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FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Find answers to the most common questions about admissions and academic programs at ParisTech schools in our FAQ below. If you have further inquiries, feel free to contact us.

Becoming an Engineering Leader at ParisTech Schools

 

ParisTech schools 

 

Which schools are part of the ParisTech network? 

The ParisTech network includes the following prestigious engineering schools: 

 

What fields of study are covered by ParisTech schools? 

ParisTech schools offer programs in a wide range of disciplines, including civil engineering, food engineering, robotics, chemistry or physics. Their curricula are designed to equip graduates with the skills needed to tackle today’s major societal challenges, including sustainable development. 

For a detailed overview of ParisTech’s academic programs, you can check this resource or visit the individual school websites for more information. 

domaines de spécialisation des écoles d'ingénieurs paristech

What are the different possibilities for studying in ParisTech schools?

The ParisTech schools primarily train graduate engineers and award the “diplôme d’ingénieur”, a Master’s level degree. However, they also co-run a wide range of Master’s courses, and accept doctoral students too.

You can apply either for a full degree program (engineering degree, Master’s degree, PhD, Advanced Master), or participate to an exchange program (usually one or two semesters).

 

What teaching methods are used? 

ParisTech schools combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. The teaching approach is tailored to industry needs while fostering skills that enable students to pursue careers in research or entrepreneurship. Students receive close supervision, work on team projects, and complete internships every year. Academic training is research-oriented, and between 20% and 70% of engineering students continue with a PhD after earning their degree. 

 

What degrees are awarded? 

Each ParisTech school grants its own engineering degree, which is equivalent to a Master’s-level qualification. Graduates may choose to pursue a PhD immediately after earning their degree. 

 

Are the engineering degrees internationally recognized? 

Yes, ParisTech schools engineering degrees are accredited in France by the Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur (CTI) and automatically receive the EUR-ACE label (European Accredited Engineer). The CTI has also established recognition agreements  with several countries, including Switzerland, the Netherlands, the U.S., and Canada. Additionally, the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) recognizes the French engineering degree as equivalent to a Master’s-level qualification. 

 

Can I earn both a ParisTech school engineering degree and a diploma from my home university? 

Many international partnerships within the ParisTech International Admission Program offer dual-degree options, allowing students to earn both a Diplôme d’Ingénieur from a ParisTech school and a degree from their home university. Check specific partner agreements here.

 

Can I just study for one semester at one of your schools?

Providing your home university has signed a student exchange convention with ParisTech or the school where you would like to study at, you can do a semester as an exchange student, either on an engineering course, or (at some of the ParisTech schools) on a Master’s course (academic exchange and/or research placement).

PLEASE NOTE: Most of our engineering degrees courses are taught in French, although some are taught in English. When choosing modules for your exchange semester, it is therefore essential to take into account your level of French and/or English.

ParisTech International Admission Program

Program Overview 

 

What is the ParisTech International Admission Program? 

This program allows international students to enroll in one of the ParisTech engineering schools. It is open to science and engineering students seeking an internationally recognized French engineering degree, equivalent to a Master’s degree. 

 

What are the benefits of joining a ParisTech network school through this admission? 

  • To benefit from an excellent education in science and engineering recognized worldwide ; 

  • To build multidisciplinary skills, to learn about economics, management and communication ; 

  • To connect with the professional world through internships, projects etc. 

  • To be able to pursue a PhD ; 

  • To live an intensive student life ; 

  • To discover new cultures ; 

  • To gain an immersive international experience in Paris, the city of science and arts ; 

  • To join a big and influential alumni community ; 

  • To get a high-quality job.

 

How many students are admitted each year? 

There is no fixed quota. The number of students admitted depends on the quality of applicants. For instance, in 2024, ParisTech selected approximately 80 students, with a selection rate of 30-35%.  

 

Eligibility requirements for admission 

 

Who is eligible to apply? 

