PSL International Bachelor of Environmentally Engaged Engineering I-BE³​​​

• A bachelor’s program in science and engineering taught entirely in English
• An immersive and hands-on approach: learning by doing, experimenting, and creating (getting your hands dirty)
• Concrete, impact-driven projects designed around current environmental, climate, and societal challenges linked to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in line with UNESCO’s call for responsible engineering.

• A solid foundation in engineering and data science, as well as key professional skills to solve real-world technical challenges
• The opportunity to thrive in an open and collaborative innovation ecosystem thanks to our partnerships with industry, academia, and local communities
• A location for the first two years in the heart of Sophia Antipolis, on the French Riviera—Europe’s largest technology campus. An exceptional setting for learning, innovating, and thriving

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A Bachelor’s degree from Université PSL, developped by Mines Paris – PSL, in collaboration with Chimie ParisTech – PSL,  the I-BE³ is a high-level, undergraduate, fully English-taught program designed for future engineers eager to make a real impact.

The Learning Manifesto

The active learning experience that trains tomorrow’s engineers

I-BE³ offers a practical, collaborative, and forward-looking learning experience led by faculty members from PSL research centers.

The goal: to learn by doing, using science to tackle major real-world challenges.

Inspired by the spirit of La main à la pâte — a pioneering approach to science education founded by Georges Charpak, Nobel Prize winner in Physics and former student of Mines ParisTech – PSL — the program supports each student in building a personalized academic and professional path.

Active and recognized teaching methods

• Skills-based learning: students develop and demonstrate their expertise through concrete projects, documented in a digital portfolio and validated by Open Badges — verifiable certifications attesting to their achievements.
• Real-world projects: each semester, the challenges to be met are inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), encouraging responsible and sustainable engineering practices.
• Technological innovation: thanks to exclusive access to Mistral AI, students explore new ways of collaborating, overcoming language barriers, and embracing cutting-edge technologies.

Training agents of change

I-BE³ cultivates autonomy, creativity, and ethical responsibility.

Participants become engaged learners, capable of imagining, designing, and implementing sustainable solutions — true agents of transformation for a more responsible future.

🎓 Reserved access to PSL Graduate Engineering Programs of Mines Paris – PSL & Chimie ParisTech – PSL

🌍 Open doors to world-class master’s programs

Flexible tuition model open to all

• EU students (tax residents) : €15,000 per year, with tuition fees based on income.
• Non-EU international students (tax residents): tuition fees set at €20,000 per year.

Students receiving scholarships at levels 1 through 7 are exempt from tuition fees.

Learn more about tuition fees

Financial support opportunities

The program is designed to promote social diversity and inclusion, with affordability as a central priority.

Need-based financial aid is available.

Online application system of the I-BE

All applications can be submitted via the Mines Paris – PSL platform. French applicants can also submit their applications via Parcoursup.

Application Form

A preliminary selection proces​s

The initial selection is based on a complete application file, which must include:

• Official transcripts of records from the last 2 years
• Synthetic description of your cursus (options, specialties…)
• Grading scale of your institution + your ranking
• A résumé (CV)
• Two letters of recommendation
• A cover letter

Language Requirements

• English: Minimum level B2 (Common European Framework of Reference)
• French: Minimum level A2

Applicants may include official language test results (such as TOEFL, IELTS, DELF/DALF, or equivalent) or standardized academic test results (SAT, ACT, TSI).
While these certifications are optional, they will be carefully considered by the selection committee.

Application Routes

• International candidates: Applications must be completed through our online application system.
• French candidates: Applications
• be completed through our online application system or via Parcoursup.

Admission​

• Eligible candidates will be invited to a motivational interview conducted in English via videoconference.
• Note : the interview process and tests can be adapted for candidates with declared disabilities.

Request for information

In the heart of the French Riviera​

Nestled in an 8-hectare green oasis between the sea and the mountains, the Pierre Laffitte Campus is located in the historic area of Sophia Antipolis, Europe’s leading technology park.

This exceptional natural setting offers a unique lifestyle for students, with year-round access to a wide range of sports and outdoor activities: hiking (Mercantour National Park or the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Natural Park, just 30 minutes away), tennis and padel (at the Mouratoglou Academy, only a 10-minute walk), badminton, yoga on campus with the Doctoral Students’ Association, running, sailing, and scuba diving (the sea is just 30 minutes away).

Each year, the Sophia Club Entreprises hosts a six-week sports festival filled with competitions, discovery events, and fun activities — the perfect opportunity to combine sports, networking, and integration into the local ecosystem.

Finally, as a true source of inspiration, the South of France region is a vibrant place where creativity and talent thrive. Students enjoy access to numerous festivals, museums, exhibitions, and cultural events all year long, making it the perfect balance between academics, sports, and culture.

Accommodation​

I-BE³ students have access to a wide variety of housing solutions in and around Sophia Antipolis:  ​

• Student residences: CROUS (Les Dolines, Isaac Newton, …), CIV, City Résidence Sophia Valbonne.  ​
• Private residences: Studeapart, Nextcity, Résidence Mouratoglou, Ecotone/Village Sophia.  ​
• Future developments: Campus des Amandiers (from 2027).  ​
• Short- and long-term options: shared flats, double rooms, single rooms.  ​

Through the Mines Paris – PSL x Studapart partnership, French and international students have access to a dedicated platform to find accommodation and prepare their rental application online. A multilingual team can assist them throughout the process, and Studapart may act as a guarantor, subject to eligibility.

Catering

Students can access a wide range of affordable and varied dining options:  ​

• CROUS: university restaurant
• Foodtrucks
• World cuisine restaurant offer
• possibility to have lunch on site with a delivery service and a kitchen place

Mobility

The Pierre Laffitte campus is located 20 km from Nice international airport, with direct bus access, and respectively 10 km and 20 km from Antibes and Nice SNCF train stations (national connections via TGV high-speed train). 

• Local public transport network : buses and bus-trams serving the metropolitan community.  ENVIBUS
• Bike: safe routes suitable for cycling and electric bikes.  Getting around by bike
• Train: the regional transport network is a comfortable express trains serving the PACA (Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur) region. Travel with ZOU!

Sports & student life

Sports activities are fully integrated into the curriculum through the CARE (Coaching, Accompaniment, Enrichment, Remediation) module:

• Weekly supervised sessions: general physical training, handball, rock climbing, swimming.
• Four group highlights centered around sailing and kayaking
• Support from a dedicated sports coach

Beyond the CARE module, I-BE³ students share a common student life with the other cycles at the Pierre Laffitte campus:

• Student lounge and shared events
• After-work get-togethers, board game nights
• Ping-pong, foosball, yoga
• Hiking, skiing, music club

A natural setting between the sea, pine forests, and mountains, conducive to sports and personal balance.

This project has received support from the French government through the French National Research Agency (ANR) under the France 2030 program, grant reference ANR-24-CMAS-0011. → This national recognition supports the program’s start-up phase (2024–2029), funding pedagogical innovation, recruitment, digital transformation, and international outreach to train a new generation of engineers for ecological and digital transitions.

At the regional level, the Région Sud – Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and the Communauté d’Agglomération Sophia Antipolis (CASA) are key partners in the redevelopment of the Pierre Laffitte Campus in Sophia Antipolis. Their commitments include the renovation of teaching facilities, the creation of new engineering and innovation spaces (fablabs, learning center, collaborative labs), and the modernization of campus infrastructure to host the I-BE³ program and its research partners. 

France 2030 – ANR

Agglo – Sophia Antipolis

Région Sud website