France stands as an extraordinary place to study for a Master’s in Chemical Engineering in France because of its unique combination of academic excellence, low fees, and strong links to industry. In France, you will find the highest-ranked Grandes Écoles and public research universities that provide high-standard courses with a financial support system, making first-class education available to foreign students.
The biggest plus of studying Chemical Engineering in France is that the country has a strong industrial sector. As the second-largest chemical market in Europe next to Germany, France has a chemical sector worth over €79 billion in exports. Moreover, there are more than 8,000 established chemical enterprises in the country, including such world-known companies as Arkema, TotalEnergies, Air Liquide, and SNF. The country is also the leader in sustainability procedures and has cut the amount of carbon emissions by 78.3% in the chemical industry.
Best Universities For Chemical Engineering in France For Indian Students
Some of the best universities for a Master’s in Chemical Engineering in France for international students include:
Université de Lorraine
According to EngiRank, the chemical engineering programme stands at number 23 in the world in 2025. The core of chemical engineering training lies in the École Nationale Supérieure des Industries Chimiques, ENSIC, established in 1887 in Nancy, France.
Université Paris-Saclay
One of the leading research institutions in Europe, Paris-Saclay boasts a global rank of 13 and is 1st in France according to the 2026 Shanghai Rankings (ARWU). The Chemical Engineering degree program was ranked between 101 and 150 globally according to the QS World University Rankings 2026.
Université PSL
The Chemical Engineering programme at PSL is supported by its leading internal institution, Chimie ParisTech. It is renowned for training high-quality chemical engineers and entrepreneurs for over 120 years. Research activities are carried out in 3 main labs working in 13 research teams to solve global issues associated with Health, Energy, Environment, and Materials. PSL employs a special research programme called ChemAI that deals with data science and artificial intelligence applications to modern chemical engineering practice.
Université de Lille
The Chemical engineering course offered at the Université de Lille is run by the internally established graduate engineering institution called École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Lille (ENSCL), which is a constituent of the larger Centrale Lille Institut group. ENSCL is also one of the renowned members of the Gay-Lussac Federation (FGL), which is a remarkable network of 20 such institutions from France offering chemistry or chemical engineering courses. The program offers specialised master’s courses such as Biorefinery/Bioeconomy, Catalysis and Processes, Chemistry and Formulation Engineering, and Polymer and Materials Engineering.
Université Paul Sabatier (Toulouse III)
The school is named after Paul Sabatier, a local scientist and winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1912. The university has achieved fourth place in France in Chemistry and a top 300 rank globally. It cooperates with various scientific research institutions, including the CNRS, and is known as a leader in the area of catalysis, including chemical engineering, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and materials science.
Université de Montpellier
The Chemical Engineering program is based at one of the most esteemed institutions, the École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Montpellier (ENSCM). Moreover, it ranks among the best in Europe and in the world, i.e., 17th in Europe according to EngiRank. The program is accredited by CTI for a maximum of 5 years for issuing the French Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering. It has also been awarded ISO 9001 for its training and research.
Toulouse INP (Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse)
The chemical engineering programs are based largely within ENSIACET (École Nationale des Sciences des Matériaux et de l’Ingénierie Chimique). It is closely connected with local research units and laboratories that specialise in chemistry, coordination chemistry, and catalysis (cooperating closely with institutions such as CNRS).
Sorbonne Université
The program integrates aspects of basic chemistry, materials science, and engineering processes and offers specialised master’s classes in partnership with some of the best French engineering institutions like Chimie ParisTech, ESPCI, and ENS. There are four core fields of specialisation encompassed in the Chemical Engineering (IC) master’s program, which are Catalysis Synthesis, Reactivity and Processes, Industrial Molecular Chemistry, Environmental and Sustainable Development and Chemical Risk Management.
Grenoble INP (Université Grenoble Alpes)
Grenoble INP has an international ranking of 251st in the discipline of Chemical Engineering according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject. Grenoble INP is an institute of engineering and management at UGA and encompasses 8 graduate schools that are involved in a variety of fields, including materials science, biomaterials, and environmental engineering, with one of them being Grenoble INP – Pagora.