ParisTech welcomes students of all nationalities who meet the eligibility requirements. On average, international students make up 30% of the student body. Each school also has bilateral agreements with international higher education institutions. 

 

What diploma is required to be accepted to a ParisTech school? 

The level of qualification required (Bachelor’s, Master’s) varies depending on the country of origin. Details are given in the partnership agreements concluded between ParisTech and its overseas partner universities. The schools do not accept students who have not completed at least 2 years of higher education. 

 

What level of French proficiency is required? 

If you are selected, you need to learn French between the publication of the results and your arrival in France. You should then contact the international Office of your university to identify the better way to do that (French course at the university, in an Alliance Française, or somewhere else). Each ParisTech school will also deliver French courses during your stay in France and even suggest some solutions to you (e.g., intensive course in France during several weeks in summer – at your expense in some schools) right before the start of the academic year in France. Indeed, you will need a French certificate to hold a visa and some scholarships. 

 Some resources to learn French 

 

Application Procedure 

 

What are the steps in the selection process? 

  1. Application submission (June 21 – September 24, 2025) : Prepare your application file by logging into the application portal of ParisTech Grandes Ecoles. 

  1. Online scientific test ( end of september) Applicants must take an online scientific test in English during the following autumn. The test consists of two parts: the first one focuses on mathematics, while the second one covers the chosen discipline(s) (mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology). More details on the test’s structure and sample questions are available on the country webpage. The test is conducted entirely in English. 

  1. Interview (conducted in English or French) - beginning of October)  Applicants who pass the test are invited to an interview,  

  1. Ranking of schools by preference: When you apply to the ParisTech International Admission Program, your application will be reviewed by all participating schools that offer programs in your chosen field of study. You can apply to any school that matches your profile. After the interview, you will be asked to rank the schools in order of preference. If multiple schools express interest in your application, you will receive an offer only from the highest-ranked school on your list. You will then need to confirm your acceptance. To make an informed choice, we strongly recommend exploring the ParisTech website as well as the individual websites of the ParisTech schools. 

  1. Final selection and admission results (notified End of November). Courses begin in late August or September of the following year. 

 

Can I apply in English, French or in my own language? 

The application form is in English and you can fill it in English or in French. You can submit the required documents in French, if available. 

The scientific test is only in English. 

Recommendation letters can be written in English, French or, exceptionally, if English and French are not possible, in another language (Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese). 

 

Do I have to provide an English certificate when applying to the program? 

You can upload an English certificate on the application platform, but it is not compulsory. Nonetheless, you will be tested in English during the interview and the Admission Board will pay attention to your scores in English in your academic transcripts. 

You don’t have to provide any English certificate before coming to France. But you should be aware that a B2 level in English will be required to obtain the engineering degree. 

 

Do you have to pay for application in the ParisTech International Admission Program? 

No, you don’t have to pay for application. 

 

Examinations and Selection 

 

How to prepare for the admission exam? 

Rankings and academic records will be relatively important. 

To prepare the scientific test (instructions here): 

  • Acquire solid foundations in mathematics 

  • Excel in the relevant domain: physics, chemistry and/or life sciences. 

 

To prepare your professional project letter and the interview: 

  • Dedicate time to writing your cover letter and to preparing yourself for the interview. 

  • Highlight the link between your application and your previous academic and professional experiences. 

  • Familiarize yourself with the ParisTech schools: characteristics, specialties, curricula, work prospects for its graduates; carefully read the schools’ websites. 

  • Have a clear path into the future and a draft on your career planning: positions, industries, companies…; think about what you want to try, what you want to do. 

  • Reflect on what motivates you. 

  • Have a global understanding on French companies. 

 

How is the scientific test conducted, and in which language? 

  • The test is conducted entirely in English. 

  • The scientific test consists of 80 multiple choice questions that are various and gradual in difficulty. 

  • The test contains questions in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. 

  • The level of difficulty required for each school is specified in the test.

 

Is it possible to change your major? 

