MEM in France: Overview

590+

GMAT Score

Avg. Age

€22,000

Avg. Cost of Study

12 – 14

Avg. Months Duration

€60,000

Avg. Salary

Why Study MEM in France?

Studying for a Master in Engineering Management (MEM) in France presents numerous advantages. Firstly, France boasts world-renowned engineering institutions like École Polytechnique, CentraleSupélec, and Mines ParisTech, ensuring a top-notch education.

Additionally, the absence of tuition fees for international students at public universities in France renders this a highly cost-effective choice for pursuing a MEM degree. Furthermore, the country’s robust economy and the continuous demand for skilled engineers and managers result in MEM graduates from French institutions being in high demand among employers.

Moreover, studying in France offers an international experience due to its multicultural environment and diverse student population, providing opportunities to explore different cultures and build global friendships.

Finally, learning the French language not only enriches your personal life but also enhances your professional prospects, granting access to new opportunities in the global job market.

Specifically, pursuing a MEM degree in France offers unique benefits, including exposure to industry-leading French companies in engineering and manufacturing and fostering innovation leadership skills tailored to the country’s strong focus on innovation. With a thriving economy and ample career openings, France is an excellent launchpad for your engineering management career.

If you aspire to a career in engineering management, pursuing a MEM degree in France stands out as a highly advantageous choice, combining world-class education, affordability, and promising employment prospects, all while immersing yourself in a vibrant and diverse culture and gaining proficiency in the French language.

Types of MEM Offered in France

French universities offer MEM programs in diverse formats in order to cater to various students’ needs. These formats encompass:

Full-time MEM

Typically spanning a duration of two years, full-time MEM programs in France require students to tackle a comprehensive course load throughout each semester, offering a rigorous and immersive educational experience.

Part-time MEM

Designed to accommodate working professionals, part-time MEM programs in France extend over three to four years, allowing students to balance their studies with their current employment commitments by taking a reduced course load each semester.

Weekend MEM

Tailored for individuals who seek to earn a MEM degree while continuing to work, weekend MEM programs in France span two to three years, with classes held exclusively on weekends. This flexible format ensures minimal disruption to one’s career.

Executive MEM

Geared towards seasoned senior-level executives and managers with substantial work experience, executive MEM programs in France typically adopt a part-time approach. These programs often schedule classes during evenings and weekends to accommodate the demanding schedules of working professionals.

Specializations Available in MEM Programs in France

Apart from the various formats available to cater to every student’s need, MEM programs in France also offer a wide array of specialization options to align with students’ career aspirations and interests. Some of the most common specializations include:

Advanced Manufacturing
Aerospace Engineering
Automotive Engineering
Healthcare Management
Manufacturing Management
Operations Management
Project Management
Quality Management
Supply Chain Management

When selecting a MEM program in France, aligning your choice with your unique needs and career objectives is crucial. Working professionals may find part-time or executive programs most suitable, while those with a specific industry preference, such as aerospace or automotive, should explore specializations catering to their area of interest.

Eligibility Criteria : MEM in France

The fundamental eligibility criteria for pursuing a Master’s in Engineering Management in France are relatively consistent across most institutions and encompass the following prerequisites:

Bachelor’s Degree: Typically, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a closely related field to qualify for a MEM program in France.
English Language Proficiency: International applicants are generally expected to provide proof of their English language proficiency by meeting the university’s specified minimum requirements for exams like IELTS or TOEFL.
Relevant Work Experience: Certain MEM programs may mandate applicants to possess relevant work experience in engineering or management, underscoring the program’s practical orientation.
Strong Academic Record: Most MEM programs insist on candidates maintaining a solid academic record during their undergraduate studies.

Supplementary Admission Requirements

In addition to the essential prerequisites mentioned above, some MEM programs in France may introduce additional conditions for admission, which might encompass:

Portfolio Submission: A few MEM programs may solicit a portfolio showcasing an applicant’s relevant skills and practical experience.
Statement of Purpose: Applicants could be asked to furnish a well-articulated statement of purpose that elucidates their motivation for pursuing a MEM degree and traces their career aspirations.
Letters of Recommendation: Certain MEM programs may necessitate letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can vouch for the applicant’s competencies and qualifications.

