Engineering Science Schools and Programs in France

Engineering Science Studies in France

Engineering in France is taught mostly in engineering schools (écoles d'ingénieurs) rather than in ordinary university faculties. These schools, public or private, belong to the group of Grandes Écoles and award the diplôme d'ingénieur after five years of higher education. Some are independent, and others are part of a university. SpainExchange lists 3 schools in France with engineering programmes.

How the engineering degree is organised

The diplôme d'ingénieur is a five-year qualification (called Bac+5 in France, at master's level). According to Campus France, the national agency for international students, there are two usual ways in:

• two years of preparatory classes followed by a competitive entrance exam and three years at the school;
• direct entry after secondary school, at schools with an integrated preparatory programme.

Both of the listed engineering schools use the second model. EPF, which has trained generalist engineers since 1925, has three years of common core in science and technology and two years of specialisation, taken full-time or as work-study. The programme includes 48 weeks of internships over the five years and at least one semester abroad, and is taught on four campuses: Paris-Cachan, Troyes, Montpellier and Saint-Nazaire.

The ISEL (Institut Supérieur d'Études Logistiques) is a public engineering school that is part of the Université Le Havre Normandie. It has a two-year preparatory cycle and a three-year engineering cycle in four specialities, including logistics, energy mix and smart grids, and mechanics and production, on three campuses: Le Havre, Vernon and Puteaux. According to the school, more than 50% of its students train through work-study (alternance), in which periods at the school alternate with work at a company.

Below the engineering diploma there are shorter technical qualifications. Engineering schools also offer three-year bachelor programmes, and lycées teach the BTS, a higher technician diploma: the Lycée René Perrin in Ugine, in the Alps, offers BTS programmes in production process design and in electrical engineering. For comparison, a university bachelor's degree takes six semesters and 180 ECTS credits.

Recognition: the CTI

The title of ingénieur diplômé can only be awarded by accredited schools. The Commission des Titres d'Ingénieur (CTI) is an independent body that French law has charged since 1934 with evaluating all French engineering schools for accreditation. It decides on the accreditation of private schools and gives its opinion to the ministries for public ones. The list of accredited schools is fixed by ministerial order; the most recent one listed by the CTI is dated 11 December 2025. Since 2020 the CTI has also evaluated the bachelor programmes of engineering schools. Before enrolling, check that the school and the specific programme appear in the current list.

Admission and language

Admission is selective and each school has its own procedure. At EPF, students in a French lycée abroad apply through Parcoursup, the national platform. Applicants from the countries covered by the Etudes en France procedure must register on that platform, and others send a file directly to the school. EPF asks international applicants for a secondary school diploma in a scientific field and at least level B1 in French; those who enter in the fourth year also need English at level B2.

Teaching is mainly in French. Campus France notes that the Grandes Écoles also provide a large part of their training in English, so it is worth checking the language of each programme.

Tuition fees

Fees depend on the status of the school. According to Campus France, for the 2026-27 academic year:

• EU, EEA and Swiss students pay €630 per year for an engineering degree at a public institution under the higher education ministry. A few schools, such as the Écoles Centrales, charge €2,620 per year.
• Students from other countries are subject to differentiated fees, unless they are exempt.
• Private institutions generally charge about €6,000 to €18,000 or more per year.

EPF lists €10,180 for a year of its generalist engineering diploma in 2026-27. In the apprenticeship track the fee is €0, because the host company pays it.

Careers

The diplôme d'ingénieur is a professional qualification, and internships are built into the course. EPF describes its generalist training as one that allows graduates to work in all sectors; specialised programmes such as those of the ISEL lead to fields like logistics, energy and industrial production. Work-study students gain company experience during the degree.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to become an engineer in France?

Five years after secondary school: either two years of preparatory classes plus three years at an engineering school, or five years at a school with an integrated preparatory cycle.

How do I know if a French engineering school is recognised?

Accredited schools appear in a ministerial order listing the schools allowed to award the title of ingénieur diplômé. The Commission des Titres d'Ingénieur (CTI) evaluates the schools and publishes these lists.

Do I need to speak French to study engineering in France?

Usually yes. EPF, for example, asks international applicants for at least level B1 in French, and for English at level B2 for entry in the fourth year.

How much does an engineering degree cost in France?

At public schools under the higher education ministry, EU, EEA and Swiss students pay €630 per year in 2026-27. Private schools generally charge about €6,000 to €18,000 or more per year.