Yes, it is possible to change your main field of studies while applying to ParisTech program. Nevertheless, the schools will check carefully that the applicant's background enables him/her to follow the courses in the selected field of studies. The interview will be crucial to explain your choice, so that the jury can give you advice. 

For double degree students, their home university should also validate the applicant's fields of studies choices. 

 

Should I already speak French when I apply to the program? 

You don’t need to speak French when you apply. English is enough to apply and undergo the interview. But if you are selected, you need to learn French between the publication of the results and your arrival in France. 

 

Tuition Fees and Scholarships 

 

How much are the tuition fees? 

Each ParisTech school sets its own tuition fees, which are reviewed annually. Please check fees with the school upon admission.  All students must also pay the “Contribution à la Vie Étudiante et de Campus” (CVEC), currently set at €90 per year. Fee reductions or exemptions may be available based on agreements or financial situations. For more informations, please reach out to the school you are admitted in. 

 

Do you offer any student scholarships or financial aid? 

To be eligible for a scholarship or financial aid, you must first be selected by one of the ParisTech schools. Then, the school may request a scholarship or support you in your individual application. 

For top international students, the ParisTech schools can request an Eiffel Scholarship from the French government. 

Bursaries can also be awarded by their home universities as part of the FITEC programs (BRAFITEC for Brazil, ARFITEC for Argentina, MEXFITEC for Mexico) or specific programs in the field of agronomy (BRAFAGRI for Brazil and ARFAGRI for Argentina) for Latin America. 

Brazilian students must apply directly to CAPES for the bursary, specifying the relevant program (BRAFITEC or BRAFAGRI). 

We recommend that you contact the Head of International Relations at your university to find out what funding opportunities are available. 

Chinese students can request a scholarship from the China Scholarship Council (CSC). 

Argentinian students can request a scholarship from the BECAR program. 

The schools can also support European students via Erasmus+ mobility grants where applicable. 

The schools and their foundations may also offer some specific scholarships. 

Partner companies from each school might fund some scholarships. 

 

How to get an Eiffel scholarship from the French government? 

You have first to be selected by one of the ParisTech schools. According to your academic records (GPA, ranking), the schools may decide to submit your application to Eiffel’ scholarship from the French government. 

Only the best students may have the opportunity to obtain the Eiffel fellowship. 

 

Student Life and Housing 

 

Where are ParisTech schools located? 

The Arts et Métiers, Chimie ParisTech– PSL, ESPCI Paris– PSL, and Mines Paris– PSL schools are located in Paris. AgroParisTech and the Institut d'Optique Graduate School are located in the Greater Paris area, on the Plateau de Saclay, about an hour from Paris by public transport. 

 

How can I find accommodation in France? 

The campuses where the schools are located offer student accommodation (flats or studio apartments) at affordable rents (approx. € 380/month). You may also be eligible for housing benefit. 

More information on the schools' websites: 

 

Do the schools offer extra-curricular activities (sport, culture, etc.)? 

There are many student societies at the different schools. You can join a sports team and take part in competitions for example, and there are also lots of cultural clubs, humanitarian groups, junior enterprises, etc. 

 

Other Practical Information 

 

What administrative procedures are involved for studying in France? 

Please refer to the CampusFrance website. 

We recommend that you contact the Office of International Relations at the ParisTech school where you would like to study. All email addresses are available here : 

 

         https://www.agroparistech.fr/en/international/study-abroad-agroparistech/practical-information 

         https://artsetmetiers.fr/en/living-france 

          https://www.chimieparistech.psl.eu/en/international/studying-at-chimie-paristech/preparing-your-stay-at-chimie-paristech/ 

          https://www.espci.psl.eu/en/internationalisation/incoming-mobility/pre-arrival-boarding/ 

 

 

Master’s degrees at ParisTech

How do I apply for a Master’s degree?

Each degree has its own specific application procedure. Please visit the website of the Master’s course you are interested in for details. A selection of the Master’s programs co-run by ParisTech schools is available here.

