As a leading institution in engineering education and research, École Centrale de Lyon aims to provide a unique academic and practical experience for students through joint mobility programs. Upon successful completion of all curriculum and internship requirements at both institutions, students are awarded double degrees: a Master’s degree from Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI) and an Engineering degree (Diplôme d’Ingénieur) from Centrale Lyon.

The program comprises both lectures and research activities. For KPI students, this includes intensive theoretical training (lectures and elective courses), mandatory completion of at least two industrial or research internships, as well as the writing and defense of a Master’s thesis.

The partner university features the following research departments:

• Ampère (Electrical engineering, electronics, automation, and bioengineering);

• Institut Camille Jordan – ICJ (Mathematics and its applications);

• Institut des Nanotechnologies de Lyon – INL (Lyon Institute of Nanotechnology);

• Laboratoire de Tribologie et Dynamique des Systèmes – LTDS (Laboratory of Tribology and System Dynamics / Mechanics of materials and surfaces);

• Laboratoire de Mécanique des Fluides et d’Acoustique – LMFA (Laboratory of Fluid Mechanics and Acoustics);

• Centre de Recherche en Acquisition et Traitement de l’Image pour la Santé – CREATIS (Center for Image Acquisition and Processing Research for Health).

KPI students study in France under one of two specialized tracks (DD3 or DD2-3) depending on their prior academic background. The curriculum includes general engineering subjects, specialized elective courses, and mandatory engineering internships (a minimum of 4 weeks for the first internship and 12 weeks for the final graduation internship).

Language requirements: The primary admission criterion is a sufficient level of French language proficiency to fully understand lectures and complete assignments (assessed during an interview).

Duration of study: The double degree program lasts from 2 to 3 years (4 to 6 academic semesters, depending on the chosen track—DD3 or DD2-3), including periods of study and internships.

Degree award: The respective degrees (Engineer from Centrale Lyon and Master from KPI) are awarded based on the successful completion of an individual study plan, the accumulation of the required number of ECTS credits (30 ECTS per semester and associated internships), successful completion of mandatory internships, and the final defense of the Master’s thesis. The thesis is prepared in either English or French with an abstract in both languages, and is defended before a joint committee comprising representatives from both partner universities.

All students enrolled in the double degree program are fully exempt from tuition fees at the host university (Centrale Lyon).

Living expenses, travel costs, insurance, and the student life contribution fee (CVEC in France) are to be covered by the students themselves.

Semester

Studies are structured by academic semesters (S5, S6, S7, S8), where each semester, along with its associated internship, accounts for 30 ECTS credits.

Application and Review Procedure

1. Pre-selection at KPI: The home university independently conducts the initial selection of Master’s students based on their academic performance and research potential.

2. Language Assessment and Interview: Coordinators from Centrale Lyon conduct an interview to evaluate the student’s French language proficiency and overall motivation.

3. Final Admission: The final list of successful candidates is approved by the host institution in January.

4. Academic Monitoring: At the end of each semester and upon completion of each internship, the host university sends an official Transcript of Records to KPI to confirm academic progress and facilitate credit transfer.

Key Requirements

1. Eligibility: The double degree program is open to students currently enrolled in a Master’s program at KPI.

2. Language Proficiency: Command of the French language at a level sufficient to fully comprehend engineering and scientific courses is mandatory (assessed during the interview).

3. Mandatory Internships: Candidates must successfully complete two engineering internships: Stage Ouvrier (Blue-collar/Industrial internship) lasting a minimum of 4 weeks, and Stage d’Application (Application internship) lasting 12 weeks.

4. Insurance and Fees: Prior to registration, students are required to independently arrange health insurance, civil liability insurance, and pay the mandatory French student life contribution fee (CVEC).

5. Degree Award: The final degrees are awarded based on the successful completion of the individual study plan, accumulation of ECTS, and the final defense of the Master’s thesis (prepared in English or French with an abstract in both languages before a joint committee).