Bachelor of Science in Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering is a high quality three-year academic programme offering its graduates the opportunity to pursue their studies with a Master's programme - at Centrale Nantes, elsewhere in France or abroad - or alternatively to join the workforce upon graduation.

Fully taught in English, the programme welcomes international students from around the globe on our Nantes campus.  

The programme is accredited by the CTI (Commission des Titres d'Ingénieurs), the independent body in charge of accrediting engineering degrees in France.

Diplôme conférant le grade de licence contrôlé par l'état CTI - Commission des titres d'ingénieur

► How to apply for the BSc

The BSc at a glance

  • A 3-year fully accredited bachelor’s degree
  • Open to international applicants with a high school diploma, or equivalent, in science 
  • Fully taught in English
  • Mixed cohort of international and French students
  • 1700 face-to-face teaching hours
  • Location: Centrale Nantes campus
  • Next intake: every year in September
Overview

Choose your programme

  • The three-year programme comprises courses in Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Engineering, Numerics and Control, Professional Skills, Sustainability and Modern Languages.
  • The final year offers a project-based approach with specialisations in: Mechanical Engineering, Fluids and Energy, Civil Engineering or Signal Control and Robotics.

Get hands-on industry exposure

  • In line with the school's values a third of the programme focuses on business sciences, social sciences and languages with a strong emphasis on developing professional and even entrepreneurial skills.
  • Students will gain invaluable hands-on experience through two work placements - a six-week internship, to discover the professional environment, at the end of year 2; and a 16-week final year internship in a company - which can be undertaken in France or overseas.
  • Coursework also includes regular contact with industry via industrial study projects and engineering projects. External speakers and industry experts play active role in the curriculum, particularly in the final year.

Study in English

  • The language of instruction is English.
  • Whilst there is no prior requirement to speak the French language for admission to the Bachelor programme, French language classes are provided to give students the means not only to get by in French in their daily lives, but also to fully benefit from internship opportunities in France.
  • Students are expected to obtain a B1/B2 level in French upon completion of the programme (B1 minimum required).
► How to apply for the BSc
Course Content

Download syllabus | BSc

 
Year 1 - 2026-27

Autumn Semester
ECTS Hours
MATHEMATICS & COMPUTER SCIENCE
Analysis I 12 26
Linear Algebra I 26
Algorithmics 26
Intro. to Scientific Computing 26
104
PHYSICS AND ENGINEERING
CAD & Design 12 24
Statics 36
Matter & Materials 24
84
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS & SUSTAINABILITY
Professional skills SHS I 6 24
Pre-professional activities I 36
Business English I 16
76
LANGUAGES
French as a Foreign Language I
or German/Spanish I
32


30 ECTS, 296 teaching hours

Spring Semester
ECTS Hours
MATHEMATICS & COMPUTER SCIENCE
Analysis II 12 26
Linear Algebra II 26
Scientific Programming 26
Data structure management 26
104
PHYSICS AND ENGINEERING
Dynamics and Vibrations 12 36
Introduction to Physics II: Electromagnetism 24
Electrical Engineering basics 24
Product Design Methodology 24
CAD & Design – Reverse engineering 12
120
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS & SUSTAINABILITY
Professional skills SHS II 6 24
Pre-professional activities II 36
Business English II 16
Sustainable Engineering I 24
100
LANGUAGES
French as a Foreign Language II
or German/Spanish II
32
 

30 ECTS, 356 teaching hours

Year 2 - 2026-27

Autumn Semester
ECTS HOURS
MATHEMATICS, NUMERICS & CONTROL
Analysis III 12 24
Probability & Statistics 26
Automatic Control 24
Industrial Automation Systems 24
98
ENGINEERING
Thermodynamics  12 24
Vibrations 24
Structural Mechanics 24
Heat Transfer I 24
96
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS & SUSTAINABILITY
Professional skills SHS III 6 24
Pre-professional activities III 36
Business English III 20
Engineering Project I 24
104
LANGUAGES
French as a Foreign Language III
or German/Spanish III
40
 