What level of French is required?

The Master’s programs are taught in French and/or English. The language of teaching is indicated on the webpage of each Master’s course.

Can I do an internship in a company in France?

The rules about internships are different for different Master’s courses. Please check the curriculum of the course you are interested in to find out the specific requirements for the final-year project. The schools have teams that can help students find a placement. Internships are very popular in France, so lots of companies offer them. However, it is up to the company to decide whether or not they accept a particular student for an internship.

PhDs at the ParisTech laboratories

How do I apply to do a PhD at one of the ParisTech schools?

If you want to do a PhD at one of the laboratories run by the ParisTech schools, we recommend that you contact the laboratory directly to introduce yourself and identify a potential supervisor and PhD topic. To do a PhD, you must have been accepted by the laboratory and have the necessary funding.

A list of the laboratories run by the ParisTech schools is available here.

What level of French is required?

If you are coming to France to do a PhD, we strongly recommend that you make sure your level of French is sufficient for handling day-to-day interactions. However, you can also work in English in the ParisTech laboratories.

Is there any funding available for PhDs?

In France, doctoral students must have funding for their PhD studies. There are several possible sources of funding, in particular:

  1. Some laboratories offer doctoral contracts;
  2. Many doctoral students at ParisTech schools apply for a CIFRE contract with an industrial company;
  3. Other sources of funding may also be available, for example Chinese doctoral students may be eligible for a grant from the China Scholarship Council, Mexican students from CONACYT, etc.

 

ParisTech – CSC PhD program

I would like to apply to the ParisTech – CSC PhD Program, how should I proceed?

Each year in October, ParisTech posts a list of PhD topics offered by its schools on its website. You will find all relevant information on the application process here.

We strongly recommend candidates to contact thesis supervisors who propose topics of interest to them before the interview, which takes place in January.

Can I apply for several thesis subjects offered by ParisTech?

You can be interested by multiple PhD topics, and hence contacts multiple supervisors. However, you can only apply to the CSC scholarship for one topic. Therefor only one doctoral school will give you a conditional admission letter for the scholarship application.

When will I know if I am admitted?

On ParisTech side, you will know if a supervisor/lab accepts your application if/when you receive a conditional admission letter that will allow you to apply for a CSC scholarship through the CSC – ParisTech program.

As far as the CSC is concerned, you will know the results in May or June. If you are granted a CSC scholarship, you will then receive an unconditional admission letter from the relevant school.

Can I apply to the ParisTech – CSC PhD program if I am already working?

Candidates already working can apply for a CSC - ParisTech scholarship. They must, however, make sure that their project is supported by their employer, or that they can afford to take a break from their working life for 3 to 4 years.

What types of PhD can be funded by the ParisTech – CSC PhD Program?

The ParisTech – CSC PhD program can finance:

  1. A full PhD in France
  2. A co-supervised PhD
  3. A visiting Sandwich PhD

Applicants must define with their French supervisors (and supervisors from their home university in the case of co-supervised PhD, or visiting sandwich PhD) the type of PhD they wish to apply for the program. The documents required for each type of PhD may vary.

I already know the French PhD supervisors, and they have already sent me a conditional admission letter: should I still take the ParisTech interview?

The ParisTech interview is not optional: to appear on the list sent by ParisTech to the CSC, you must follow all the stages of the procedure, and therefore pass the interview with the ParisTech jury.

I missed the deadline for submitting application files, can I still apply?

You cannot apply for the ParisTech - CSC PhD program, but you can nevertheless contact the supervisors of the subjects that interest you, and either:

- apply individually for a CSC scholarship if the supervisors accept your application before the deadline for submitting your application to the CSC,

- or seek other sources of funding with your supervisors.

How many candidates apply each year?

About one hundred candidates submit an application every year. Between 30 and 50 obtain a conditional admission letter, and are shortlisted by ParisTech for a CSC scholarship application.