FAQ FGL : All the questions you might have…

The 20 chemistry and process engineering schools in the Federation Gay-Lussac (FGL) recruit by competitive entry and admission considering qualifications from the baccalaureate to the first year of a master’s (high school leaving certificate (Bac) to Bac +4).

Consult the admission procedures.

• Choice of subjects:

Among the different subjects possible, it is necessary to choose at least three 3. Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry are the best if you want to first enter the FGL preparatory classes and then enter one of their chemistry and chemical engineering schools later.

For an ideal career path, you could always complement those three with another scientific subject such as Life Sciences, Engineering Science, Computer Science.

The selection is made by considering the student’s qualifications based on the high school results obtained in physics, mathematics and the first foreign language, as well as the anticipated grades in French. The potential candidates are then called for a 20-minute motivation interview between mid-April and mid-May

The CITI (= a program enabling students from different academic backgrounds to enter an engineering school) was created to welcome high school students who had done a baccalaureate in Science and Laboratory Technologies (STL), or physical science and chemistry in the laboratory (SPCL) into FGL graduate schools.

The class is composed of about 60 students for a 2-year course.

In France, recruitment for this demanding course is done via the ParcourSup platform. This consists of an online application and an interview by the admission jury in ENSCR (Rennes). This enables a list of candidates to be drawn up.

In addition, you can consult the different school sites to know which ones recruit BAC STL students.

Yes, it is possible to enter one of the graduate schools in the Federation Gay-Lussac with a 2- or 3-year university diploma (Bac+2 and Bac+3).

Consult admission procedeures.

It is possible for students who have completed their first year of a university Master’s (M1) in « Science and Technology » to enter the fourth year of a chemistry graduate school by AST (admission taking into account their qualifications). In this case, these students would obtain their engineering diploma in 2 years (instead of 3).

Admission is done after examining the application and qualifications, and a motivation interview. The language level (often English) is also evaluated.

Find out from the graduate schools.

In Integrated Preparatory Classes (CPIs), the students are only evaluated by continuous assessment. As a result, entry to the 2^nd year as well as to a graduate school is done via a jury.

Repeating a year is not possible.

At the end of the 2^nd year of CPI, the allocation of students to the different schools in the FGL is by jury composed of the principals of the FGL schools. This allocation depends on different factors: the number of places offered by each school, the ranking of the student out of all the students in the different centers and the list of preferences that the students drew up.

The total number of places in the graduate schools (public status) is at least equal to the number of students admitted in graduate schools (private status). Statistically, more than 90% of the students enter one of the schools in their top three choices.

The students are given an excellent scientific basis. The requirements are similar to those of the preparatory classes for Grandes Ecoles (CPGE – filière PC = high-level schools of science and engineering in physics & chemistry)

• Chemistry – chemistry in all its diversity is taught based on theory and doing experiments. There is a balance in the content between teaching the theory, lectures, tutorials and practical sessions in order to have an in-depth and applied knowledge of chemistry.
• Physics – Mathematics – Applied Computer Science – teaching of the theory, adapted to the requirements of an engineering course. Acquiring a good basis in computing.
• Internationally-oriented training and human sciences
• Two foreign languages are obligatory – English as well as e.g. German or Spanish. However, depending on the school, there may be the possibility of studying other languages such a Italian, Chinese, Japanese, etc.
• Depending on the school, courses in general culture, communication, ethics, economics, and an industrial placement are also offered during the CPI.

In an FGL graduate school, the practical sessions in the laboratories are on average 35% of the teaching.

The teaching of soft skills is an integral part of the cursus of students in an engineering school. In addition, these skills can also be developed by participating in student associations.

The graduate schools offer numerous opportunities to work and study abroad: double diplomas, partnerships with foreign universities, academic exchanges, ERASMUS studies, and internships in international companies.
We suggest you consult the internet sites of the schools to have more information.

Employability is globally very good. 95% of graduates find employment: 89% in a professional activity and 4% continue their studies.

62% of former students sign their work contract before graduation. Internships and the internet are the best means for finding a job.

Consult the Employability page.

Most schools propose accommodation solutions such as student residences, rooms in the CROUS (organization responsible for student care and well-being), or room/flat/apartment/house sharing, etc. Consult the website of the school you wish to enter.

The school fees vary according to the statutes of the graduate school but each welcomes students with scholarships. You can contact the schools directly to know the price of the fees.

These student athletes can combine their sport (high (SHN) or good level (SBN)) with higher education studies. Certain schools offer a specific arrangement with the view to this situation, notably SIGMA Clermont.

Life on campus is very dynamic. Each graduate school has its Students’ Office/Union (BDE) and different associations propose varied activities such as sport, culture, involvement, travel, etc. There is something for every taste!

Consult the internet sites of the schools

Chemists and chemical engineers are needed in all branches of the economy including research, development, services, industry, trade and commerce, etc. as well as all the sectors of health, construction, transport, sport, fashion, food, and cosmetics, etc. Chemistry requires a wide range of profiles and skills. To know more +

The Federation Gay-Lussac has identified sites concerning chemistry professions and possible career paths as a function of your aspirations and skills. We strongly suggest you visit them. In addition, you can meet representatives of the schools at the career fairs and school open days at different times of the year. The Federation also offers two « Live » talks about the CPIs (integrated preparatory classes) and engineering studies and we also recommend you participate in them.

Finally, to keep up to date with what is happening in the Federation Gay-Lussac and its 20 chemistry and process engineering schools, subscribe to the newsletter and the social networks.