A recognized degree, accessible via multiple pathways
The Microelectronic and Computer Systems Engineering programme (ISMIN) at Mines Saint-Étienne is accredited by the CTI (Commission for Engineering Degrees).
It trains engineers over three years, capable of designing and integrating innovative electronic and computer systems.
Admissions are open to students from scientific preparatory classes, to university students, as well as to professionals through VAE.
Admission after a preparatory class: the Mines-Télécom competitive examination
The Mines-Télécom competitive examination is common to 18 major engineering schools and is aimed at second-year students from scientific preparatory classes.
Places offered at Mines Saint-Étienne by specialization
| Stream | Places offered |
|---|---|
| MP | 37 |
| MPI | 5 |
| PC | 8 |
| PSI | 28 |
| PT | 7 |
| TSI | 3 |
| Total | 88 |
Examination types
- Written examinations: the MP, MPI, PC, PSI specializations use the examinations of the Mines-Ponts common competitive examination, and the PT specialization uses those of the PT bank, with the same coefficients.
- Oral examinations: organized by the Mines-Télécom competitive examination for the MP, PC, PSI, and PT specializations.
- For the TSI specialization, the written and oral examinations come from the Centrale-Supélec competitive examination.
❗️ Official reference: the information published on the Mines-Télécom Competitive Examination website shall prevail.
Admission after a university programme
Admission based on academic qualifications is for university students or those with an equivalent scientific curriculum.
Admission requirements
- Entry into 1st year: hold a scientific Bachelor’s degree (L3) or equivalent.
- Entry into 2nd year: hold a Master of Science in Engineering 1 in the fields of electronics, computer science, physics, or mathematics.
Admission Procedure
The selection process takes place in two stages:
- Application review (scientific level, coherence of professional project, motivation).
- Individual interview with a panel of faculty researchers.
Documents to provide
- Curriculum vitae.
- A cover letter outlining your strengths for the programme and the personal and professional reasons for your application.
- Transcripts for the last two years and the current year.
- Copy of degrees obtained.
- A letter of recommendation.
Application deadline: May 31 for a September intake.
Applications must be sent to:
- by email to: admissibles.ismin@listes.emse.fr
- or by mail to:
Mines Saint-Étienne – Aix Marseille-Provence Campus
ISMIN Admissions Department
880 avenue de Mimet
13541 Gardanne – FRANCE
Foreign degrees and transcripts must be translated into French and certified as true copies by the local French consulate.
International Students and Double Degrees
Students from partner universities can join Mines Saint-Étienne as part of:
- an academic exchange programme (semester or full year),
- a double degree jointly validated with their home institution.
Applications must be submitted via their university’s international relations office.
After professional experience: VAE
Validation of Acquired Experience (VAE) allows one to obtain all or part of the ISMIN engineering degree based on at least one year of professional experience in the scientific or technical field.
This scheme, established by the Social Modernization Law of January 17, 2002, is aimed at employees wishing to enhance their skills and advance their careers.
Non-Degree Students and Exchange Students
The ISMIN programme can accommodate:
- exchange students, French or international, from partner institutions and following part of the programme (one or two semesters, or even a full year),
- non-degree students, who follow specific modules or projects without aiming for the ISMIN degree.
These mobilities require the agreement of the home institution and the host school.
In Summary
| Admission Pathway | Target audience | Places | Procedure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mines-Télécom Competitive Examination | CPGE students (MP, MPI, PC, PSI, PT, TSI) | 88 | Written + oral examinations |
| Admission by Qualification | University students (L3 or scientific Master of Science in Engineering 1) | Limited places | Application File + Interview |
| Double Degree | Students from partner universities | As per agreements | Application via home university |
| VAE | Experienced professionals | Upon application | Validation application |
| Non-Degree Students / Exchanges | External students | Subject to availability | Application validated by home institution |
FAQ
Yes, scholarship recipients receive a full tuition fee exemption.
They may also be eligible for an interest-free honor loan, awarded by a committee of Mines Saint-Étienne Alumni.
0
0
Yes. The school primarily recruits from the top scientific CPGEs (MP, PC, PSI, PT, TSI).
University admissions are possible from L3 or M1, subject to a strong application consistent with the school’s profile.
0
0
There are no specific scholarships at Mines Saint-Étienne for international students, but several financial aid schemes can be applied for.
Honorary loans, awarded by the Mines Saint-Étienne Alumni committee, are intended to support students facing financial difficulties during their studies.
These loans, granted interest-free, are indexed to the cost of living. The recipient undertakes to repay them on honor, no later than eight years after their admission to the School.
Applications must be submitted to the General Delegation before the end of October each year.
To complement this scheme, Mines Saint-Étienne Alumni also offers cash advances repayable during studies, intended to address specific and urgent needs, such as:
- a delay in scholarship payment,
- a bank guarantee required for obtaining a visa,
- the purchase of a uniform,
- or expenses related to an internship abroad.
These forms of assistance concretely support students in achieving their academic goals, regardless of their background or financial situation.
0
0
Admission to the ISMIN program is via the Mines-Télécom competitive examination (MP, MPI, PC, PSI, PT, TSI streams) or academic record review.
The ranking is based on the results obtained in the written and oral examinations.
To maximize your chances, it is recommended to have a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and computer science.
0
0
Yes. Holders of a scientific bachelor’s degree (L3) may apply for the first year, and holders of a Master of Science in Engineering 1 in the fields of electronics, computer science, physics, or mathematics may join the second year.
Applications are reviewed based on application file and interview.
0
0
No, there is no integrated preparatory class at Mines Saint-Étienne.
However, the school offers four engineering programs with employee status (apprenticeship or continuing education) accessible after a DUT, a BTS, or a scientific bachelor’s degree:
- Industrial Engineering
- Nuclear Facilities Engineering
- Energy Recovery
- Embedded Electronic Systems
0
0
- €3,600 per year for French and European students.
- €5,700 per year for non-European students.
Financial aid is available:
- CROUS scholarships,
- honor loans and cash advances by Mines Saint-Étienne Alumni,
- regional scholarships and international mobility aid.
0
0
Both degrees are accredited by the CTI and awarded by Mines Saint-Étienne. These are initial 3-year engineering programs.
- ICM – Ingénieur Civil des Mines
- The school’s historical degree program.
- Comprehensive Academics, with specializations.
- Main admission via the Mines-Ponts competitive exam.
- Saint-Étienne Campus.
- ISMIN – Microelectronics and Computer Systems Engineer
- Academics specialized in digital technology, electronics, embedded systems, and intelligent technologies.
- Main admission via the Mines-Télécom competitive exam.
- Aix-Marseille Provence Campus in Gardanne.
Both programs offer the possibility of completing a cross-disciplinary double degree in the 3rd year.
0
0