems, circuits, and communication technologies.
Tuition Fees- €7300 per year
4. Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA)
Founded in 1339, the Grenoble Alpes University is France’s 3rd largest university. If you are keen on pursuing higher studies in environmental engineering, then you must have a look at UGA’s bachelor’s and master’s programs in Environmental Engineering . These programs have been designed to help students address critical challenges such as climate change, sustainable energy, and resource management.
You get to explore topics such as waste management, environmental systems, and water treatment. It emphasizes the application of engineering solutions to protect the environment and ensure sustainable development. If you wish to enroll in this program, then you must submit a CV, cover letter,and LORs.
Duration- 3 years (Bachelor’s), 2 years (Master’s)
Tuition Fees- €243- €1473 per year
5. Polytechnique University of Nantes
Situated in Nantes, the Polytechnique University is a part of the renowned Polytech Group of institutions, which comprises several top engineering schools in France. The Polytechnique University of Nantes was built in the year 2000. It teaches multiple engineering courses that have been duly recognized by EUR-ACE (quality certificate for Engineering programs). Among its several courses, it is widely recognized for its Master’s in Computer Science and Engineering program.
To meet the demands of the fast-driven tech world, this program focuses on teaching students about theoretical computer science along with practical engineering skills. While designing, developing, and optimizing computer systems for various applications, during your course of study, you get to acquire knowledge about different types of software, data, and intelligent systems. If you wish to apply for this, then you will be required to submit a CV, Cover letter, and at times, are asked to provide reference letters as well.
Duration- 2 years
Tuition Fees- €2500 per year
6. Mines ParisTech
Originally established in 1783, by King Louis XVI, the Mines ParisTech is a constituent college of the PSL Research University. It offers an array of programs related to industrial engineering, materials science, and energy technologies. Synonymous with its names, Mines ParisTech’s most widely popular course is in the Advanced Master’s Program in Mineral Resources and Extractive Industries Management.
It aims to let students know about the extraction and processing of raw materials, and about the development of new materials with advanced properties that can be used in various industries. As a part of its curriculum, students get to be a part of several research projects associated with sustainable resource management, and advanced material synthesis. If you want to enrol for this program, you need to submit a CV, detailing your academic and professional background, and a Cover Letter, outlining what motivated you to study this particular course.
Duration- 12 months
Tuition Fees- €7,500 for individual candidates, and €15,000 for company-sponsored candidates
7. Université de Technologie de Compiègne (UTC)
The University of Technology of Compiègne enjoys the status of being both a public research university and a grande ecole (specialized top-level educational institution in France). UTC offers one of the most popular Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering programs in France. The Industrial Design Engineering (IDI) course, focuses on using optimization techniques, and data-driven decision-making to improve the efficiency of various industrial systems.
You get to analyze the complexities involved in different kinds of industrial processes and get to design efficient systems and technologies that will enhance productivity, and reduce waste in multiple sectors, particularly in logistics, manufacturing, and supply chain management.
Duration – 3 years
Being a public university, UTC charges no tuition fees.
8. Université Paris-Saclay
Created in 2019, the Paris-Saclay University is among the new universities in France. It is widely known for offering a Master’s degree in Data Science and Engineering. This program aims to train students in the analysis, and interpretation of large data sets. You gain mastery over several statistical modeling, machine learning, and data mining techniques while studying this program. Key components of the program include data mining, machine learning, data visualization and analysis, artificial intelligence, and statistical modeling. To apply for this course, the university requires you to submit a CV and a VAP file.
Duration – 12 months
Tuition fees- €243
9. Sorbonne University
With its history dating back to 1257, when the present Sorbonne University of France, was known as the Sorbonne College, this university is one of the oldest universities in the world. Its current iteration came into being in 2018, with the amalgamation of Paris-Sorbonne University and Pierre and Marie Curie University. Its Master of Computer Science program is a result of a joint effort between Sorbonne University, other prominent French universities, and European institutions.
As a part of this program, students get to learn about cyber security, cloud computing, statistical modeling, Artificial intelligence, Machine learning, ethical hacking, digital forensics, software science, and technology. What makes this program unique is that some of its constituent courses are either totally taught in English, or include an apprenticeship program taught in French, where you get to study in the university, and also work in major French companies. As a part of its application process, you need to submit a one-page CV, and a Cover letter (1-2 pages).
Duration – 2 years
Tuition Fees- €10,800–€14,500 per year
10. National Institute of Applied Sciences of Toulouse
The National Institute of Applied Sciences of Toulouse was built in 1963 and is one of the 6 engineering institutes that are a part of the INSA network in France. As stated earlier, the INSA curriculum comprises a total of 5 years of study (3 years- bachelor’s and 2 years- Master’s). The National Institute of Applied Sciences (INSA) of Toulouse’s Engineering program focuses on imparting knowledge of the basic principles of engineering, in the initial years.
Later, when you opt for a particular specialization be it civil, mechanical, or aeronautical engineering, you get an in-depth understanding of concepts like fluid mechanics, materials science, thermodynamics, robotics, electrical systems, power electronics, electronic circuits, etc. The university also offers a PhD in Engineering, several dual degrees, and international programs in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, and Mechanical Engineering. Based on the type, and level of engineering course that you want to study in INSA, you will be asked to submit a CV, motivation letter, cover letter, research proposal, and LORs.
Tuition Fees – €700- €12,000 per year
Application Requirements for Studying Engineering in France
If you wish to study engineering in France, then you must have a fair idea of the documents that you would need while applying to a university there. These application requirements vary based on the type and level of engineering course and university you have applied for. However, the common documents required are:
The university application form with all the correct information, regarding your personal, academic, and professional details.
Official transcripts and high-school leaving certificate from an accredited academic institution.
Competitive scores in standardized tests like the GRE or GMAT , to assess your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, might be asked by certain universities in France.
Academic documents like a resume, essay, Cover Letter, Motivation Letter, SOP, and LOR , that explain your reasons for pursuing engineering at a university in France and how this will be beneficial for your career.
To write as per the university standards, contact experienced study abroad consultants who have a team of dedicated SOP and LOR writers.
The TOEFL or IELTS language proficiency test results showcase your ability to communicate effectively in an academic context where English is the medium of instruction.
At French universities, most of the courses are taught in English. If you want to continue your education and find employment or settle in France, it is always preferable to learn French. You can take French language proficiency tests such as DALF, DELF, TEF, or TCF.
A valid passport and a Student visa for France , bearing your correct initials.
Conclusion
Thus, you see how most of the universities in France are recognized across the world for their wide variety of engineering courses. Some of these French universities teach engineering programs, by collaborating with another foreign institution. With this, international students get to learn from expert faculty from two prestigious universities, and the value of their engineering degree further increases. Since these universities are highly selective in their admission process, it becomes very important for students to pay attention to the way they present themselves.
An important role is played by your academic documents such as a SOP, LOR, resume, cover letter, motivation letter, etc. To help you get a better understanding of academic writing and for university applications in France, it is best to consult reputed study abroad consultants. At Contentholic , we provide premium career counseling, and SOP and LOR writing services. Do contact us and get closer to your dream of studying engineering in France.
