This page answers the most frequently asked questions about admission, Academics, campus life, and careers.
For practical details (fees, aid, accommodation, catering, etc.), please also refer to the dedicated pages on the website.
I. Joining the School
Yes. Students receiving need-based scholarships benefit from a tuition fee waiver.
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.
Selection is based on competitive examinations (written and oral) and ranking. Admission therefore depends on the grades obtained relative to other candidates.
For information purposes:
- €3,600 / year (EU students);
- €5,700 / year (non-EU students)
- + CVEC and personal expenses (health insurance, integration, etc.).
Repeating a year makes non-scholarship students lose the 3/2 bonus (measurable impact) but provides an extra year of maturity (variable impact). The decision depends on your level, your goals, and your room for improvement.
No.
ICM mainly recruits through scientific CPGE (MP, PC, PSI, PT, TSI) and through admissions on qualifications (university/GEI-UNIV).
- 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.).
II. Academics and Studies
Two main formats:
- Academic exchange (often S5/S6 or end of 3rd year),
- Internships abroad (end of 2nd year; final project in 3rd year).
Each student must complete ≥ 3 consecutive months outside their home country for the international requirement.
👉 See: International and Mobility
Yes, each student must have a computer from the start of the academic year, which will be used for all courses requiring computer tools.
There is no dedicated “aerospace” course unit in the common core curriculum, but you can build a pathway in mechanics/materials, computer science, data, etc., pursue a partner semester (abroad) or a 3rd year in a specialized school (e.g., SupAéro, ENSMA) subject to selection.
Approximately 26 hours of classes/week (Monday–Friday) with 3 free afternoons (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday) often used for oral exams, lab work, projects, or teamwork.
- ICM: generalist degree, Saint-Étienne campus.
- ISMIN: Microelectronics & Computer Science specialization, Gardanne campus.
Two CTI-accredited degrees. 3rd-year pathways (internal dual degree) are available, subject to selection.
The curriculum includes three internships: operator (1st year), application (2nd year), and engineer (3rd year).
Lyon District for all programs, except for the Engineering specialization in microelectronics and computer science and an M2 in Nanosciences/Nanotechnologies (Hybrid electronics) (Aix-Marseille District).
Ten scientific majors and eight societal challenges covering energy, AI, nanotechnology, health, ecological transition, etc.
III. Campus Life
Yes, very much so. Student Union, Sports Association, Arts Association, Junior Enterprise, Ecomines, Humanimines, clubs…
Most are based at the Student Center (ME), the heart of student life.
👉 See: Student life
Yes. Saint-Étienne is home to several schools (engineering, art, business, etc.) and an active cultural/sports scene, with events open to students.
This is an institutional induction weekend, mandatory, in early September, 4 days in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
A team made up of school staff and second-year students works together to design the 4-day programme: hiking, adventure with thrills (via ferrata, abseiling, canoeing down a river), all supervised by professional guides. Communication workshops (verbal jousts, improvisation) and relaxation time (barbecue and gala evening) are also on the programme.
Bring: a warm sleeping bag, mountain clothing.
Indicative fee: ≈ €240 (varies by year).
It is highly recommended to stay at the Student Residence (SR). This allows you to get to know your cohort better and easily participate in activities and social events. Each floor of the SR has its own unique atmosphere, allowing everyone to choose what suits their personality. The Student Residence brings together the activities of various clubs, associations, and their meeting rooms. Not to mention the games room: table tennis, foosball, billiards, and of course, its soundproofed social area.
The ICM Student Residence is just a few minutes’ walk from the school.
Many team sports (football, handball, basketball, volleyball, ultimate…), individual sports (swimming, climbing, strength training…), outdoor activities (skiing, hiking, mountain biking…).
Facilities at the Maison des Élèves (sports areas) and in the city of Saint-Étienne.
University restaurant (CROUS) at the national rate, cafeteria area at the ME.
The Students’ Residence (ME), a 10-minute walk from the campus, offers APL-approved rooms/studios and many services (Internet, common areas, assistance, etc.).
IV. Careers and Network
Yes. The Career Center (JobTeaser) allows you to post and track your offers (validation, views, archiving, updating).
Yes: experience sharing, mentoring, CV review, network activation for internships/jobs/VIE, student–alumni sponsorship.