> Frequently asked questions

Questions regarding the admission

  1. When could I apply for the Master?
    For October Intake: Right now and until the end of June (June 30th, 2009)
    For January Intake:     from July to the end of December (Dec 31st, 2009)
  2. When will be the next session of the master?
    The next session of the master will be on September, 25th, 2009
  3. How can I apply?
    Fill in our application form and attach the following documents (you can download the application form on the "how to apply" area of the website)
    • A detailed resume
    • Application fee of 100 €, payable by bank transfer, postal check or international draft to l'Ecole des Mines de Saint Etienne  - An application with no fees payment will not be treated.
    • 3 passport size photographs
    • Copies of graduate or post-graduate level degrees or diplomas
    • Letters of recommendation
      Any other relevant document that might support your application
    • Contact in your University or Place of work


      DOCUMENTS HAVE TO BE SENT TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:

      Attn Nouria CHAOUY
      Ecole des mines de St Etienne - CMP Georges CHARPAK
      880 avenue de Mimet
      13541 Gardanne, FRANCE
  4. After having applied, what will be the next steps?
    • You receive a mail to confirm the reception of your application form
    • The admission board reviews your candidacy within 10 days (the admission board is composed of STMicroelectronics, "Ecole des Mines" and “Ecole centrale” members)
    • Once reviewed, we will keep you aware regarding the board admission decision 10 days maximum after having received your documents
    • If your application is accepted we will send you an admission letter mandatory to apply for the French visa. The registration will be considered as definitive upon the receipt of the 10% tuition fees - 900 euros.
    • In the same time, we will guide you to book your accommodation on the campus and we will send you an accommodation proof in order to obtain your visa.
  5. What are the requirements to apply for the Masters?
    2 kinds of profile are accepted:

    Engineers with the following background:
    - Electronics and Microelectronics
    - Materials
    - Chemistry
    - Physics
    - Mechanics
    - Optics
    - Generalist
    - Telecom

    OR

    Experienced people with 3-4 years of undergraduate study in a technical field plus 3 years minimum professional experience.
  6. What are the admission criteria?
    7. The admission is based on an application form plus a phone interview.
  7. Do I need to take TOEFL?
    TOEFL is not required to apply for the Masters. However, your English level may be assessed by the admission board during phone Interview.
  8. Where the courses are located?
    In south of France close to the STMicroelectronics 8 inches fab and Aix-en-Provence. The courses are given in the Ecole des Mines de Saint Etienne new campus.

Questions regarding the master’s curriculum

  1. Is the "Specialized Master" diploma accepted everywhere and by all universities for further research/study or by companies/organisations all over world?
    This diploma is a post graduate degree (6 years studies) stamped by the French Ministry of Economy & Industry and accredited by " la conférence des grandes écoles" ( French prestigious high school consortium). The diploma is delivered by two of the most prestigious french engineer schools "l'Ecole des Mines de St Etienne" and "l'Ecole Centrale Marseille" and is accepted everywhere and in all universities across the world.
    For more information: www.emse.fr and www.ec-marseille.fr
  2. What will be the course’s frequency?
    Every other week (two weeks per month).
  3. Which language is usually used during the courses?
    Courses are taught in English.
  4. I don't have any knowledge of French language so is there any requirement for French language to apply?
    No, you don’t have to speak French either to follow the master’s courses or do your internship. But if you have some knowledge in French that will be more convenient to live in France! By the way, from this year Masters students have the possibility to take french courses.
  5. Is it possible to have more information about the programs?
    If you want to have more information about the program, internships, scholarships, accommodation you can send a mail to this address: ms.tmpm@emse.fr

Questions about the internship

  1. What will be the internship duration?
    24 weeks (6 months):
    • In part-time (during course period). In this case you should finish your internship by the end of September.
    • In full time (after course period). In this case you should finish your internship by the end of December.
  2. What kind of internship subjects are provided to the students of the master?
    This non exhaustive following list is just an example:
    • Non volatile memories reliability study
    • New equipment for CD measurements: evaluation qualification & release to production of the RTCD system
    • Sample preparation for advanced failure analysis (preparation techniques, new technologies, bonding techniques,….)
    • Development & validation of Embedded low level library for Serial Interface & USB
    • Evaluation & qualification of new consumables (pad & slurry) for oxide CMP.
    • New conductive AFM module development
    • ROM Code pattern generation for agilent platform
    • Production integration of an advanced CDSEM dedicated for copper measurement
  3. Is the internship remunerated?
    If done in ST, it will be paid 1.2KEuro gross/month (for full time). Each year, ST offers many internships.
  4. Which kind of positions can I expect after graduation?
    Most of our graduate students are working in these following positions:
    • Process engineer
    • Project manager
    • Quality manager
    • Product engineer
    • R&D
    • Consultant
    • Technical Marketer

Formalities & practical enquiries

  1. How & when do I pay the fees?
    You can pay by bank transfer, by bank draft & once you open a French bank account, by check. Besides, tuition fees are payable in three installments. Installments are to be paid as follows: 2700€ in October, 2700€ before December, 31st, 2700€ before the internship start for the September intake & 2700€ in February, 2700€ in mid-April, 2700€ before the internship start for the January intake
  2. Is there any scholarship available?
    The school doesn't offer any scholarship for the moment but you can still apply for the French government scholarships. Each year the French embassy & Campusfrance www.campusfrance.org offer scholarships to foreign students.
  3. What about the accommodation?
    The “Ecole des Mines de St Etienne” engineer school offers halls of residence accommodation on their campus. All studio flats are en-suite and have an internet access (included in the rent).
    The Studio flat rent is 420 euros per month but you have a possiblity to apply for the APL (housing benefits granted by the French government) to pay less rent. Please note that the rent allowance is granted upon certain conditions.
  4. What about health & insurance?
    The medical/health insurance is compulsory for all students below 28 years old & is strongly suggested for students above 28 years old. The school will provide you with the necessary documents & will apply for you. Registration to the french social security system is around 190 euros for the year.

    Personal civil insurance is also mandatory for each student.
  5. Which documents should I have to apply for the VISA?
    Generally they ask you to provide:
    • The admission letter
    • an accommodation proof (provided by the Ecole des Mines accomodation service if you choose to live in the Halls)
    • a document proving that you have enough money to cover living expenses
    • Medical insurance
    • A resume + diplomas + passport + photos
  6. Could you help us on VISA matters?
    We can guide you during the process & if necessary contact officials from embassies or consulates