Admission

A demanding Master of Science in Engineering, open to strong scientific profiles

The Master of Science in Engineering Numerical Solid Mechanics (MNS) is intended for candidates with a Master 1 level (or equivalent) and wishing to join a Master 2 (M2) focused on modeling, simulation, and numerical methods applied to solid mechanics.
Admission is selective and based on application review (and, if applicable, an interview), to assess academic level, project coherence, and the ability to pursue a demanding program, founded on scientific rigor and the acquisition of digital tools.

Target Audience and Prerequisites

The MNS Master of Science in Engineering aims at students wishing to develop expertise in solid mechanics / continuum mechanics, applied mathematics and scientific computing, with the ability to formalize problems, implement numerical methods, and interpret simulation results within an engineering or research approach.

Eligibility Requirements

Criteria	Expectation	Detail
Academic Level	Completed Master 1 (M1) or equivalent	Qualification demonstrating 240 ECTS (France or international).
Entry Level	Admission to Master 2	Recruitment takes place at the Master 2 level.
Required Fields	Relevant prior academics	Mechanics (solids / continuum mechanics), applied mathematics, or related scientific disciplines with a strong mechanics component.
Numerical Methods	Academic Requirements	Foundations in numerical methods and/or programming (variable level depending on profiles, but consistency expected with Master 2).
Scientific Rigor	High expectations	Aptitude for modeling, capacity for abstraction, critical analysis of results.
Project	Expected consistency	Educational project and professional project in line with numerical mechanics and simulation.
Language	French (B2) expected	For French-speaking Master of Science in Engineering programs, a B2 level in French is indicated as expected.

Typically Admitted Profiles

Students holding a Master 1 (or equivalent) consistent with numerical mechanics: mechanics, applied mathematics, scientific computing, engineering with a strong mechanics component.
International applicants: applications reviewed on a case-by-case basis; some situations fall under the Études en France (Campus France) procedure and may involve format and translation requirements depending on the platform.

Recommended Prior Skills

While not mandatory, the following elements significantly strengthen an application:

practice of modeling (continuum mechanics, formulations, hypotheses);
initial experience in simulation (projects, practical work, software, numerical implementation);
ability to program or manipulate computing environments (scripts, post-processing, automation);
project experience demonstrating methodology, documentation, and presentation (report/defense).

Application Procedure

Applications for the MNS Master of Science in Engineering can be submitted via:

Mines Saint-Étienne (detailed procedure below),
or École Centrale de Lyon.

Selection, carried out by the academic committee, takes place in three stages.

1. Submission of the application file

The complete application file must contain, at a minimum, the following documents:

Curriculum Vitae (CV), detailing your academic background and professional experience/internships.
Motivation Letter, explaining your professional project and its relevance to the Master of Science in Engineering.
Official Transcripts for your entire academic career (Bachelor’s and Master 1).
Diplomas: copies of your previous diplomas.
English Proficiency Certificate (TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS or equivalent) if English is not the applicant’s native language or language of instruction.
French Language Test (TEF, DELF…) for non-French-speaking students.
Recommendations: academic and/or professional recommendation letters (optional depending on the application platform).

A. French and European Union applicants

Fill out the online application form

B. International Applicants: “Études en France” Procedure

If you are a foreign student not a national of the EEA (nor Switzerland/Monaco/Andorra) and reside in a country covered by “Études en France”, you must complete two steps:

First step

Complete the online application form

Second step

Apply via Études en France (Campus France)—by entering the registration number

This step is essential to obtain a visa and may also provide access to scholarships.

International students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

More information

Campus France Summary sheet for international students (in English)

2. Review of the application file by the academic committee

The criteria assessed are:

the academic level and the fit of the academic background,
the coherence of the career plan,
transversal skills (motivation, rigour, ability to work).

3. Selection interview (optional)

An interview (remote or in person) may be organised to:

better understand the motivation,
clarify the intended track,
verify certain prerequisites.

Timeline

The Master’s program organizes two recruitment campaigns.

Round 1

Stage	Indicative period
Applications open	Early January
Application deadline	Late February
Admission results	Late March
Start of classes	September

Exact dates may vary from year to year.

Round 2

Stage	Indicative period
Applications open	Early March
Application deadline	Late April
Admission results	Late May / Early June
Start of classes	September

Exact dates may vary from year to year.