INSA Engineering Programme

Institution Introduction

The Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (INSA) is a prestigious group of engineering schools in Europe and the largest public engineering education group in France. As part of France’s elite Grandes Écoles system, the INSA Group comprises seven institutions across France: INSA Lyon, INSA Rouen, INSA Rennes, INSA Toulouse, INSA Strasbourg, INSA Centre-Val de Loire, and INSA Hauts-de-France (Valenciennes). The group trains over 12% of France's engineers annually, contributing to a network of 40,000 active INSA engineers.
Some INSA schools, such as INSA Lyon, INSA Rouen, and INSA Rennes, are classified as A/A+ level engineering institutions, ranking among France's top engineering universities.

The first two years at INSA are known as the foundation phase, focusing on fundamental and interdisciplinary courses. Only after successfully completing this stage can students enter the three-year specialized engineering phase, ultimately earning the French engineering diploma and a Master of Science degree.

As a public engineering school, INSA offers tuition-free education. If admitted, students only need to cover living expenses, estimated at 100,000 RMB per year (including accommodation, meals, and other costs).

Partner Institutions:
INSA collaborates with Université PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres), EPFL (Switzerland), Cranfield University (UK), KAIST (Korea), Georgia Tech (USA), Humboldt University (Germany), among others. Students can participate in exchange programs or pursue dual master’s degrees at these partner institutions.

Available Majors:
INSA offers a wide range of STEM disciplines, including Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Bioengineering (Biomedical), Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Fine Chemistry (Perfume & Cosmetics Development), Embedded Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Aerospace, Energy & Power, Risk Management & Control, Civil Engineering & Urban Planning, and more.

INSA Engineering Prebachelor Timeline

For students skipping the Chinese Gaokao (Early Admission - Senior Year)

· April – November 2025: Online Mathematics Foundation Course (2 hours/week) + Interview Preparation

· July 2025: Completion of Senior Year coursework; domestic foundation courses begin (French, Mathematics, Interview Training)

· Mid-November 2025: INSA Entrance Exam (Interview + Written Test)

· End of November 2025: Admission Notification from INSA

· Nov 2025 – Jan 2026: French Language Intensification

· March – June 2026: Domestic preparatory courses (Intensive French, IELTS, Bachelor-Level Introductory Courses, Career Planning)

· May 2026: French Proficiency Test (Administered by the French Consulate)

· June 2026: High School Graduation, Visa Application

· September 2026: Start of INSA Bachelor’s Program in France (5-Year Integrated Master's Program)

For students taking the Gaokao (Traditional Admission)

· April 2025: School Interview

· June 2025: Gaokao

· Late June 2025: INSA Application Submission (using Gaokao Scores)

· Early July 2025: INSA Admission Notification

· Mid-July 2025: Start of Domestic Prebachelor Courses

· November 2025: French Language Test

· December 2025: Visa Preparation & Application

· February 2026: Six-Month INSA Prebachelor Program in France

· September 2026: Start of INSA Bachelor’s Program (5-Year Integrated Master's Program)