German-French double degrees in Mechanical Engineering

There are many reasons for a Franco-German double degree:

Experience France: Getting to know the culture, way of life and work of our neighboring country in depth can only be achieved through a longer stay.

Advantages of university cooperation:

  • Studying in two different education systems
  • Establishment of a group of Franco-German mechanical engineers
  • Learning the foreign language, including scientific terminology
  • Mutual recognition of academic achievements at the partner universities

Study at French elite universities: The cooperation partners of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the Arts et Métiers Paris Tech - with universities in Metz and Paris -, the Institut Nationale des Sciences Appliqués in Lyon and the Polytechnique Paris, are among the leading universities (Grandes Écoles) in France.

Qualify for an international career: The companies L'ORÉAL, MICHELIN, KÄRCHER and AIRBUS have a strong interest in graduates of the course. Scholarships are awarded by MICHELIN and KÄRCHER.

Arts et Métiers Paris Tech

The joint German-French engineering degree program (Bachelor and Master) of KIT and Arts et Métiers: Graduates not only learn the culture and language of the neighboring country, they also receive both the KIT and the Arts et Métiers degree. Watch the videos on Youtube!
Arts et Métiers Paris Tech is one of the oldest Grandes Écoles in France. It was founded in 1780 and has the right to award doctorates. Its headquarters are in Paris. There are regional centers of Arts et Métiers Paris Tech(https://artsetmetiers.fr) in Aix-en-Provence, Angers, Bordeaux, Châlons-en-Champagne, Cluny, Lille and Metz. ENSAM Metz is home to the international center for the Franco-German course.

Contact person
 
KIT
KIT France
Program representative:
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Volker Schulze
volker schulze∂kit edu
Program Officer:
Dr. Paul Stief
Marlène Juncal-Demski
dd-kitam∂ensam.eu
Further information:
 
http://w ww.ensam.eu/

INSA Lyon

The Institut Nationale des Sciences Appliqués in Lyon was founded in 1957 on the model of the University of Karlsruhe. The partnership has existed for over 40 years. The INSA is located on the campus of La Doua and is only about 15 minutes by streetcar from the old town of Lyon.

Watch the videos on Youtube!

Contact person
 
KIT
KIT France
Prof. Dr. Martin Dienwiebel
Dr. Roberto Alcorta Galvan
Assistance:
Omar Zouina
Mareike Zyzik
Further information:
 

FAQ

When do I have to apply?
For Group A, Arts et Métiers ParisTech and INSA Lyon, it makes sense to apply in the 3rd semester. In exceptional cases, applications are also accepted in the 4th semester. For Group B, Arts et Métiers ParisTech, it is advisable to apply in the 3rd semester, but you can also apply in the 5th semester, possibly at the beginning of the 6th semester. A later application no longer makes sense for this group, as the differences to the traditional degree program would then be too great.
What is the required grade point average?
This is determined by supply and demand. However, there are minimum requirements. As the program is very demanding and the foreign language is added, we will only admit good students. In any case, candidates should have above-average grades. What above-average means certainly varies from university to university.
Is proof of language skills required for students from other universities?
In principle, proof of proficiency in French is required for admission to study in France. The KIT Language Center offers an examination to obtain a corresponding certificate.
If you are not studying in Karlsruhe, you should enquire about this examination at your university.
How many places are released each year for this exchange program?
According to our plans, at full capacity, a total of 120 study places are available each year for students who have successfully completed the 1st-4th semester of their Bachelor's degree or after the "classes préparatoires". A group of 25 French and 25 German students will start the joint degree course in Metz. A group of the same size begins the course in Karlsruhe. A group of 10 French and 10 German students start the joint degree program at INSA Lyon.
Are foreign students also allowed to participate in the programs?
EU foreigners are treated the same as German students. Otherwise there is the concept of Bildungsinländer: anyone who went to school in Germany and passed their Abitur here is also treated the same as German students, regardless of nationality.
Can I get a scholarship for my stay in France?
Yes, we apply for the DFH mobility grant for exchange students every year (10x 350 € per year, also for BAföG recipients). If there are more applicants than scholarships, a selection must be made. Irrespective of this, very good and motivated students can apply for a scholarship from the Kärcher company on our recommendation (monthly funding during the period abroad is €200).
Are additional tuition fees charged?
Tuition fees must also be paid during the study abroad phase, but only at the home university. No tuition fees are therefore charged at the respective partner university.
Which specializations are possible?
This depends on the course of study and the partner university:
  • Arts et Métiers ParisTech, Group A: "Unspecific Master's in Mechanical Engineering"
  • Arts et Métiers ParisTech, Group B: Choice from the range of specialization options (Master of Research) at Arts et Métiers ParisTech
  • INSA Lyon: "Non-specific Master's in Mechanical Engineering" or "Theoretical Mechanical Engineering"
Do I have to look for a room in France myself?
No. Arts et Métiers ParisTech has its own halls of residence, usually directly on campus or nearby. Exchange students are allocated a place in a hall of residence when they register. This also applies when transferring within Arts et Métiers ParisTech, e.g. from Metz to Paris. The rooms cost about the same as in Karlsruhe.

Application

Procedure for a double degree program:

  • Start of the degree program
  • Application in the 3rd semester
  • Language course
  • 1st phase in France or Germany
  • 2nd phase in Germany or France

For further information, see Arts et Métiers Paris Tech and INSA Lyon.

Admission requirements:

  • good grades
  • good language skills (French/German)
  • personal commitment

Application procedure:

  • Downloadapplication form
  • Please fill out your application on the computer and send it with the rest of your application documents by January 31:
    1. by e-mail to susanne kaliwe∂kit edu
    2. signed, printed and with the additions described below to

      Susanne Kaliwe-Geoffroy
      Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
      Building 50.20, Room 004
      Adenauerring 2
      76131 Karlsruhe

  • The complete application documents include
    1. Application form
    2. transcript of records
    3. Curriculum vitae in tabular form
    4. letter of motivation

 

Funding:

In the study programs funded by the DFH, participants receive a mobility allowance. This grant amounts to 10 x 350 € per year, also for BAföG recipients.

Downloads

There are many reasons for a Franco-German double degree:

Experience France: Getting to know the culture, way of life and work of our neighboring country in depth can only be achieved through a longer stay.

Advantages of university cooperation:

  • Studying in two different education systems
  • Establishment of a group of Franco-German mechanical engineers
  • Learning the foreign language, including scientific terminology
  • Mutual recognition of academic achievements at the partner universities

Study at French elite universities: The cooperation partners of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the Arts et Métiers Paris Tech - with universities in Metz and Paris -, the Institut Nationale des Sciences Appliqués in Lyon and the Polytechnique Paris, are among the leading universities (Grandes Écoles) in France.

Qualify for an international career: The companies L'ORÉAL, MICHELIN, KÄRCHER and AIRBUS have a strong interest in graduates of the course. Scholarships are awarded by MICHELIN and KÄRCHER.