Exchange Year / Semester

About our exchange programmes

International students selected by our partner institutions abroad have the opportunity to spend one semester or one year of their studies at Centrale Nantes and obtain ECTS credits. One-year exchanges commence at the beginning of September. You can select courses for an exchange year/semester from the following programmes:

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Engineering 

 

• See the choice of courses
• Learn more about our BSc programme

Master of Science (MSc) 

 

• See the choice of courses
• Learn more about our Masters (MSc) programmes

Student Feedback 

Doha, who joined Centrale Nantes from Centrale Casablanca for her final year, shares her experience as an international student in this Campus France video.

Video transcript

In this video, Doha switches between English, French and Arabic
 

[music]
 

[Doha, in English] Welcome to Nantes, one of the most popular cities among students in France.
 

[On-screen text: Centrale Nantes – 8.48 am. Doha is moving around the campus]
 

[Doha, in English] Today I’m taking you with me to Centrale Nantes. It take me only 15 minutes to walk to school. So let’s go!
 

[Doha, in French] Coming to study in France wasn’t a coincidence. My math teacher in Morocco was talking about the Centrale group. For me, it was the prestige of the schools that truly shaped the history of engineering.
 

[On-screen text: Salam !]
 

[Doha, in Arabic] Hello! My name is Doha, I’m 22 years old, and I’m from Casablanca, Morocco.
 

[On-screen text:  Master of Science in Engineering]
 

[Doha, in English] I came here to France to earn my engineering degree here at Centrale Nantes. Ever since high school I have always wanted to be an engineer.
 

[The camera follows a trolley on a research platform; Doha retrieves the item being carried by the trolley]
 

Because it’s a very prestigious field in Morocco, especially for women. So that’s why after high school, I have done ‘les classes préparatoires’.  And then, Centrale Casablanca.

I always wanted to do an international experience for my last year, because I always thought that it would be interesting for my final year internship.
 

[Doha walks along the artificial pitch at Centrale Nantes]
 

[Doha, in English] Why Nantes, you may ask. Well, my uncle did his PhD here, especially here at Centrale Nantes and he told me it was an amazing experience. So I followed my heart and I don't regret it.
 

[Doha is now at the Centrale Nantes Fablab, which houses a range of machines]
 

[Doha, in English] What really sets this place apart is how hands on it is. We don't just do theory or math. Today we are printing 3D models in the computer so that we can print them right after that.
 

[Doha, in French] Even though my career path is more focused on management and industry, I think it’s essential to stay in touch with the machines, especially during engineering studies, so that you can understand and lead teams in the future.
 

[On-screen text: Jules Verne Manufacturing Academy – 3.12 pm]
 

[Doha, in French] Saying that you’re a Centralian opens up incredible opportunities. At the school’s career fair, I immediately lined uf interviews form my internship.
 

[Doha, in English] The building is super accessible for students so that we can work whenever we want and under the best conditions.
 

[Doha is in a computer room, chatting with two students]
 

[On-screen text :United States of America, Serbia, Portugal, Japan]
 

[Doha, in French] What’s great about Centrale is the diversity. I have friends from all over the world here. It’s an ongoing exchange. Most importantly, there’s a real sense of solidarity, we help and support each other. Individual grades are less important than moving forward together.
 

[On-screen text: Hangar à bananes – 5.21 pm]
 

[Doha stands facing the Loire]
 

[Doha, in English] One funny thing that really surprised me is how much French people love their pets.  All my friends here have a cat or a dog. Literally. You can meet someone here. The first question is what’s your name? And the second one is what’s your cat’s name?
 

[Doha is strolling past the ',machines de l’ïle'; behind her, you can see a large mechanical elephant]
 

[Doha, in French] At first, I was hesitant. Because Nantes isn’t Paris. But actually, I love this city.  It’s laid-back, less stressful, and perfect for students.
 

[Doha is sitting on the terrace of a café with some friends]
 

[Doha, in French] In fact, in France, overall, there are many benefits for us students: free museum, financial support for students. And what always amazes me is that you can travel freely all over Europe. It lets you enjoy life to 100%.
 

[Doha stands in front of the yellow crane in Nantes, a landmark of the city]
 

[Doha, in English] If I had to give a piece of advice to student who’s hesitant to take the plunge, I tell them not to be afraid. I saw this quote on social media that says: In your twenties, move, you can always move back.
 

[Doha, in French] And honestly, that really speaks to me. Because here in France, you can get high-level engineering education, but you can also have the chance to discover yourself, and it makes all the difference.
 

[On-screen text: Comme and join the 400 000 international students in France. Campus France.]

Eligibility

• Only those students selected and introduced by their home institution - which must be a partner of Centrale Nantes - are eligible to apply for an exchange year or semester. You will receive the application form as soon as your university has officially nominated you to international@ec-nantes.fr.
• Engineering programme (final year specialisations and professional options):
  • Applicants must have a Master 1st year university level with the equivalent of 240 ECTS credits (in the European system, or equivalent).
  • Applicants must be fluent in French (minimum B1 required; B2 level recommended). 
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Masters of Science (MSc):
  • Applicants must be fluent in English (B2 level recommended). 

See the list of courses available for a year or semester exchange and download your learning agreement:
 

• Engineering programme - learning agreements coming soon
• Bachelor (BSc)
• Master (MSc)

• Applications for the year exchange or autumn semester must be received no later than 15 May
• Applications for the spring semester must be received no later than 31 October.

How to apply?

1. Contact the International Office of your home institution. 
2. Check out the courses on offer
3. Register online before the deadline (31 October / 15 May).
4. Download and complete all required documents. For the learning agreement, we do not accept any other template than those available on our website for the application.

To register, please have the following documents ready to upload:

• your CV (Europass for European students)
• a cover letter (in French or English)
• your latest transcript of records
• your complete and signed learning agreement (use the templates downloadable on our website)
• copy of ID or passport.
• an estimated budget (incoming and outgoing expenditure) for your living expenses.

Your application will be assessed by the Centrale Nantes commission. You will be notified of the outcome in due course.