By adhering to these eligibility criteria, you can enhance your prospects of gaining admission to a MEM program in France.

Program Costs + Living Expenses : MEM in France

€10,000

Avg. Cost of Tuition

€12,000

Avg. Living Cost/annum (including additional expenses for international students)

22,000

Avg. Cost of Study

The average annual tuition fee for enrolling in a MEM program in France is approximately €10,000; however, this cost can exhibit substantial variations contingent upon the chosen university and the specific program. For instance, prominent institutions like École Polytechnique and CentraleSupélec may charge tuition fees as high as €18,000 per year.

In terms of living expenses, international students typically incur an average of €800 per month, encompassing accommodation, food, transportation, and essential expenditures; however, these living costs can fluctuate according to the city’s size and the individual’s lifestyle, with Paris often demanding higher living expenses than smaller locales.

Moreover, international students should factor in additional financial considerations, including a €75 visa application fee, mandatory health insurance expenses contingent on the chosen policy, and travel costs to and from their home country.

While the total expenditure for pursuing a MEM program in France hinges on variables such as university choice, program specifics, and personal lifestyle, a rough estimate falls within the range of €20,000 to €35,000 per year.

Fortunately, an array of scholarship and financial aid opportunities is tailored for international MEM students in France, including offerings from the French government and numerous country-specific and university-specific scholarships, necessitating prospective applicants to conduct thorough research on the options through their chosen universities and scholarship programs.

Scholarships Available : MEM in France

The eligibility criteria for scholarships aimed at Master in Engineering Management students in France may vary depending on the specific scholarship program. Nevertheless, the common eligibility prerequisites between universities to secure scholarships include the following:

Academic Excellence: Typically, most scholarships require applicants to possess a solid academic track record, reflecting their commitment to academic achievement.
Financial Need: Some scholarships are specifically designed to assist students who can demonstrate a genuine financial need, ensuring that financial constraints do not impede their education.
Leadership Potential: Many scholarships place a premium on identifying individuals who exhibit notable leadership potential, acknowledging the value of leadership skills within the academic and professional realms.
Extracurricular Engagement: A candidate’s engagement in extracurricular activities, such as volunteer work or active participation in student clubs and organizations, is considered by some scholarships as evidence of a well-rounded and socially engaged individual.

In addition to these general criteria, certain scholarships may impose specific prerequisites, such as a minimum GPA or a stipulated number of years of professional experience.

Conducting thorough research into scholarships that align with your nationality, academic history, and career aspirations is advisable, as this diligence can uncover valuable financial aid options to support your MEM studies in France.

Below is a compilation of scholarships available to MEM applicants in France that you can look into:

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Visa & Stay Prospects : MEM in France

International students aspiring to pursue a Master in Engineering Management in France must initiate the process of obtaining a student visa, which demands careful planning. To apply for a student visa, prospective international students must furnish the following essential documents:

A valid passport.
An official acceptance letter from a recognized French university.
Proof of financial backing.
Evidence of comprehensive health insurance coverage.
A duly completed visa application form.
A recent passport-sized photograph.

International students can apply for their student visa by visiting the French embassy or consulate in their home country. Moreover, international students must be aware of hidden charges associated with France’s student visa application process. These covert charges encompass:

Visa Application Fee: The cost of applying for a student visa to France amounts to €75.
Health Insurance: As mandated, international students must secure health insurance, with the expense varying based on the chosen insurance policy.
Travel Expenditures: Provision should be made for travel costs to and from one’s home country.

Post-Completion Stay Prospects

Upon successfully completing a MEM program in France, international students have several options for prolonging their stay there. One such option is the application for a job seeker visa, which permits students to stay in France for up to six months post-graduation to seek employment.

Another avenue is to secure a skilled worker visa for international students who receive a job offer from a French company. This visa allows for a two-year stay in France.

Furthermore, international students can explore the possibility of acquiring a permanent residency permit after residing and working in France for a minimum of four years.

