How to Apply
Join us – Parallel Admissions
We accept applications for entry into Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, and Master 1 (Year 4).
To apply for year 2, please contact Marine Tous : marine.tous@isen-ouest.yncrea.fr
To apply for year 4, please contact Elise Berthe : elise.berthe@isen-ouest.yncrea.fr
Once your application has been reviewed, you will be notified by email.
For any questions regarding your application, please contact international@isen-ouest.yncrea.fr
Tuition Fees
Tuition Fees 2024-2025
(The tuition fees listed below apply to the 2025–2026 academic year and are subject to annual revision.)
- Years 1 & 2 (Generalist and Mechanical) – Brest: €4,100/year
- Years 1 & 2 (Generalist) – Caen: €4,100/year
- Years 1 & 2 (Generalist and Mechanical) – Nantes: €7,100/year
- Years 1 & 2 (Other cycles): €7,100/year
- Years 3, 4 & 5 – Brest & Caen: €9,100/year
- Years 3, 4 & 5 – Nantes: €9,300/year
- International Track Supplement (Year 2): €2,500
Admission procedure
Your application has been accepted
Regardless of your admission pathway (via Études en France or direct application), the subsequent steps at ISEN Ouest are the same:
Here are the different steps:
Your application has been rejected
Common reasons for rejection include:
- Insufficient French proficiency: A minimum B2 level is required for non-native speakers.
- Academic background mismatch: Your previous studies may not align with our programs, posing a high risk of academic failure.
For further inquiries, contact: international@isen-ouest.yncrea.fr
Preparing for Your Arrival
Practical Guides by Campus
CVEC – Student and Campus Life Contribution
The CVEC supports student services including health, culture, and sports. It is mandatory for all students enrolled in French institutions. Payment is made online via the official CVEC website.
For more information, refer to theCampus-France tutorial.
Cost of Living in France
Living expenses vary by city and include:
- Rent
- Insurance (housing, repatriation)
- Le transport (abonnement)
- Food
- Leisure activities
For detailed information, consult our campus-specific guides and the student city rankings.
Accommodation
We recommend securing housing as early as possible, preferably before September, due to high demand.
Options include:
- Room in university residences (Brest & Caen)
- Private partner student residences: Refer to our campus guides for partner listings New window
- Private rentals:
- Erasmus Play
- Shared apartments
- UXCO Résidence
- Through a real estate agency
More information available here for the Brest campus.
CAF housing assistance
As a student, you can apply for Personalized Housing Assistance (APL) through the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF) to help reduce your rent.
Watch the explainer video: How to apply for APL from the CAF?
Insurances
ackages are available, you can inquire directly with your bank.
- Home Insurance
In France, housing must be insured. This coverage offers numerous benefits in case of damage or accidents.
- Medical Repatriation / Death Insurance
Repatriation insurance guarantees your return to your home country in case of a serious emergency, such as an accident or illness occurring during your stay abroad.
- Civil Liability Insurance
Civil liability insurance covers material or bodily damage caused to another person as a result of an accident. Civil liability means being legally required to repair harm done to others.
Social Security
All international students arriving in France must register with the French Social Security system. This allows for reimbursement of healthcare costs. Only European students are exempt, as they are covered by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Consultez le tuto dédié à la sécurité sociale de Campus-France : La sécurité sociale pour les étudiants étrangers.
Worried about forgetting something?
Orientation / Welcome Day
Welcome Seminar for International Students
A welcome seminar will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025 on the Brest, Caen, and Nantes campuses. This will be a great opportunity to discover:
- Your new campus
- Your main instructors
- Your future classmates and fellow students
- The city
“Bienvenue en France” Label
ISEN Ouest has been awarded the “Bienvenue en France” label with two out of three stars, a mark of quality granted by Campus France. This label recognizes the excellence of our services for international students, covering recruitment, reception, integration, and support during and after their studies.
65% of international students choose a certified institution for their studies. This distinction strengthens our position on the international stage, adds significant value to our academic offering, and confirms our commitment to delivering high-quality education and an enriching student experience.
Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
Before Admission
What are the tuition fees?
