ESA Group - ESA Group sandwich course scholarships for engineers

What the ESA sandwich master offers

You will be offered a place on the two-year Master of Science in Agricultural Engineering programme at the École Supérieure des Agricultures (ESA) in Angers, France. A French host company will fund your place on the course, meaning you won’t have to pay any tuition fees and will receive 675 euros per month. This is a dual study programme: you’ll split the two years between studying at the ESA and working at the company, where a mentor will help you develop professional skills. Before starting the Master’s programme, you will undertake an intensive French language course in France from March to August, so you do not need any prior knowledge of French when applying.

Who can apply

• Degree: You have obtained a Bachelor’s (BSc) or Master’s (MSc) degree with at least 180 ECTS credits.
• Field of study: You hold a degree in agricultural sciences, animal husbandry, veterinary medicine, food sciences, food production, microbiology, biotechnology or chemical engineering. The specific fields that are eligible depend on the host company.
• English: Your English language skills are at level B2, as assessed during the interview.
• French: No knowledge of French is required to apply. The Master’s programme is taught in French, and you will initially learn the language on an intensive course.
• Age: You will be in 28 when the Master’s programme begins (born after 1 September 1998 for the 2026 intake).
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.
• Motivation: You would like to discover a new language and culture and work for a French company. Experience of working abroad is an advantage.

How to apply

Register on ESA’s online application platform (OLAGE), select the industry-sponsored I²FA Master’s programme and upload your documents. There are no application fees. The application deadline is 28 February. If you pass the first stage, you will take part in an admission interview to assess your English language skills. You will only be admitted once both ESA and a French host organisation have accepted you.

How realistic are your chances?

The eligibility criteria are very strict: you need a specific academic background, must be younger than 28, and a French company must be willing to take you on, as this company will both vouch for you and employ you. This dual approval is the real hurdle, even more so than the academic aspect. If your field of specialisation matches the companies’ requirements and you demonstrate a genuine desire to work and live in France, your prospects are good.