30 ECTS, 338 teaching hours

Spring Semester
ECTS HOURS
MATHEMATICS, NUMERICS & CONTROL
Numerical Analysis 4 26
Introduction to Data Science 24
50
ENGINEERING
Fundamentals of Experimental Mechanics 12 24
Industrial Engineering 24
Mechanics of Deformable Bodies 24
Fluid Mechanics I 24
96
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS & SUSTAINABILITY
Professional skills SHS IV 9 36
Social Sciences IV 24
Business English IV 20
Engineering Project II 36
Sustainable Engineering II 24
140
LANGUAGES
French as a Foreign Language IV
or German/Spanish IV
40
INTERNSHIP
Non-skilled internship 5 -


30 ECTS, 326 teaching hours

Year 3 - 2026-27

Autumn Semester
ECTS Hours
ENGINEERING
Heat Transfer II  12 24
Finite Element Method 36
Robotics 24
Signal Processing 24
Signal Control and Robotics Track # 11 24
Robotics 2 24
Feedback Control Systems 24
Image processing 24
Mechanical and Energy Engineering Track # 11 24
Fluid Mechanics II    24
Continuum Mechanics 24
Mechanics for Civil Engineering Structures and Infrastructures 24
ENGINEERING SPECIALISATION PROJECT
Project 1 in Mechanical Engineering / Civil Engineering / Signal, Control & Robotics / Fluids & Energy 3 12*
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS & SUSTAINABILITY
Professional skills SHS V 4 24
Pre-professional activities V 24
Business English V 16
72
LANGUAGES
French as a Foreign Language V
or German/Spanish V
32


30 ECTS, 288 teaching hours
* under supervision
#Choose one of the two tracks

Spring Semester
ECTS Hours
ENGINEERING SPECIALISATION PROJECT
Project 2 in Mechanical Engineering / Civil Engineering / Signal, Control & Robotics / Fluids & Energy 15 60*
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS & SUSTAINABILITY
Research Methodology and Practice 3 24
LANGUAGES
French as a Foreign Language VI 
or German/Spanish VI
1 12
INTERNSHIP
Final internship 14 -
 

30 ECTS, 96 teaching hours
* under supervision 

Special study arrangements

Students on the BSc Programme may benefit from special study arrangements in certain cases:

 
  • Elite athletes and performers / Students involved in a national association
    Provisions can be made for students who are elite athletes, performers or those involved in a national association, to enable them to successfully pursue their dual objectives (study and sports/arts/associative).
  • Illness or accident In the event of long-term illness or accident
    Special arrangements can be made to enable the student to attend the study programme for longer than planned.
  • Disability and impairment
    Special arrangements can be made to accommodate students with a disability or serious impairment, with regard both to the student's educational needs and his or her ability to be on campus.

Learn more

After the BSc

Pursue your studies

Graduates of the BSc in Engineering can pursue their studies with an international master's programme in France or elsewhere. They are ideally placed to continue their studies at Centrale Nantes on one of our Master of Science (MSc) Programmes, all of which are fully accredited by the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation and fully taught in English. 

Centrale Nantes is also involved in five Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees

BSc students can also apply for a limited number of places on the French-taught Engineering programme (diplôme d'ingénieur)

Career Prospects

Students benefit from individual careers guidance from the Student Life Team at Centrale Nantes. Face-to-face or online careers sessions, mentoring sessions with graduates, webinars, online forums, etc. help future graduates to find their path.

The BSc prepares its students for direct entry into the workforce. Excellent careers prospects await graduates in startups, SMEs, mid-sizes and large groups alike across varied sectors of activity:

 
  • Transport - automotive, aeronautical, naval and railway
  • Building, public works and sustainable construction
  • Energy, water and environment
  • Food and beverage industries
  • Health, biomedical
  • Robotics and telecommunications
  • Defence
  • Maritime industry (offshore, MRE)

Examples of job opportunities:

  • Works coordinator: The works coordinator is a supervisor on the building sites. Throughout a project, he or she is responsible for ensuring that the work is carried out properly by all the external service providers selected. The works supervisor ensures good contact and communication between all the service providers in the field, and coordinates the tasks under the authority of the works manager. Their daily work consists of managing the technical resources required for the construction of a project, as well as the human and financial resources needed to ensure that the project runs smoothly.
  • Structural draughtsman: The job of structural draughtsman consists in making a project imagined by an architect a reality by adding calculations made by the design engineers. He/she draws up the various plans and diagrams of the future structure. It is up to him/her to choose the most appropriate scale and not to leave out any detail in the representation of the various structures. He/she is also a mediator between the designers of the project and those who carry it out, when sometimes the design proves to be impossible as it stands, and requires certain modifications.
  • R&D technician: The R&D technician participates in the various development phases of a research and/or development project (carrying out tests, measurements and analyses, making 3D projections, first-level maintenance of laboratory equipment).
  • Technician / Methods manager: The main objective of the methods manager is to optimise production by allocating the necessary resources (equipment, methods, human resources, etc.). The methods manager validates and improves the manufacturing process.
  • Robotics integrator: The robotics integrator studies, integrates and develops robotic solutions for existing processes or those under development.
  • Operational manager of an energy production site
  • Assistant CFD calculation engineer in a design office or research laboratory
  • Assistant design engineer for energy systems
Why choose the BSc?

A choice of four engineering project specialisations in year 3:

 
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Fluids and Energy
  • Civil Engineering
  • Signal Control and Robotics

 Academic excellence

 
  • 355th in the world for Engineering and Technology - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026
  • Top 250 in the world for Mechanical Engineering in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026
  • Top 400 for Engineering in The Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025 (3rd school in France)

Fully taught in English for a cohort of international students

 
  • Language of instruction - 100% English
  • Learn French - language classes provided throughout the three years.
  • >30% international students and 86 nationalities on campus

Strong links with industry

 
  • Hands-on experience through two internships
  • Regular contact with industry via industrial and engineering projects.
  • Industry experts play an active role in the curriculum

Fully accredited degree preparing for Master's studies

 
  • Pursue your studies with an international master's programme in France or elsewhere.
  • Centrale Nantes offers 4 Master of Science (MSc) programmes, all of which are fully accredited by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research.
FAQ
About the Programme

What is the Bachelor of Science in Engineering?

A 3-year, English-taught degree combining science, technology, and innovation — designed to launch you into global engineering careers or master’s studies.

What subjects will I study?

You’ll build strong foundations in maths, physics, computer science, and engineering, plus develop professional and language skills.

Can I specialise?

Yes! In Year 3, choose one of four project specialisations: Mechanical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Fluid & Energy Engineering - Signal, Control & Robotics

Is the whole programme in English?

Yes — every class is taught in English. French courses are included to help you live and work in France.

What makes this programme unique?

Small classes, strong academic support, multicultural teamwork, and real-world industry projects.

  ► How to apply for the BSc
Admissions & Requirements

Who can apply?

International high-school students (or graduates) with a solid background in maths and science, under 22 years old.

What are the key admission criteria?

  • Academic record (especially maths/science)
  • English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 78 / equivalent)
  • Motivation and interview performance

What documents do I need?

CV, motivation letter, transcripts, diploma copy, English test, passport, and two academic recommendations.

Is there an interview?

Yes — shortlisted candidates are usually invited for an online interview about motivation and goals. 

When should I apply?

Applications open 29 October 2025 for the 2026 intake. Deadline: 15 May 2026. Early applications are encouraged!

Check out our admissions page

Money Matters

How much are tuition fees?

€12,000 per year (fixed for all three years).

Are scholarships available?

Yes — Elite Partial Tuition Fee Waivers up to €3,000 per year for outstanding applicants.

Can I get an early-application discount?

Apply early and confirm your place to receive:

  • €1,500 off before 27 Feb 2026
  • €500 off before 28 Mar 2026

What is the cost of living in Nantes?

Budget of up to €800/month for housing, food, and daily life — much lower than Paris.

Check out our admissions page

Campus Life & Support

Is housing available?

