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ESTIA Engineer, 2 diplomas, even on a sandwich course: a general engineering diploma + a 3-year university master's degree.
In a constantly changing world, where technological, environmental and societal challenges are multiplying, the role of the engineer has never been more crucial. Companies are looking for multi-skilled people who can adapt, innovate and work in international contexts. Choosing the right engineering training is therefore a decisive step in building a career that meets these challenges.
At the heart of this dynamic, ESTIA (École Supérieure des Technologies Industrielles Avancées) has positioned itself as an institution of excellence, offering a unique engineering programme that is resolutely focused on internationalisation and innovation. What particularly sets ESTIA apart, however, is its ability to offer an international, generalist engineering course with two degrees, which can also be taken on a sandwich course. This approach enables students to combine the acquisition of cutting-edge academic knowledge with hands-on professional immersion, preparing highly qualified, operational engineers as soon as they graduate.
How does ESTIA engineering school make it possible to follow the international dual degree generalist engineering programme on a sandwich course? What are the good reasons for choosing ESTIA, the work-linked integration procedures, the content of its excellent curriculum, the tangible benefits of apprenticeship, and the career opportunities offered by this exceptional course? Whether you're a high school student, a BTS, BUT, Licence or CPGE student, this article will give you all the keys you need to understand why ESTIA and its sandwich course could be the ideal springboard for your future engineering career.
Why choose ESTIA for your dual degree international generalist engineering course?
In all schools, choosing an engineering school is a major decision that shapes your professional future. ESTIA stands out for its unique value proposition, combining academic excellence, international openness and a deep integration of work-study, thus offering an international generalist engineering course with two degrees that is particularly well adapted to the demands of today's job market.
ESTIA's academic excellence and international recognition
The engineering degree awarded by ESTIA is recognised by the Commission des Titres d'Ingénieur (CTI), guaranteeing the quality of the training. Each student obtains a second degree: a Master of Science or a university Master's degree from one of the school's academic partners in the UK, Spain or France. This double degree is a considerable advantage on the job market, boosting the employability of graduates. Trilingual teaching (French, English, Spanish) and academic stays abroad prepare future engineers to work in a global context.
Work-linked training at the heart of ESTIA: a royal road to employment
ESTIA offers the possibility of following the same international generalist engineering programme with two degrees as an apprentice, without extending the duration of your studies. The advantages of work-linked training include the acquisition of solid professional experience, the development of technical and behavioural skills, the financing of studies by the host company and attractive remuneration, as well as the building of a solid professional network. Nearly 35% of ESTIA's engineering students choose this route, demonstrating its effectiveness.
A stimulating and innovative learning environment
ESTIA is committed to offering innovative teaching methods, based on practical experience and solving real-life problems. The school provides its students with a cutting-edge digital environment, connected teaching platforms, technical platforms and fablabs equipped with advanced industrial tools. This approach enables students to move quickly from idea to physical prototype, encouraging creativity and innovation. Personalised support and the possibility of customising the curriculum in 3rd year complete this offer.
How can I become a work-linked engineer at ESTIA?
The complete guide
Joining an engineering school on a sandwich course is an ambitious project that requires preparation and perseverance. ESTIA has set up clear admission procedures and support to help future apprentice engineers make their plans a reality.
The different admission routes for joining ESTIA on a sandwich course
ESTIA offers several entry routes for its engineering cycle, adapted to different student profiles.
Post-bac admission: the Puissance Alpha competition
ESTIA's engineering cycle is open to students in their final year of secondary school via the Puissance Alpha competitive entrance exam. The process includes registration on Parcoursup, a study of the student's academic record (grades and assessments), and written tests.
Parallel admissions: an opportunity after 2/3 years of higher education
ESTIA also opens its doors to students who have already completed 2 or 3 years of higher education (BTS, BUT, scientific degrees or CPGE). The application process is based on a complete application file, the results of the competitive entrance exams and individual interviews. For BTS students, an apprenticeship is often compulsory, providing an excellent opportunity to gain significant professional experience from the moment they enter the engineering school.
ESTIA ADMISSIONS
Finding a host company: the keys to success
Finding a host company is a crucial step. Without a signed apprenticeship or professionalisation contract, it is not possible to join a sandwich course. ESTIA actively supports its future apprentices through company forums, coaching sessions and a job portal. The candidate's proactivity remains essential.
