The Ingénieur Civil des Mines (Master’s Degree in Science and Executive Engineering – ICM) programme at Mines Saint-Étienne is accessible through several pathways, depending on your academic background: post-preparatory class competitive examinations, university admissions, or international partnerships. Discover the pathway that matches your profile.
The Entrance Examination (post-CPGE)
The main pathway to the ICM programme is the Concours Commun Mines-Ponts, jointly organized by ten leading French engineering schools (Mines Paris-PSL, Mines Nancy, Mines Saint-Étienne, Télécom Paris, IMT Atlantique, ENSTA Paris, ENSAE Paris, Ponts ParisTech, ISAE-Supaéro, Chimie ParisTech).
This competitive examination is for students enrolled in the second year of scientific preparatory classes (CPGE) in the following streams: MP, MPI, PC, PSI, PT and TSI.
Each year, 155 places are available at Mines Saint-Étienne for the ICM programme.
Registrations are made online on the official competitive examination website from early December to mid-January.
Important: The information presented on this page is provided for informational purposes only.
Only the information on the official Concours Commun Mines-Ponts website is authoritative regarding the schedule, procedure, and admission conditions.
Other Admission Pathways – Admissions by Qualification and Dual Degrees
Mines Saint-Étienne values diverse academic backgrounds and opens its ICM programme to candidates from universities or partner schools, through admissions by qualification or dual degree programs.
Admissions by Qualification
- Level L3: admission to the 1st year of the ICM cycle
- Level M1: admission to the 2nd year
Applications are submitted online, except for institutions with a specific agreement with Mines Saint-Étienne.
Double Degrees
- Engineer-Manager (emlyon)
- Pharmacist-Engineer
- Doctor-Engineer
- Dentist-Engineer
These programs allow students to acquire a dual skill set with high added value and access hybrid careers in healthcare, industry, consulting, or entrepreneurship.
International Students – International Pathways
Each year, the ICM curriculum welcomes international students through exchange programmes, double degrees, or direct applications.
Two types of statuses are possible:
- Exchange / Dual Degree Students: from a partner university (Erasmus+, Brafitec, Arfitec, etc.).
- Free-mover applicants: applying directly to Mines Saint-Étienne.
Admission Requirements:
- Academic level equivalent to 4 years of higher education (minimum Bac + 4).
- Language level: B1 minimum in French, B1+ in English (official tests required).
To facilitate their integration, Mines Saint-Étienne offers a mandatory French Summer School for students who have not yet reached B1+ level in French.
In Summary – Admission Pathways to the ICM Program
| Candidate Profile | Admission Pathway | Year of Integration | Main Procedure |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPGE Student | Mines-Ponts Competitive Examination | 1st Year | Online Registration (Dec.–Jan.) |
| University Student (L3 or M1) | Admission by Qualification | 1st or 2nd Year | Application File + Interview |
| Dual Degree Student (emlyon, health, etc.) | Specific Admission | 2nd Year | Agreement between Schools |
| International Student | Exchange, Dual Degree, or Free-mover Application | 2nd or 3rd Year | Via partner university or GEIUNIV procedure |
Joining the ICM program means joining a high-level engineering school where scientific rigor combines with international openness, innovation, and social responsibility.
Whatever your background – preparatory classes, university, or studies abroad – Mines Saint-Étienne offers you a pathway to excellence tailored to your profile.
FAQ
Yes. Students receiving need-based scholarships benefit from a tuition fee waiver.
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Yes. For 1st year ICM, you need a validated L3 (180 ECTS) and an excellent level in maths/physics (English required, LV2 recommended).
More specialized profiles can aim for direct entry into 2nd year after an M1 depending on the application and prerequisites.
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Selection is based on competitive examinations (written and oral) and ranking. Admission therefore depends on the grades obtained relative to other candidates.
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For information purposes:
- €3,600 / year (EU students);
- €5,700 / year (non-EU students)
- + CVEC and personal expenses (health insurance, integration, etc.).
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Doing a third year means losing the 3/2 bonus (quantifiable impact) but offers an additional year of maturity (variable impact). The decision depends on your level, your goals, and your potential for improvement.
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No.
ICM mainly recruits through scientific CPGE (MP, PC, PSI, PT, TSI) and through admissions on qualifications (university/GEI-UNIV).
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- Honor loans (Mines Saint-Étienne Alumni), interest-free, repayable up to 8 years after entering the School.
- Cash advances (Alumni) for specific situations (scholarship delay, visa, security deposit, internship departure, etc.).
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