I-BE³ Program FAQ

What high school diploma is required to apply? 

To apply for the Bachelor I-BE³, you must hold a level 4 secondary school diploma as defined by the French National Register of Professional Certifications (RNCP), namely: 

• the French baccalaureate, general or technological  
• or an equivalent international diploma certifying a comparable level 

Recruitment is mainly aimed at post-baccalaureate candidates, with admission based on academic record and interview, allowing for the assessment of scientific knowledge, motivation, and the suitability of the candidate’s personal project with the objectives of the program. 

What specializations in the French baccalaureate are required? 

No specific subjects are formally required to apply for the Bachelor I-BE³. However, given the scientific and engineering nature of the program, it is strongly recommended that applicants have studied mathematics and at least one other scientific specialty (physics-chemistry, engineering sciences, life and earth sciences, digital and computer sciences, etc.). 

What is the application procedure?  

Applications for the I-BE³ Bachelor’s degree are made: 

• via the dedicated I-BE³ online application platform for international and French applicants, according to a specific two-stage schedule (more details on the application page) 

• via Parcoursup for applicants within the French system who do not wish to use the dedicated online platform (specific national schedule for Parcoursup)  

The selection process includes: 

1. an analysis of the academic record 
2. where applicable, a motivational interview in English for shortlisted candidates. 

What are the dates for the application process?  

For the 2026 session, the dedicated online application platform is open from December 15, 2025, to April 30. During this period, there are two consecutive application waves: 

• Round 1: applications between December 15, 2025, and February 28, 2026, interviews between March and mid-April, if applicable, and a response at the end of April 
• Round 2:  applications between March 1, and April 30, interviews between May and mid-June if necessary, and a response at the end of June 

The Parcoursup platform has its own national schedule. 

What qualities are expected? 

The I-BE³ Bachelor’s program is looking for candidates who have: 

• a keen interest in science and engineering 
• an awareness of environmental, climate, and societal challenges 
• analytical reasoning skills and intellectual curiosity 
• motivation for teamwork and interdisciplinary projects 
• an appetite for an international and English-speaking environment. 

More information on the I-BE³ description page in Parcoursup “Understanding the application review criteria“ 

What level of English is expected?  

As all teaching is conducted in English, a minimum level of B2 on the CEFR is expected upon entry to the program. 

The level is assessed based on: 

• the academic record  
• any certifications 
• and a motivational interview in English. 

Is it necessary to speak French? 

Proficiency in French is not mandatory for admission to the program. 

For non-French-speaking students, an A2 level in French is recommended for admission, and  “French as a foreign language” program is planned every semester to promote language progression and integration. 

What criteria are used to evaluate applications?  

Applications are evaluated globally, based on: 

• academic results, particularly in scientific disciplines 
• progress and consistency in academic performance 
• motivation and educational plans 
• suitability for the objectives of the Bachelor I-BE³ program 
• English language proficiency. 

No decision is made based on a single criterion: the evaluation is based on a qualitative and contextualized assessment of the application. 

Is it possible to have adjustments made to schooling in the event of a disability? 

These accommodations are put in place upon presentation of medical documentation and after consultation with the institution’s disability advisor. They are determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the needs identified, and may include: 

• additional time during assessments  
• adapted teaching materials 
• adapted assessment methods 
• human or technical support if necessary. 

These measures comply with current regulations and are compatible with the academic and certification requirements of the Bachelor I-BE³. 

Disability advisor:  handicap@minesparis.psl.eu 

What degree do you get?  

Is the degree recognized?

The Bachelor I-BE³ leads to a Bachelor’s degree in science and engineering accredited by the Commission des Titres d’Ingénieurs (CTI) and awarded by Mines Paris – PSL, conferring the national degree of licence. 

This degree corresponds to: 

• 180 ECTS credits over three years; 
• level 6 of the National Directory of Professional Certifications (RNCP); 
• a nationally recognized and internationally recognized undergraduate university program with a scientific and professional focus. 

Who are the Bachelor’s degree teachers? 

The Bachelor’s degree in I-BE³ is taught by: 

• research professors and lecturers from MINES Paris – PSL, Chimie ParisTech – PSL, and ESPCI – PSL involved in the training and education of engineers, research, and innovation 
• PRAG teachers (agrégés) 
• speakers from the socio-economic world (companies, local authorities, NGOs), particularly in the context of Semester SDG projects, and professionalization activities (teaching block “Challenges and Professionalization”) 

This multidisciplinary teaching team guarantees research-based teaching that is open to contemporary engineering challenges and directly in touch with professional realities, under the coordination of Mines Paris – PSL. 

Where can I find accommodation near the Pierre Lafitte campus? 

The Pierre Laffitte campus of Mines Paris – PSL is located in Sophia Antipolis, at the heart of a university and technology hub offering a variety of accommodation options. 