INSA Lyon (National Institute of Applied Sciences)
The institution provides specialised education in energy and environmental engineering combined with chemical engineering processes via its extensive 5-year curriculum. It focuses on various subjects that include energy systems, industrial environmental issues, and chemical process engineering within the Energy and Environmental Engineering department.
Master’s in Chemical Engineering in France: Cost of Studying
Tuition fees associated with the Master’s degree program in Chemical Engineering in France vary from €255 to €3,950 per year and depend on public universities and private or specialised engineering schools.
Tuition Fees
- Non-EU International Students: Students from Non-EU countries have to pay annual fees of €3,950 for their Master’s program at public universities, but there are exemptions available for them.
- Private or Specialised Schools: Tuition fees for specialised engineering programs at private engineering schools (e.g., ITECH Lyon) are from €8,600; fees for students applying for a network program (e.g., Master n+i) are around €6,500 annually.
Cost of Living
- Monthly Expenses Outside Paris: The average monthly expenses for rent, food, transport and utilities vary from €600 to €800.
- Monthly Expenses in Paris: Living in Paris costs from €900 to €1,200+ per month, as Paris rent is significantly higher.
- Visa Financial Requirement: To receive a student visa, the applicant must present proof of at least €877.50 per month.
Master’s in Chemical Engineering in France: Admission Requirements
The requirements for applying for master’s courses in chemical engineering or other related disciplines in France usually include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject area, command of English or French, and compliance with some academic conditions.
Academic Background
- First-Year (M1) Entry: One needs to hold a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or closely related sciences.
- Second-Year (M2) Direct Entry: One needs to complete M1 (240 ECTS) or fulfill the bachelor’s/engineer equivalent (4 years of education) with the necessary background in process engineering.
- Prerequisites: The admissions committee pays special attention to the candidates’ knowledge of mathematics, physics, and core chemical engineering subjects; basic knowledge (like one introductory chemistry course) is usually not enough for the leading universities.
Language Proficiency
- English-Taught Tracks: Some universities provide programs that are conducted completely in English, like Chimie ParisTech — PSL and Mines Saint-Étienne. The programs require a minimum B2/C1 level as demonstrated by some tests, such as the IELTS or TOEFL.
- French-Taught Tracks: Programs that are conducted in French require a minimum of B2 proficiency level (e.g., DELF/DALF).
How To Apply for a Master’s in Chemical Engineering in France?
In order to pursue a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering in France, you first need to search for and select the right program, and then get your academic and language credentials ready to apply through either the Campus France or Mon Master platform. Generally, almost all of the good chemical engineering programs will require you to have a strong knowledge of chemistry, mathematics and engineering principles.
Step 1: Find a Program and Check Requirements
- Explore options: Search for chemical engineering or process engineering programs using catalogues and university websites such as INSA Toulouse.
- Check eligibility: Ensure your bachelor’s degree is in chemical engineering or other closely related fields. Most top programs will demand sufficient background in mathematics, thermodynamics, etc.
- Determine language of instruction: Decide whether you want English or French programs.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
- Academic records: Get your bachelor’s degree and the university transcripts. If it’s not possible to get them in English or French, you will need to get them translated.
- Language proof: For those who plan on taking the courses taught in English, you need to have passed the IELTS or TOEFL test, and if the course is taught in French, you will need either the DELF, DALF, or TCF certification.
- Professional files: Prepare your motivation letter (statement of purpose) and your CV (Europass format).
- Recommendations: Get two letters of recommendation from either your teachers or your employers.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
- Create an account: Register on the website of “Études en France” via Campus France. Nationals can use the Mon Master portal.
- Upload and pay: Fill out the form, upload scanned copies of all documents to the portal and pay for the service.
- Track deadlines: Apply during the winter and spring, as they always have set dates for applying, usually during the winter or spring, while the main admission deadlines end in early summer.