Yes — first-year international students have guaranteed access to the on-campus residence.

Do I need to speak French?

No, but you’ll take French classes to reach level B1–B2 by graduation.

What’s student life like?

Vibrant and international! Over 120 student clubs, cultural associations, and sports teams — including ACCENTS, the international student club.

Who helps me settle in?

The Welcome Office supports visas, housing, and all arrival logistics. Academic tutors and student buddies help you adjust.

► Check out our practical information page for incoming international students 
See campus facilities

Career Pathways

Will I do internships?

Yes — two:

  • Year 2: 6-week introductory internship
  • Year 3: 16-week professional placement (in France or abroad)

What careers can I pursue?

Graduates work in energy, robotics, transport, construction, maritime engineering, and tech innovation sectors.

Can I continue to a master’s degree?

Absolutely — you can join international MSc programmes in France or elsewhere

What our students say

 
Video Transcript

Meet Our Graduates - Hallelujah from Ethiopia, Bachelor of Science in Engineering

My name is Hallelujah, I'm 22 years old and I'm originally from Ethiopia. I graduated from Centrale Nantes with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in 2021.

Why did you decide to join Centrale Nantes? 

It was a very unique opportunity and the school is one of the highest-ranked engineering schools. So, that's obvious. But the two top reasons that actually convinced me was one, the scholarship. I was offered a very great scholarship, that was very accommodating and, it was a very nice scholarship offer. And the other thing is actually the application process. It felt like it had a really good personal touch to it. Because I felt like I had a very good communication with the admittance committee and they addressed all my concerns. And the communication was just great generally. 

What did you enjoy the most about the course?

There was a very good balance between the scientific classes and the practical classes we had. Even though we were studying engineering, we also had the opportunity to have very creative and very active classes. And every year, we had a project work, an engineering project that we had to do. And it gives the students an opportunity to really be creative, come up with their own ideas, and we really managed to work on our own. 

What about student life on campus? 

Amazing! There was something for everyone. There were lots of clubs that students could join, and could participate in different activities that they were interested in, that were outside their courses. But I would say the best part for me was living conditions. Because we would be set up in this appartement, where we get to meet new people from all over the world and personally it really gave me the chance to form meaningful relationships, and to this day, I'm very close to my flatmates and the people I got to meet there whilst staying at campus. 

What are you doing now? 

Currently I'm in Paris working in VINCI construction. I'm working as an assistant project manager, in methods and studies with Sogea-Satom, a part of VINCI Construction that strictly focuses on African countries, projects in African countries. My work includes working on technical designs, and studies for constructions in the 26 countries we have all over Africa. 

What are your plans for the future? 

I would like to go back to school to do my masters, something connected to business. And then maybe also pursue for my PhD. And, ultimately, the goal is to return home and possibly open my own business. 

Centrale Nantes in 3 words?

Inclusive - Network - Adaptable


  • Mathilde | Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Class of 2027
    July 7, 2025
    "The fact that the programme is taught in English, the internship opportunities, and the school's reputation were all factors that led me to choose the BSc."
  • Juan-Nicolas | BSc Bachelor Science in Engineering, Class of 2026
    October 7, 2024
    "One of the main reasons why I chose to study at Centrale Nantes is its academic excellence and its international openness... this institution offers you a high quality education, giving you the basis for a successful future and opens the doors to discover different cultures ..."
  • Tadeo | BSc Bachelor Science in Engineering, Class of 2026
    October 7, 2024
    "The university offers excellent facilities and its students make use of them by organising sporting and social events regularly. Also, there is a residence for first-year students that is located right next to the campus, so that they can walk to class."
  • Inès | Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Class of 2027
    September 30, 2024
    "I chose this course for the academic reputation of the Ecoles Centrale, which is one of the most comprehensive and formative ... opening up numerous job prospects. What's more, the bachelor's degree is taught in English, which was a major factor in my choice, as it opens doors for me internationally.Student life was also a major factor..."

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Sustainability and Green Building Platform

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Composite Materials and Processes Platform

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Published on May 13, 2022 Updated on September 10, 2026