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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

• €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.

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.

The ISMIN curriculum lasts three years and takes place on the Aix-Marseille-Provence campus in Gardanne.
The first two years combine courses in electronics, computer science, and management.
The third year allows for specialization (majors, double degrees, co-accredited master’s degrees).

The ISMIN program is structured but offers customization in the 3rd year through majors, electives, and dual degrees.

Female students represent approximately 20% of the ISMIN program’s enrollment.
This percentage is steadily increasing year after year, reflecting the growing presence of women in scientific and technological fields.

The school actively encourages gender diversity and the promotion of women engineers.

Two hours of English classes per week, supplemented by bi-weekly oral tutoring.
A second modern language is mandatory (German, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, or Portuguese).
Some 3rd-year courses and projects are delivered in English.

Approximately:

• 1/3 computer science,
• 1/3 electronics,
• 1/3 management and general education.

The content of the computer science and electronics courses is quite technical. While largely accessible, studying these subjects if they do not interest you can quickly become tedious. For more details: in computer science, the first year is primarily dedicated to learning C; the electronics programme covers the technical and physical fundamentals of electronics (e.g., physical properties of semiconductors, electronic components made of semiconductors) as well as an initial approach to embedded systems through the design of a robot.

Learning takes place through projects, workshops, hackathons, and internships, providing a curriculum that is both scientific and practical.

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).

We strongly recommend staying at the Maison des Élèves (ME).
It is the best way to settle in quickly, build connections with your cohort, and fully participate in student life.

Each floor of the ME has its own atmosphere, allowing everyone to find the environment that suits them best — calm, festive, sporty, or friendly.
The Maisons des Élèves also house the student association offices, student clubs, as well as an equipped games room (table tennis, foosball, billiards) and a sound-equipped social area where many events take place.

ME des ISMIN is located in the heart of the Aix-Marseille-Provence campus, right next to classrooms and research facilities.

The Aix-Marseille-Provence campus is home to many associations:

• BDE: student parties and events,
• BDS: team and individual sports (football, rugby, volleyball, fitness, yoga, hiking, etc.),
• COMIF: management of the Student House, the campus snack bar, and bar,
• Minitel: digital association, video game tournaments, tech training, etc.

The Aix-Marseille-Provence campus offers a very dynamic student life:
BDE, Sports Office, parties, tournaments, and associations such as COMIF or Minitel.
The Student House, at the heart of the campus, is the living and social hub for students.

Friendly, vibrant, and very close-knit.
The Provençal climate, the human scale of the campus, and its proximity to Aix and Marseille create a unique atmosphere, balancing academic rigor and quality of life.

On the Aix-Marseille-Provence campus, ISMIN program students enjoy a particularly rich and dynamic sports life.
The Sports Office (BDS) organizes numerous activities throughout the year, open to all levels.

Students can regularly practice team sports — football, rugby, basketball, volleyball, badminton — but also individual disciplines such as tennis, CrossFit, yoga, or fitness.
Outdoor activities are also offered, such as hiking, supervised by a professional guide, or pétanque, emblematic of the region.

The BDS remains attentive to students’ wishes: if a sport gathers several enthusiasts and is not yet offered, it can be added to the programme! ⚽🏐💪

The campus residence features 157 fully equipped studios, right next to the school.
It promotes cohesion and student life.

The Student House (ME) is located directly opposite the school, on campus.
It offers 157 equipped studios (including 5 accessible for people with reduced mobility) starting from €510 per month (all-inclusive).
Each floor has its own atmosphere — calm, sporty, or festive — promoting student life.

Yes, via the Mines Saint-Étienne Career Center (in partnership with JobTeaser).
Companies can publish their offers there, track their visibility, and directly contact students.

ISMIN engineers are sought after in the following fields:

• microelectronics, embedded systems, IoT,
• cybersecurity and artificial intelligence,
• data science and cloud computing,
• consulting, entrepreneurship, and technical management.

100% of graduates find employment in less than 6 months.
More than 50% work in an international context.

The Mines Saint-Étienne Alumni association, founded in 1867, brings together all ICM and ISMIN graduates.
It offers:

• a network of over 30,000 engineers,
• career support (CVs, mentoring, sponsorship, job offers),
• professional and social events.