(The tuition fees listed below apply to the 2025–2026 academic year and are subject to annual revision.)
- Years 1 & 2 (Generalist and Mechanical) – Brest: €4,100/year
- Years 1 & 2 (Generalist) – Caen: €4,100/year
- Years 1 & 2 (Generalist and Mechanical) – Nantes: €7,100/year
- Years 1 & 2 (Other cycles): €7,100/year
- Years 3, 4 & 5 – Brest & Caen: €9,100/year
- Years 3, 4 & 5 – Nantes: €9,300/year
- International Track Supplement (Year 2): €2,500
How Can I Apply?
From September to December, you can apply via the Études en France platform.
Starting in January, applications must be submitted by file for:
If you are studying at a French high school, you must apply through the Parcoursup platform and take the Puissance Alpha entrance exam.
We also welcome international students through parallel admissions. To apply via this route, please contact: international@isen-ouest.yncrea.fr
What level of French is required?
The minimum required level in French is B2.
Can I apply directly to year 2 or above?
Yes, we accept applications for Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, and Master 1 (Year 4).
Do you offer a january intake?
Yes, we offer a January intake. You can download the application form online.
For any questions, please contact: international@isen-ouest.yncrea.fr
How do I get my visa?
Visa applications must be submitted via the official France-Visas website: France-visa.
Organizing my stay in France
I’m arriving at the airport/train station and don’t know anyone in my host city
Additional information will be provided depending on your campus.
As an ISEN student, will I be entitled to French social security?
Absolutely. You simply need to create an account on the platform and upload the required documents. At first, you’ll receive a temporary certificate. More information here
How can I extend my visa?
The process is now fully online, making it easier. You should register as soon as your visa is granted.
Click here for the official link.
I’ve heard about insurance requirements in France?
There are several types of insurance you must subscribe to:
- Housing insurance
- Civil liability insurance
How can I apply for housing financial aid?
Once you’ve arrived in France, you must register on the CAF website to apply for housing assistance.
How will I be informed of health or safety regulations, if any?
Anne‑Marie Miras, the Incoming Mobility Coordinator, will stay in contact with you throughout your time at ISEN and inform you of any relevant updates.
I’m asked for a guarantor during my housing search, but I don’t have one. What should I do?
You can apply for the Visale guarantee, a free service that can act as your guarantor.
More information is available here.
I’ve been admitted
How can I pay the deposit?
The deposit must be paid online. A payment link will be sent to you.
How can I find accommodation?
See the “preparing for your arrival” – housing section above.
We strongly recommend booking accommodation as early as possible, as most places are taken by September.
For all housing-related information, please refer to the practical guide for each campus New window.
What are the minimum financial resources required to come to France?
The French government requires international students to have a minimum monthly income of €615.
Can I receive an ISEN scholarship?
Two merit-based scholarships are available for international students.
For more information, contact: international@isen-ouest.yncrea.fr
I didn’t get my visa — will my deposit be refunded?
If you do not obtain your visa or your high school diploma (baccalauréat), and provide official proof, your deposit will be refunded.
I applied for Brest but would like to transfer to another campus to be closer to my family. Is that possible?
Yes, campus transfers are possible. Please submit your request as soon as possible.
I’ve been told to register on the CVEC website. What is it?
The CVEC stands for “Contribution to Student and Campus Life.” It is mandatory for all students in France.
You can complete the process online on the official website.
The fee is approximately €100, unless you are a scholarship recipient (in which case it is waived).
Online classes
I won’t be in France for the start of the semester — can I attend classes online?
We do not offer online classes. However, we will put you in touch with your professors, who may send you course materials so you don’t fall too far behind before your arrival in France.
Which platforms are used for online learning?
You cannot attend classes remotely. You are expected to catch up on any missed work, which is why arriving on time is essential.
The start of the academic year
When does the academic year begin?
The academic year begins in early September.
What materials do I need for the first few days?
- A laptop is mandatory
- A folder
- A notepad
- And a few pens/pencils will also be useful
Is there a welcome seminar for international students?
Yes, we organize a welcome seminar on the Brest campus at the end of August.