Step 4: Accept an Offer and Apply for a Visa
- Review responses: Accept your preferred admission offer on the portal once decisions are released.
- Start visa procedures: Complete the required Campus France administrative steps to apply for your long-stay student visa at the French consulate in your home country.
Scholarships for a Master’s In Chemical Engineering In France
Some of the best scholarships coming from France in respect of master’s programs in Chemical Engineering and other allied areas include notable scholarships instigated by the French government(s), EU schemes and awards organised by universities.
French Government Scholarships
- France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship: This scholarship has been initiated by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and it is offered to master’s students in science and engineering streams. The scholarship provides an allowance of about €1200 per month along with other special benefits.
- France Excellence Charpak Scholarship: It has been developed specifically for students from different countries (notably students from India), and it provides a monthly living allowance of about €860, a waiver for visa fees, and health insurance.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarships
- Erasmus Mundus Chemical NanoEngineering (CNE): It is a combined master’s degree program that includes Aix-Marseille University in France, and it provides fully funded EU grants covering tuition, flying expenses, and a monthly stipend of around €1400.
- SERP+ (Surface, Electro Radiation and Photonics): It is an interdisciplinary master’s program that accepts applicants with chemical engineering degree(s) and offers Erasmus Mundus grants for those students.
University-Specific Excellence Grants
- Université PSL Graduate Programs: Member schools of PSL in Paris provide Excellence Grants to students who want to pursue a master’s in engineering or chemistry.
- Université Paris-Saclay International Master Scholarships: The university attracts exceptional candidates to its master’s programs in science and engineering.
Master’s in Chemical Engineering in France: Student Visa Requirements
In order to take up a student visa for a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering in France, it is necessary to go through the long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) process, which is done via the online platform Études en France, and also have to attend the compulsory interview in person.
Mandatory visa documents
- Confirmation of admission: The admission letter from a recognised educational institution in France, such as for the Master’s in Chemical Engineering, to support the visa application.
- Passport: The passport must have been issued within the last decade which is valid for three months beyond the intended date of departure or for at least 15 months after arrival in France.
- Proof of funds: Document that proves sufficient funds (around US$660) available for the cost of living during the entire academic year.
- Accommodation proof: Some forms of documents to confirm living arrangements in France.
- Health insurance: Document confirming coverage for the whole stay at a public facility.
- Academic records: The diploma in addition to academic transcripts.
- Proof of language proficiency: Document confirming scores on language proficiency exams in either English or French (students applying for the English-taught program need the IELTS or TOEFL certificates, while the DELF/DALF B2 certificate is needed for those applying for the French program).
Application process
- Create an account on the Études en France website and submit the application if required by the country of residence.
- Attend the compulsory interview related to academic studies in the local Campus France office.
- Finish up the visa application on the French visa application portal.
Master’s in Chemical Engineering in France: Intake 2027
The major intake for Master’s programs in Chemical Engineering in France happens in the Fall (September/October) period of the year, which is called ‘rentrée’ in French.
Intake and Application Timeline
- Start Date: Classes begin in late August or the beginning of September.
- Application Window: It is usually between October and November of the previous year, with the application deadlines being anywhere from January to March (and sometimes until May/June for some international programs or rolling admissions programs).
- Secondary/Spring Intake: The Secondary/Spring intake is rare or nonexistent for most public engineering colleges in France (Grandes écoles and state universities), as the September intake covers over 90% of technology- and engineering-related master’s programs.
Application procedures for International Students
- Non-EU/ International Applications: Applications from non-EU applicants are processed through the Études en France system run by Campus France, which usually accepts application submissions from October to December/March, depending on the specific program.
- Direct Application: It is possible for a lot of specialized engineering schools (such as INSA Toulouse or private institutes like ITECH Lyon) which process applications through their own online platforms according to different winter-spring deadlines.
Master’s in Chemical Engineering in France: English Proficiency Requirements
In France, various universities and colleges hold different English proficiency requirements for any Master’s course in Chemical Engineering and neighbouring disciplines.
