What’s a “Grande École”?

French "Grandes Écoles" are a distinctive element of the French higher education system which parallels the classical university system.

Ever since their creation, "Grandes Écoles" of Engineering have stood at the forefront of technological and scientific developments in their field and have trained a majority of the engineers who assume top positions in French and international companies.

"Grandes Écoles" are smaller in size than universities and recruit their students with very selective processes.

As a “Grande Ecole”, EISTI offers, either:

• A five year engineering program starting after secondary education, called Baccalauréat (A level)

• A three year engineering program after an intensive two year preparatory classes (outside EISTI) at the end of which students take nationwide competitive exams, Concours Communs Polytechniques (CCP) for entrance into EISTI

  Besides this selection scheme, students who have achieved 3 or 4 years of university scientific studies, in France or abroad, can enter the “Diplôme d’Ingénieur” by application.
  
  

  
  

  The “Diplôme d’Ingénieur” is equivalent to the French Master’s degree in Engineering.
  
  

  Because of the strong selection of the students and of the very high quality of the curriculum, the "Diplôme d’Ingénieur" is one of the most prestigious degrees in France protected by law and submitted to strict government supervision.
  
  

  The Engineering Degree conferred by EISTI is recognized by the State and by the “Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur” (CTI).