An excellent degree with dual expertise
Ranked among the best French engineering schools (11th in L’Étudiant 2025 ranking and 6th for digital technology), Mines Saint-Étienne awards a degree recognized in France and internationally.
The ISMIN curriculum trains engineers with a dual expertise in computer science and microelectronics, capable of designing innovative, connected, intelligent, and sustainable systems.
Equipped with a solid scientific background and genuine technical mastery, the ISMIN engineer acts as an agile, creative, and responsible actor, ready to tackle the major technological challenges of the 21st century.
Human-scale learning
Each cohort comprises fewer than 100 students, fostering close relationships between students and faculty, mutual aid, team spirit, and a friendly and dynamic campus life.
This human dimension constitutes one of the great strengths of the ISMIN programme.
A well-rounded engineer, at the heart of future technologies
The ISMIN engineer is distinguished by:
- their global vision of embedded and connected systems,
- their ability to link hardware and software (hard & soft),
- their mastery of electronic and computer design tools,
- their sense of responsible innovation and sustainable performance.
This interdisciplinary profile enables them to work in the most promising fields: microelectronics, cybersecurity, embedded artificial intelligence, connected objects, digital health, smart mobility, and intelligent energy.
An immersive and action-oriented pedagogy
The ISMIN curriculum is based on a “learning by doing” approach — learning through experimentation.
45% of training time is dedicated to practical application through:
- collaborative projects over three years,
- company internships,
- prototyping workshops and innovation spaces (IDFab, MicroPackS cleanroom).
Students thrive in an environment of technological excellence, in daily contact with research teams, startups, and major industrial players such as STMicroelectronics, Thales DIS, or the CEA.
An innovation campus in the heart of Provence
Located in Gardanne, just 10 minutes from Aix-en-Provence and 20 minutes from Marseille, the Aix Marseille-Provence campus offers a unique learning environment:
- state-of-the-art research laboratories,
- ecosystem of innovative companies,
- collaborative and sports facilities,
- guaranteed housing for first-year students.
It is a true technological campus where students, research faculty, and companies interact daily, serving research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
An ecosystem conducive to research and entrepreneurship
The Centre of Microelectronics in Provence (CMP), affiliated with the campus, brings together more than 50 researchers working on cutting-edge topics:
- secure integrated circuits,
- printed and flexible electronics,
- microelectronics for manufacturing and logistics,
- biointerfaces and biosensors.
Students also benefit from the TEAM@Mines Saint-Étienne initiative, a technological incubator that supports innovative project leaders and fosters business creation.
More than 70 startups have already been supported since its creation, with an 80% survival rate after 5 years.
An engineer open to the world
International openness is an integral part of the ISMIN curriculum:
- a minimum of one semester abroad,
- 140 partner universities in 50 countries,
- courses in English and a mandatory second language,
- 25% international faculty and 50% international doctoral students.
This experience prepares future engineers to thrive in multicultural environments and lead global projects.
In Summary
The ISMIN engineer is a well-rounded professional, at the crossroads of microelectronics and computer science, trained to design, innovate, and undertake in a constantly evolving technological world.
Their profile combines technical expertise, creativity, international openness, and a sense of responsibility — all assets that make them a key player in the digital and sustainable transition.