Engineering was one of the most popular subjects on EDUopinions this year. We gathered almost 700 reviews for global engineering programmes on the site, encompassing specialisms like structural engineering and electrical engineering. When you’re choosing a school of engineering, it’s so important to consider both rankings and student experience to give you the best chance at future success in this competitive field. So, what are the best specialised engineering schools in France?
France has a strong heritage in engineering studies. Two French engineering schools appear in the top 100 universities in the world in the Times Higher Education global engineering rankings, beating top research universities in Germany, the US, and the UK. Plus, there are more than 800,000 engineers working in the country across a wide variety of disciplines including aeronautics, electronics and energy.
If you want to start your engineering career in France, then you might be looking at one of the many specialised engineering schools for your degree. These universities and grande écoles are the top places to study an engineering specialisation, and offer fantastic networking and industry links to help you start your career.
Where possible, we’ve also linked to verified student reviews of the best specialised engineering schools in France, so you can find out what real students say about their experience!
What are the best specialised engineering schools in France?
ESTACA Engineering School (4/5 Overall Rating)
The École Supérieure des Techniques Aéronautiques et de Construction Automobile (ESTACA) is a French engineering school specialising in transportation. Founded in 1925, ESTACA has cultivated a reputation for excellence in aeronautics, automotive engineering, railway systems, and space technology.
ESTACA’s main campus is located in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, near Paris, where students will find modern labs and industry-grade tools. The schools offers close collaboration with industry giants such as Airbus, Renault, and SNCF, so students get hands-on training in their chosen field before they graduate. Post-Master programmes include technical degrees in Motorsport Engineering and Aeronautical Operations and Maintenance, while the school’s French-language engineering degrees prepare students for careers in fields like shipping and railways.
Student Review
I chose this university because it was one of the few offering specialized classes for the automotive sector. Overall the university was a good place to study and gives great opportunities of employment as it is well-known in the automotive industry.
Student Review
ISAE-SUPAERO (4.6/5 Overall Rating)
As the world’s first aerospace engineering school, ISAE-SUPAERO, has set a benchmark for excellence in aerospace studies. Located in Toulouse (the heart of Europe’s aerospace industry), the school offers cutting-edge education in aeronautics, space, and systems engineering.
With a student population of around 1,900, 40% of which are international students, the school promotes global collaboration, and has partnerships with over 100 global research institutions. Additionally, ISAE-SUPAERO has partnerships with industry leaders like Airbus and Thales, offering prestigious career routes for graduates. As part of the ISAE group of specialised engineering schools, students also benefit from networking opportunities with other aeronautics and space engineering students in France (including at ESTACA).
Student Review
The masters program is designed to introduce a student to all topics in aerospace engineering and offer opportunity to continue in depth research and studies in one of the 7 majors (Ex- Embedded Systems, Aerodynamics and Propulsion, Space Systems etc.)
The course is really interesting with importance given to practical applications and problem solving while main focus is on developing strong technical foundation.
Student Review
ISAE-SUPAERO is one of the top engineering school related to the aerospace sector not only in France but in the world. Students following their studies in this university will benefit not only from an exceptional program but also from huge opportunities afterwards, being recognized as one of the best aerospace engineering schools in the world.
With regards to the PhD program, which I’m currently following, the opportunities are amazing, both professionally and academically. It also leaves a perfect student/work balance.
I highly recommend ISAE-SUPAERO for those loving the aerospace sector.
CentraleSupélec
CentraleSupélec was formed in 2015 through the merger of two specialist engineering schools in France: École Centrale Paris and Supélec, and is a part of the world-renowned Université Paris-Saclay. The school focuses on engineering, energy, and digital sciences, and has a large student population of over 4,500 over three campuses in France.
In particular, CentraleSupélec has experience in electrical engineering and complex systems engineering. Students can choose from a variety of Masters in future-focused subjects like data engineering, energy, and civil engineering. With state-of-the-art facilities and a global alumni network, it prepares students for leadership roles in diverse industries.
Student Review
First and foremost, CentraleSupélec is one of the best Grandes Écoles of France and studying there guarantees calls from any company in France if your profile is not far from what is demanded. Salaries are also higher for students of Grandes Écoles.
The university receives and sends many double degree students, which creates a notably international campus, with students from many nationalities, even if there are still a majority of French students. It also allows original students from the university to choose from a wide range of receiving institutions when considering mobility. In its quest for international relevance, CentraleSupélec is the result of the merger of two renowned universities to increase in size and scientific output.
I study the no longer available programme of one of the previous universities, which was (as is the new programme) quite focused on projects and very close to professional applications, with many of the projects being done with companies and an emphasis on professional experience, with several internship periods throughout the 3-4 years of the programme.
The first two years are largely generalistic in nature and the third year is specific to every itinerary choice.
Student Review
Very complete training of very good level with incredible opportunities at the exit. Both generalist and specialized training according to the choices of the students. Very high salary at the exit, I recommend.