The ESTIA work-study rhythm
The ESTIA work-study programme is designed to offer students a real synergy between the school and the company. It is based on a gradual and structured alternation between periods of academic training on campus and periods of professional immersion in companies. This format encourages both the acquisition of solid theoretical knowledge and its practical application in a real working environment.
As soon as they join the scheme, sandwich students take on a dual identity: that of a fully-fledged employee, with assignments, objectives to achieve and integration into a team, and that of a student on training, subject to regular assessments, projects to carry out and a rigorous teaching programme.
This dual commitment requires essential qualities such as autonomy, organisational skills, time management and great adaptability. The work-study student must learn to juggle the expectations of his host company and academic requirements, while maintaining a global vision of his professional project.
At ESTIA, this learning model is supported and valued. The teaching team and company tutors work together to ensure that the programme is coherent, that objectives are met and that skills are developed progressively. This regular monitoring enables work-linked students to take a step back, analyse their experiences and gradually build their professional identity.
By opting for a sandwich course, ESTIA students benefit from immersive professional experience, more direct access to employment and often easier integration into the company on completion of their degree. It is this close link between the school and the company that gives ESTIA's sandwich course its added value.
ESTIA's dual-degree international generalist engineering programme: a course of excellence
ESTIA's two-year international generalist engineering programme is a programme of excellence, designed to equip future engineers with the technical versatility, international outlook and capacity for innovation that are essential in today's world. Building on a solid tradition in engineering schools combining scientific rigour and professional immersion, ESTIA adds a resolutely international dimension and dual degrees, to train agile, adaptable profiles capable of evolving in multicultural environments.
A solid generalist base for sought-after versatility
The first and second years of the engineering cycle at ESTIA are dedicated to acquiring a core of fundamental scientific and technical knowledge. This core curriculum covers the key areas of engineering, providing a solid generalist foundation for all students. The subjects taught include mechanics, electronics, renewable energies, IT, industrial management and management. This multi-disciplinary approach enables us to train multi-skilled engineers capable of adapting to a variety of technological environments and tackling complex problems.
International openness: a major advantage of the programme
ESTIA stands out for its strong and structured commitment to internationalisation, in the belief that tomorrow's engineers must evolve in a multicultural and globalised environment. This international outlook is at the heart of the school's educational project, both in terms of teaching and experiences abroad.
All students have the opportunity to earn a double degree through partnerships with leading universities, particularly in the UK (University of Salford, University of Wolverhampton) and Spain (University of Mondragón, Universidad del País Vasco, etc.). These courses enable students to acquire dual skills, improve their language skills and immerse themselves in another academic and professional culture.
The teaching is designed to encourage this mobility: ESTIA offers a trilingual course - in French, English and Spanish - which enables students to develop solid language skills throughout their course. This linguistic dimension is accompanied by concrete opportunities for international mobility: Erasmus+ programmes, academic semesters abroad, international internships in companies, and participation in innovative European projects such as EU4Dual, an alliance of European universities focused on work-linked training.
Beyond the individual experience, this international outlook helps to train engineers who are open to the world, adaptable, capable of working in multicultural teams and developing in a global context. This is an essential asset for their professional future, both in France and abroad.
Specialisations and courses to choose from in 2nd and 3rd year
After acquiring a solid generalist foundation, ESTIA students have the opportunity to personalise their curriculum in the 2nd and 3rd years by choosing from a range of career paths and specialisations. Several of the leading specialities are particularly relevant for sandwich course students: Mechatronics, Aeronautics & Space, Automotive & Transport, Agri-food, IT & Digital, Research, R&D, Industrial Design, Industrial Engineering, Entrepreneurship, etc.
Focus on promising work-linked specialities
Work-linked engineering school in energy and power engineering
The energy sector is changing fast. ESTIA offers courses that prepare students for these challenges, covering fields such as energy, electrical energy and energy systems. There are many work-study opportunities in this sector, particularly in renewable energies.
Aeronautics: an area of excellence for work-linked training at ESTIA
ESTIA has close links with the aeronautics industry. The course enables students to acquire skills specific to this field. Work-linked training in aeronautics offers direct immersion in leading companies in the sector.
Embedded systems: a key skill for the industry of the future
Embedded systems are at the heart of technological innovation. ESTIA trains engineers capable of designing, developing and integrating these complex systems. Work-linked training in this field is particularly relevant.
Rapidly evolving growth sectors: materials, agri-food, innovative processes
In the era of Industry 4.0, companies are facing major transformations. New technologies - artificial intelligence, robotics, intelligent sensors, data, automation - are now being integrated into the heart of production systems. These profound changes call for new skills, at the crossroads of engineering, digital technology and sustainable innovation.