Employment Prospects : MEM in France

95%

Employed within 3 months of graduation

60,000

Avg. Salary

Most Sought-after Jobs

Engineering Manager

Project Manager

Technical Manager

Operations Manager

Systems Manager

Quality Assurance Manager

Manufacturing Manager

As per a 2022 survey conducted by the French engineering school association CGE, an impressive 95% of MEM graduates in France secure employment within three months of completing their program. This figure significantly outpaces the average employment rate for all graduates in France, which hovers around 70%.

Apart from this, the typical annual salary for MEM graduates in France stands at approximately €60,000, surpassing the average income for all graduates in the country, which amounts to approximately €35,000 annually.

Moreover, MEM graduates enjoy a host of advantages over their conventional MBA counterparts, including:

Enhanced Technical Proficiency: MEM graduates generally possess a robust foundation in engineering and technology, affording them a substantial edge in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and healthcare.
Practical Expertise: MEM programs typically incorporate extensive practical exposure, comprising internships and capstone projects. This early immersion in real-world scenarios equips MEM graduates with a competitive advantage in the professional realm, allowing them to showcase their competencies to potential employers.
Global Perspective: MEM programs often attract a diverse cohort of students from around the globe. This enriching multicultural experience fosters a global outlook among MEM graduates, preparing them to excel in multicultural work environments.

Below is a list of some well-known French companies that actively seek MEM graduates in France:

Airbus
Alstom
Dassault Systèmes
EDF
Safran
Schneider Electric
Thales
Valeo

To sum it all up, MEM graduates in France embark on a promising career path. They are highly sought after in various industries, enjoy competitive remuneration, and possess a comprehensive skill set that positions them for success in dynamic and ever-changing professional landscapes.

Top MEM Colleges in France

1. Université Paris-Saclay

Université Paris-Saclay offers a Master in Economics and Management (MEM) program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of economic principles and management practices. The program integrates a multidisciplinary approach, combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications to prepare students for challenges in the dynamic global business environment. With a strong emphasis on research-driven learning and innovation, students at Université Paris-Saclay’s MEM program benefit from a world-class faculty and cutting-edge resources. The program aims to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and strategic decision-making capabilities, empowering graduates to excel in various roles within the realms of economics and management.

Important Links

Université Paris-Saclay MEM – Complete Review
Université Paris-Saclay MEM – Interview Questions

2. Audencia Business School

Audencia Business School’s MEM program stands out for its unique blend of business education and international exposure. The program is designed to equip students with a solid foundation in economics and management, while also emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity and global perspectives. Audencia’s MEM curriculum incorporates real-world case studies, industry projects, and a strong focus on sustainability, preparing students to navigate the complexities of contemporary business challenges. With a reputation for fostering a collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit, Audencia Business School provides a dynamic learning environment that encourages students to develop leadership skills and make a positive impact in the global business landscape.

Important Links

Audencia Business School MEM – Complete Review
Audencia Business School MEM – Interview Questions

FAQs About MeM

What are the language requirements for international students in Engineering Management programs in France?

Many Engineering Management programs in France are taught in English to accommodate international students. While proficiency in French is not always mandatory, some universities may require proof of English language proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS.

Can international students apply for permanent residency in France after completing their Engineering Management Master's?

While completing a Master’s in France is a significant step, it does not automatically grant permanent residency. However, students who secure long-term employment in France may be eligible for various residence permits leading to permanent residency. It’s advisable to consult the French authorities for detailed immigration information.

What is the typical class size for Engineering Management programs in France?

Class sizes can vary significantly between universities and programs. Some programs may have smaller, more personalized classes, while others might have larger cohorts. Smaller class sizes often facilitate closer interaction with professors and peers, fostering a more intimate learning experience.

Are there opportunities for international students to engage in research projects during their Engineering Management studies in France?

Some universities in France offer research opportunities and projects as part of their Engineering Management programs. Research engagement can enhance your academic experience and provide a deeper understanding of engineering management concepts. It is advisable to discuss research possibilities with your chosen university’s faculty.

How can I validate my foreign qualifications for admission to an Engineering Management program in France?

To validate your foreign qualifications, you may need to provide academic transcripts and certificates, which must be officially translated into French by a certified translator. Some universities may also require an evaluation of your qualifications by a recognized credential evaluation service.