IMT Atlantique (4/5 Overall Rating)
IMT Atlantique, part of the Institut Mines-Télécom (a prestigious group of engineering grande écoles in France), is an engineering school specialising in digital technology, energy, and environmental sciences. With campuses across Brittany in Brest, Nantes, and Rennes, the school merges academic excellence with a strong focus on sustainability, drawn from its position on the Atlantic coastline.
At IMT Atlantique, students can choose from specialist programmes in energy engineering, nuclear engineering and IT. Or, opt for the “Diplôme d’Ingénieur”, a broader degree offering majors in environmental engineering, industrial engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or healthcare engineering. The school has a population of around 2,300 students annually, drawing top talent from around the globe.
Student Review
IMT Atlantique Brest was an interesting phase in my academic life. Coming from an Anglophone educational system to a Francophone teaching style was quite a challenge at the beginning, but worthwhile in the end.
My programme was in both French and English(60/40). Although I spoke a bit of French, it still required more knowledge to sail through the programme. This was made possible through the school’s compulsory weekly French classes. The programme was very rigorous as we spent most of our time in class, in lab sessions or doing group projects. The professors are knowledgeable in their field and try to engage the students in each lesson, although some of them aren’t good at transferring knowledge appropriately.
The career seminars and job dating events were very beneficial in finding an internship and a job in the long run. Lastly, the intercultural environment helped me learn about different cultures, and also prepare me to work in multicultural teams in the real world.
Overall, it was a good experience as I learned to study in a new language, make new friends and stand on my own in a new country. I just wish I did more research into the French teaching style before starting the programme.
École Polytechnique
Often referred to simply as “L’X,” École Polytechnique is regularly ranked among France’s top engineering schools. Founded in 1794, it combines elite science and engineering education with leadership training as part of its military school heritage. Combined with its links to government organisations, École Polytechnique is an attractive choice for students wanting to work at the forefront of engineering innovation in France.
L’X educates approximately 3,000 students each year, including 40% international students and 40% International faculty, at the Institut Polytechnique de Paris campus. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, graduates of L’X are among the most sought-after engineers globally.
Student Review
Grenoble INP
Part of the Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble INP is a network of eight engineering and management schools specialising in fields such as electronics, energy, and materials science. The school attracts over 8,000 students each year from around the world, who come to study in the picturesque Alpine city of Grenoble, which is one of France’s largest research and development hubs.
Among the Masters degrees on offer are specialist programmes in Hydraulics and Civil Engineering, Functional Materials, and Sustainable Industrial Engineering. Plus, Grenoble INP has a long history, with strong industry ties to R&D labs in Grenoble and the wider region.
Student Review
This is a very good university with a lot of interesting programs and subjects. Some programs are fully in English like mine (SIE Master). Also, subjects emphasis on practice to the point where student collaborate with industrials for some class projects.
But, I found some subjects repetitive or sometimes not deeply elaborated.
More top specialised engineering schools in France
The following schools haven’t gathered student reviews on EDUopinions yet, so we’ve separated them from the former schools. However, they are still top options, with many of these engineering schools featuring on lists of the best engineering schools in France.
École des Ponts – ParisTech
École des Ponts ParisTech, established in 1747, is a historic yet innovative institution specialising in civil engineering, urban planning, and environmental science. Located in Champs-sur-Marne, near Paris, it trains around 2,000 students annually.
ENSCM
Founded in 1889, ENSCM in Montpellier is one of France’s top chemistry schools, with a strong research focus on molecular, materials, and environmental chemistry. The school hosts approximately 600 students, offering personalised attention and access to world-class laboratories. Its strong ties with industry and academia ensure students gain practical experience, making ENSCM a hub for future leaders in chemical engineering and research.
Mines Paris – PSL
MINES Paris – PSL, established in 1783, is one of France’s most prestigious grandes écoles. As part of PSL University, it offers unparalleled education in engineering, environmental sciences, and data science. Located in the heart of Paris, the school combines historic legacy with modern innovation. MINES Paris boasts a small, highly selective student body of around 1,400, fostering an elite academic environment.
Isae-Supméca
ISAE-SUPMÉCA, located in Saint-Ouen near Paris, specialises in mechanical and systems engineering with a focus on aeronautics, automotive systems, and robotics. Part of the prestigious ISAE Group, along with ISAE-SUPAERO, SUPMÉCA combines rigorous academics with industry relevance. Founded in 1948, the school trains about 700 students annually, offering personalised mentoring and cutting-edge facilities.
Conclusion
There are a host of engineering schools in France to choose from, each with their own research focuses and specialisations. To find the right school for you, consider your passions and career goals; where do you see yourself working in the future? In the government, in a research lab, or in an innovative startup? What is your passion within engineering? Do you prefer electrical engineering or civil engineering?
When you’re ready to choose a specialised engineering school in France, one of the options above could be a great choice. But remember to read student reviews alongside global rankings and university websites to make your decision!
If you’re still not sure where to study, read our research on the best places to study engineering and technology in Europe.
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