English Test Requirements
- IELTS: Scores between 6.0 and 7.0, with some top colleges requiring a score of 7.0.
- TOEFL: Scores between 90 and 100+ are generally accepted; for example, TOEFL iBT at Polytechnique requires 95 and 100+ is required at regular universities.
- Other accepted tests: Besides IELTS and TOEFL, colleges like UTC and IMT Atlantique accept the scores of TOEIC, Cambridge (CAE/C1) and BULATS.
Institutional Variations
- B2 minimum: English-speaking colleges in engineering believe that B2 is enough (for instance, IMT Atlantique).
- B1 Exceptions: Some colleges would accept a B1 score if the course plan entitles slow debut of subjects and help of a second language (for instance, UTC).
- French proficiency: When getting an education in English, generally, you do not need French, but some basic conversational skills are required for everyday life.
What are the career opportunities after a Master’s in Chemical Engineering in France?
After completing a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering in France, individuals can find work in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, energy, and green chemistry, and utilise skills in R&D, design and industrial process design.
Top Sectors
- Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology: Working to produce safe medical substances, increasing production capacity, and collaborating with relevant firms in France’s strong healthcare sector.
- Energy & Nuclear Engineering: Managing traditional energy production processes or contributing to the strong nuclear energy and green hydrogen industries.
- Green Chemistry & Bioeconomy: Creating sustainable production processes and materials by studying the European Master in Biological and Chemical Engineering for a Sustainable Bioeconomy.
- Materials & Polymers: Innovating in various niche production industries, nanotechnologies, and applied chemistry.
Key Roles
- Process Engineer: Working to improve manufacturing processes and increase chemical production.
- R&D Engineer: Creating new chemical materials or improving existing ones, both in laboratories and in the industry.
- Chemical plant operator/manager: Controlling complex processes in the plant.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A Master’s program in Chemical Engineering in France generally takes 2 years to complete (comprising the M1 and M2 academic years, totalling 120 ECTS credits).
Yes, international students are fully eligible to apply and study for a Master’s in Chemical Engineering in France, with numerous programs offered completely in English as well as in French.
Yes, you can study without IELTS if you provide alternative proof of English proficiency, such as TOEFL, TOEIC, or a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from your previous university confirming that your Bachelor’s degree was taught entirely in English.
Yes, most public universities and engineering schools (Grandes Écoles) in France do not require GRE scores for admission into a Master’s in Chemical Engineering, relying instead on your academic transcripts and background.
Public universities offer the most affordable options, where standard annual tuition fees for EU students are around €255–€630 per year. Non-EU international students pay low tuition at public institutions like the University of Rennes, University of Toulouse, or University of Lorraine, with rates starting from €950 to €3,950 per year unless granted a fee exemption.
The standard duration is 2 years (24 months). However, students holding a relevant 4-year Bachelor’s degree may occasionally be eligible for direct entry into the 1-year M2 program.
Yes, France is a major global hub for the chemical, pharmaceutical, and energy sectors, offering low tuition costs, high academic standards, strong industrial internship opportunities, and access to the European job market post-graduation.
After graduating, you can work as a Process Engineer, R&D Specialist, Plant Manager, or Environmental Consultant in industries like energy, pharmaceuticals, and materials, or choose to pursue a PhD in research. You are also eligible to apply for a post-study job-seeker visa (Recepissé de Demande de Titre de Séjour / APS).
The top specialisations in France include Process & Bioprocess Engineering, Green Chemistry & Sustainable Processes, Materials Science & Nanotechnology, and Energy Transition & Catalysis, driven by heavy industrial investments in decarbonization and renewable energy.
Yes, holding a 4-year BTech degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Biotechnology, or a closely related discipline fulfils the academic entry requirements for French Master’s programs.
Most English-taught Master’s programs require an overall IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5 (B2 level), though top-tier institutions or competitive programs may require a score of 7.0 (C1 level).
Fresh graduates typically earn a starting entry-level salary ranging from €35,000 to €42,000 per year, which can rise to €45,000–€55,000+ annually as you gain a few years of industry experience.