In this context, ESTIA is positioning itself as a key player in the training of engineers capable of supporting these changes. Thanks to its roots in a dynamic region and its close links with companies, the school offers specialisation and sandwich courses in rapidly expanding sectors.
Among the sectors of the future, the materials sector is particularly strategic, with the development of lighter, stronger composite materials, eco-materials for greener industry, innovations in additive manufacturing, etc. There is a growing need for engineers in both research and production.
The agri-food sector, a pillar of the local and national economy, is also undergoing profound change. Automation of production lines, digital traceability, reduction of the carbon footprint, recovery of co-products... these are just some of the challenges that the engineers trained at ESTIA are taking up today, in the service of healthier, safer and more sustainable food.
Finally, tomorrow's manufacturing processes - more agile, more connected, more environmentally friendly - require a fine command of advanced technologies, but also the ability to adapt quickly. That's why the school emphasises a teaching approach that focuses on innovation, solving practical problems and interdisciplinarity.
These fields offer not only solid and lasting employment prospects, but also opportunities for meaning and commitment for young engineers. At ESTIA, they will find the tools they need to become key players in this transformation.
To provide concrete support for the professional integration of its students, ESTIA relies on a large network of industrial partners in these strategic sectors. Many companies work with the school to offer work-study placements, enabling future engineers to develop their skills in the field and gradually integrate into the professional world.
ESTIA's innovative teaching methods
ESTIA's teaching methods are resolutely focused on practice and innovation. Students are regularly involved in practical projects, case studies and industrial challenges. Case studies" and "professional experience" are therefore at the heart of the training, preparing future engineers to be operational as soon as they enter the job market.
Why go to engineering school on a sandwich course?
Concrete advantages
Choosing a sandwich course for your engineering studies is a genuine strategy for investing in your professional future. There are many tangible benefits to be gained at every stage of your career.
Valuable professional experience and easier integration
Work-linked training provides a deep and continuous immersion in the world of business. The apprentice engineer is a "fully-fledged employee", acquiring significant practical experience. This experience is a "considerable advantage" on the job market, leading to faster integration into the world of work and often to positions of responsibility.
Funding for studies and attractive pay
The sandwich course is financed by the host company, and the apprentice engineer receives a monthly salary. This "apprentice engineer's salary" is regulated by law and enables students to gain financial independence without going into debt.
Developing multiple skills and a solid professional network
The sandwich course is a catalyst for the development of multiple skills, both technical and behavioural. Apprentices develop their independence, rigour, problem-solving and communication skills. It also offers an unrivalled opportunity to "Build an address book", creating a valuable network for the future.
Apprenticeships at ESTIA: a path of excellence to become an apprentice engineer
ESTIA has made apprenticeships an essential part of its training offer. The ESTIA apprenticeship programme is designed as a true path to excellence, where the student engineer is supported in his or her dual identity as a student and employee.
The status of the engineering apprentice at ESTIA
At ESTIA, the engineering apprentice is both a student and an employee. This dual status confers specific rights and duties. The support provided by the school and the company is fundamental, with individualised educational monitoring and an apprenticeship supervisor in the company.
The typical tasks of an ESTIA engineering apprentice in a company
The tasks entrusted to an ESTIA apprentice engineer are varied and evolving. They are designed to be in line with the training skills reference framework and to enable the apprentice to put the knowledge acquired into practice. These assignments may involve energy, aeronautics, embedded systems, materials, agri-food, processes and chemistry. The "professional experience" acquired in this way is a major asset for future employability.
Financial support for engineering apprentices
As well as covering tuition fees and remuneration, engineering apprentices can benefit from various forms of financial assistance. This aid can cover accommodation, mobility, equipment and specific assistance from the company or the State. This aid helps to make work-linked training even more attractive and accessible.
Testimonials from ESTIA apprentices and graduates on work-study programmes
The "Success stories" of ESTIA apprentices and graduates are the best proof of the effectiveness of this model of training in the engineering sciences. They highlight the speed with which they have acquired operational skills, the ease with which they have entered the job market, and the richness of the professional relationships they have been able to forge.
Video testimony from a work-linked student
Frequently asked questions about the ESTIA engineering school sandwich course
Here is a series of questions and answers to clarify the most frequently asked questions about the sandwich course at ESTIA.
What is the average to get into ESTIA's engineering school?
