ParisTech International Admission Program

AgroParisTech: become an Engineer for a Sustainable Future

AgroParisTech is a world-class institute specializing in life sciences, environmental challenges, and sustainable innovation. Its engineering program prepares future experts to tackle climate change, resource conservation, food security, and sustainable development.

Through a cutting-edge curriculum combining scientific excellence, hands-on learning, and strong industry connections, students gain the skills to drive impactful change. With an international outlook, the program opens doors to careers in sustainability, health, and bioeconomy.

Discover more about the AgroParisTech engineering program

Arts et Métiers, the Grande Ecole of Technology

Arts et Métiers is one of France’s oldest and best engineering schools specializing in mechanical, industrial and energy engineering. Arts et Métiers has more than 250 years of tradition in technical innovation and industrial engagement.

The school has been committed to meeting constantly evolving industrial challenges and societal issues. What is its primary task? To train specialist engineers in the field of sustainable technology: engineers capable not only of designing environmentally friendly products and systems, but also of overseeing an industrial organisation by controlling the risks and costs.

Discover more about the Arts & Métiers engineering program

Chimie ParisTech – PSL: Training Engineers as Change-Makers to Innovate and Tackle Tomorrow’s Challenges

The school educates responsible and visionary engineering leaders who combine science, creativity, and commitment to address major societal sustainability challenges in key fields such as health, housing, energy, materials, and transportation. Our programs, from engineering degrees to doctorates, blend high-level theoretical instruction with hands-on experimental work, supported by top-tier faculty and industry experts. As a leading research center, Chimie ParisTech – PSL drives scientific and technological advancements for a sustainable future.

Discover more about the Chimie ParisTech - PSL engineering program

ESPCI Paris – PSL: Scientific excellence, interdisciplinarity, and innovation

ESPCI Paris  –  PSL is a major institution of higher education, an internationally renowned research center, and a fertile ground of innovation for industry. Founded by the City of Paris in 1882, for over a century the School has attracted leading scientific innovators like Nobel Prize laureates Pierre and Marie Curie, Paul Langevin, Frédéric Joliot-Curie, Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, and Georges Charpak, who continue to contribute to the institution’s international reputation. The School’s culture of excellence remains as vibrant as ever. A full 60% of graduates go on to complete a thesis and earn their PhD. The School’s teaching faculty and researchers are building tomorrow’s knowledge base, publishing an article a day in top international scientific journals, inventing the industry of the future, and filing for a patent every single week.

Discover more about the ESPCI Paris - PSL engineering program

Institut d’Optique Graduate School: a world leader in Photonics

Founded in 1917, Institut d’Optique is a world leader in photonics and quantum technologies for training, research and innovation.

It is a leading higher education teaching institution and an internationally renowned research centre in the field of sciences of light. Institut d’Optique offers a high-level training in physics, combining experimental practice and fundamental concepts.

Scientists and engineers trained at the Institut d'Optique provide answers to the major scientific and industrial challenges facing our society, including : sustainable energy solutions (lighting revolution, solar sensors, …), digital society (quantum computers, image rendering, …), medical advances (lasers, medical imaging,…), new mobilities (autonomous vehicles, …).

Institut d’Optique is established on three campuses, in Paris-Saclay (Palaiseau), Bordeaux and Saint-Étienne and is a founding member of Université Paris-Saclay and ParisTech.

Discover more about the Institut d'Optique Graduate School engineering program

Mines Paris– PSL: Driving Digital Transformations and Ecological Transitions

For 240 years, Mines Paris – PSL has been driving major societal transformations by training engineers, researchers, and entrepreneurs capable of addressing today’s challenges. With a strong tradition of excellence, the school combines education, research, and innovation to focus on two key priorities: ecological transition and digital transformation. With its 18 multidisciplinary research centers and an innovative teaching approach blending engineering and social sciences, Mines Paris – PSL offers a wide range of programs, from engineering degrees to doctorates.

Discover more about the Mines Paris - PSL engineering program

Fields of study 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. 

Engineering degrees from ParisTech schools are internationally recognized

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. 

You can earn both an engineering degree from a ParisTech school and a diploma from your 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.

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. 

For more than 20 years, ParisTech schools have been organizing this program in partnership with leading universities worldwide.

The number of students accepted depends on the quality of the applicants. For instance, in 2024, ParisTech selected approximately 80 students, with a selection rate of 30-35%.  

You do not have to pay for an application.

Eligibility requirements

On average, international students make up 30% of the student community. The program has partnerships with universities in Asia, Latin America, Europe, and Africa, and since 2021, it has been open to students worldwide.

ParisTech welcomes students of all nationalities who meet the eligibility requirements.

Academic background and diploma required

The level of qualification required varies depending on the country of origin. Details are given here[CG1] . The schools do not accept students who have not completed at least 2 years of higher education. 

Level of French 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 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. 

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

2. 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. 

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

4. 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. 

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

More information about the online scientific test

Instructions for the Scientific Online Test here.

Some tips to prepare for your 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. 

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.

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 information, please reach out to the school you have been admitted to. 

Tuition fees depend on two elements: the ParisTech school that will receive you and the diploma you have upon admission into the ParisTech International Admission Program. According to this, costs range from 1,250 euros to 6,150 euros per year. If you qualify for a scholarship in your country of origin and/or in France, fees may be reduced.

To know more about tuition fees in accordance with your student profile and your country of origin, you must get in touch with the ParisTech school you have applied to.

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. 

Scholarship students 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 scholarship, 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. 

Eiffel scholarship from the French government

You must first 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. 

Locations of ParisTech schools

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. 

Find an accommodation

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 benefits. 

More information on the schools' websites: 

AgroParisTech

Arts et Métiers

Chimie ParisTech – PSL

ESPCI Paris – PSL

Institut d’Optique

Mines Paris – PSL

Extra-curricular activities

There are many student societies in 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. 

AgroParisTech

Arts et Métiers

Chimie ParisTech – PSL

ESPCI Paris – PSL (in French) 

Institut d’Optique (in French) 

Mines Paris – PSL

Administrative procedures 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 : 

• AgroParisTech : incomers@agroparistech.fr
• Arts et Métiers : admissions@ensam.eu  
• Chimie ParisTech - PSL: international@chimieparistech.psl.eu  
• ESPCI Paris - PSL:  international@espci.psl.eu 
• Institut d’Optique : international@institutoptique.fr 
• Mines Paris - PSL: international@minesparis.psl.eu 

Assistance given to overseas students

ParisTech schools provide assistance programs on the ParisTech campuses to help international students with administrative procedures. 

To help you settle into your new life in France, all the ParisTech schools offer intensive French language classes and student mentoring programs. Fees for the language classes vary between schools (sometimes the student is required to cover the costs, sometimes classes are partly funded by the school).