I-BE³ Bachelor’s students can find accommodation in: 

• in student residences (public or private) located in Sophia Antipolis, Biot, Valbonne, or Antibes (Public: CROUS Les Dolines and Isaac Newton, CIV, City Résidence Sophia Valbonne. Private: Studeapart, Néméa, Résidence Mouratoglou, etc. Numerous private student residence projects are currently under development 
• in the private rental market (studios, shared apartments), which is highly developed in these municipalities 
• more occasionally, via temporary solutions upon arrival (transitional residences, short-term rentals) 
• Intergenerational shared accommodation in the municipality of Valbonne 

The institution supports admitted students by providing: 

• practical information on residences and landlords 
• local contacts and resources to facilitate the search for accommodation 
• tailored guidance for international students. 

Most accommodation is located less than 30 minutes from campus by public transport or bicycle. 

How much should you budget for housing and daily living expenses? 

As a rough guide, the monthly budget for studying near the Pierre Laffitte campus (Sophia Antipolis) is generally in the following range: 

Housing: 

• student residence or studio apartment: €500 to €750/month 
• shared apartment: €400 to €650/month, depending on location (Sophia Antipolis, Biot, Valbonne, Antibes) 

Housing assistance (APL) in France is granted by public authorities under specific conditions. International students may apply, but eligibility is determined on an individual basis by the French family allowance fund (CAF), according to applicable regulations. 

Daily living expenses :

• Food, transportation, telecommunications, everyday expenses):  €300 to €450/month. 

The total monthly budget (excluding tuition fees) averages between €800 and €1,200, depending on the type of accommodation, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. 

These amounts are provided for informational purposes only. Financial assistance programs (student social housing, housing assistance, scholarships, support for international students) can help reduce the actual cost incurred by students. 

How many hours of classes must be taken each week? 

The teaching load for the Bachelor I-BE³ corresponds to a full-time university program. 

On average, students attend: 

• approximately 30 hours per week of face-to-face teaching (lectures, RECs, labs, supervised projects); 
• plus a comparable amount of personal work (individual work, group work, projects, preparation for assessments). 

The weekly distribution may vary depending on the semester, based on: 

• the place of Semester SDG projects; 
• assessment periods; 
• and tutoring and support activities (CARE). 

This organization is consistent with a scientific and engineering program leading to 180 ECTS credits over three years. 

How can I find out the tuition fees that apply to my situation? 

The program is designed to promote social diversity and inclusion, and affordability is a key concern. 

Merit-based scholarships, income-based financial aid, and mobility grants will be available.

I have dual nationality: do I pay the fees for EU or non-EU students? 

The applicable tuition fee category depends not only on nationality, but also on the administrative and tax status of the applicant, in accordance with the rules in force for French public institutions. 

In practice: 

• if you are a citizen of the EU (EU/EEA/Switzerland) or equivalent, you are subject to the fees applicable to UE students; 
• if you are a non-European national, you will be subject to the fees applicable to non-EU students. 

In the case of dual nationality, the situation is examined on a case-by-case basis, in particular with regard to: 

• the nationality declared for enrollment 
• the place of tax residence 
• and, where applicable, the length of previous schooling in France or the EU. 

The final fee category is confirmed upon admission, based on the supporting documents provided. 

If in doubt, it is recommended that you contact the Bachelor I-BE³ administrative team before or during the application process. 

What careers does the program prepare students for?  

Is it possible to enter the job market after completing the Bachelor’s degree? 

Will I be able to continue my studies at PSL University?  

Will I be able to continue my studies in civil engineering at Mines Paris PSL? 

Will I be able to continue my studies in civil engineering at ESPCI-PSL ( ) 

Will I be able to continue my studies in civil engineering at Chimie ParisTech PSL? 

The I-BE³ Bachelor’s degree prepares students for further study, but also allows them to enter the workforce directly in junior positions with a focus on science, technology, and project management. 

Upon completion of the program, graduates of the Bachelor’s degree in Science and Engineering I-BE³ can continue their studies. They will be eligible to apply (evaluation file) to the engineering programs at Mines Paris-PSL, Chimie ParisTech-PSL, and ESPCI-PSL. As the degree confers a bachelor / license degree, graduates can continue their studies with a master’s degree in science or engineering, particularly at PSL or another university in France or abroad. 

These graduates can also work as: 

• assistant engineer (R&D, studies, testing); 
• junior research assistant (energy, environment, processes, data); 
• assistant project manager or batch manager in scientific or technical projects; 
• junior project manager in sustainable innovation, energy transition, CSR/QSE; 
• junior technical coordinator in a design office, industrial company, or local authority. 
• These professions are practiced in design offices, industrial companies, local authorities, public bodies, NGOs, and laboratories, both in France and internationally. 

Graduates of the I-BE³ Bachelor’s program have a recognized ability to advance professionally after obtaining their certification. Thanks to their multidisciplinary scientific foundations, their mastery of analysis and design methods, and their experience in group projects, they can gradually move into positions within their organization that offer greater autonomy and responsibility.