There is no single, fixed average to get into an engineering school like ESTIA. Admission depends on an overall assessment of the applicant's file, their performance in the selection tests and their motivation. Above all, ESTIA is looking for "level candidates" who demonstrate a real appetite for science, technology, innovation and the international scene, as well as a strong motivation for the sandwich course.
How do I get into a sandwich course engineering school like ESTIA?
Admission to ESTIA's work-linked engineering school is direct after a Bac+2 or Bac+3 (BTS, CPGE, scientific bachelor's degree, etc.). Admission is based on a dual commitment: passing the academic selection process and signing a work-study contract with a company.
The application is the first stage in this process. It allows each candidate to submit their application and express their choice of training. Once this has been done, students receive personalised support to refine their career plans and help them find a work-study contract: CV workshops, coaching, contacts with partner companies, etc.
Signing a work-study contract is a prerequisite for joining the course. Thanks to a solid network of partners in a variety of sectors (energy, digital, aeronautics, agri-food, materials, etc.), ESTIA makes it easier to put candidates in touch with recruiters.
The application is therefore much more than a simple form: it is the starting point for a structured process that combines guidance, professionalisation and gradual integration into the business world.
What is the salary for a student engineer at ESTIA?
The salary of an ESTIA engineering work-study student is governed by current legislation. Pay varies according to age and year of training, and is calculated as a percentage of the SMIC or the agreed minimum wage. On average, a work-study engineer in France can expect a monthly salary of between €1,400 and €1,567 (2025 figures).
Is it possible to follow ESTIA's three-year dual degree international generalist engineering course on a sandwich course?
Yes, absolutely. ESTIA's two-year international generalist engineering programme can be followed on a sandwich course over the three "Years of the engineering cycle" without extending the total duration of the studies. The work-study rhythm is specifically designed to enable students to acquire all the necessary academic and professional skills. This is what makes ESTIA a benchmark "three-year sandwich course engineering school".
Does ESTIA offer specific sandwich courses for sectors such as energy or aeronautics in Paris?
ESTIA is located in Bidart, in the heart of the Basque Country, not in Paris. However, the school does offer recognised specialisations in growth sectors such as energy (including renewable energies and electrical energy) and aeronautics. The skills acquired at ESTIA open up career opportunities in these sectors on a national and international scale, including in major cities such as Paris. The work-study programme allows students to carry out their assignments in companies on a variety of sites, including potentially in Paris.
Career opportunities after a two-year international generalist engineering course at ESTIA
Opting for ESTIA's dual-degree international generalist engineering work-study programme is a guarantee of rapid and successful professional integration. The versatility of the training, combined with the experience gained in companies and the international outlook, makes ESTIA graduates highly sought-after profiles on the job market.
Rapid and successful professional integration
ESTIA engineering graduates enjoy excellent employability. Their generalist profile enables them to work in a wide variety of sectors. Companies particularly appreciate their ability to adapt quickly and their autonomy. The types of positions held are varied and often involve responsibility. The experience gained on work-linked training schemes is a major asset, enabling them to move into these positions more quickly and take the initiative as soon as they enter the world of work.
Progressive careers with an international outlook
ESTIA's profile as an international generalist engineer with two degrees opens the door to progressive careers. The solid technical and scientific base, combined with managerial and intercultural skills, enables graduates to progress rapidly to management positions. The engineering profession is constantly evolving, and ESTIA's training prepares students to anticipate these changes. Their versatility gives them great flexibility to redirect their careers or explore new areas of expertise.
Conclusion
In short, ESTIA's engineering school offers an exceptional course for those who aspire to become international general engineers with two degrees, with the possibility of following this course in a sandwich course. This unique course combines academic excellence recognised by the CTI, deep immersion in the professional world through apprenticeships, and unprecedented international exposure. Choosing ESTIA means opting for innovative teaching methods, a stimulating environment and personalised support to prepare students to meet the complex challenges of modern engineering. It also means enhanced employability, rapid professional integration and progressive career prospects, both in France and abroad. Work-linked training at ESTIA is not just a way of financing your studies; it's a real strategy for gaining valuable experience, developing key skills and building a solid professional network even before you graduate. If you're motivated, curious and keen to forge a promising future for yourself in the world of engineering, ESTIA and its work-study programme are an ideal springboard. Don't hesitate to visit the ESTIA website to find out more about the programmes, admission procedures and testimonials from former students. Contact the admissions department if you have any questions and start building your path to a successful and fulfilling engineering career today.