Are you interested in pursuing engineering as a future career path but you’re not yet totally sure which route to take? With the multitude of engineering fields to choose from, such as aerospace, mechanical, civil, electrical, biomedical and computer science, it can be difficult to know where to start. This is where the Bachelor of Engineering – BEng in Global Engineering, a collaborative programme offered by the world-renowned engineering faculties at CentraleSupelec and McGill, can offer the perfect solution.
Students spend their first two years at CentraleSupelec in Paris-Saclay before moving to Canada and undertaking the second two years at McGill in the heart of Montreal. Designed to combine scientific excellence and a broad knowledge of the challenges of the 21st century, the programme took its first intake in 2023 and has continued to offer students an engineering programme that looks far beyond the traditional maths and physics approach.
To find out more about the degree from a student’s perspective, we spoke to Hanae, a French-Mauritian national at the end of her first year at CentraleSupelec. When Expat Student supported Hanae to find the right course for her, she wasn’t sure which exact route to take so it’s great to hear that with our guidance, she made the right choice.
What makes this BEng in Global Engineering different from others?
Whilst it is undeniable that maths and physics are the backbone of any engineering course, and the Grande Ecole of CentraleSupélec provides a superb education in both, this programme has been designed to include a much broader scope. The belief is that in order to be able to consider the multi-faceted approach needed to tackle the problems in today’s society, a curriculum must cover all areas of engineering, life sciences, digital and management.
For Hanae, this has opened up doors to areas of education that she had never previously considered. ‘I have really enjoyed bioengineering which has surprised me. I stopped doing biology when I had to choose speciality subjects at school so I didn’t know if I would like it but as we have to do theory and practical in everything so it’s really good because you can apply what you have learnt to a real situation so I can now see the relationship and purpose of biology within engineering.’
There is much more to the course than just science. Students also study areas such as philosophy, ethics, critical thinking and geopolitics. ‘I am going to study geopolitics next year which I am looking forward to. We have begun philosophy this year which is really interesting as it is one hour per week when we spend the time discussing theories and ideas so it’s very different from the engineering side of things.
We also have one hour per week which is called public speaking and another course where we debate. These focus on improving everyone’s English which is brilliant because the course is so international meaning everyone has a different background and different ways of thinking. I really enjoy these classes.’
So, where are the students of the Bachelor of Global Engineering
from?
‘The course has a really international outlook as there are students from 29 different nationalities. There are also a lot of French students with dual nationality. There are also quite a few students from the US and also from Germany and Spain. There are people from all over the world and 45% of the students on my course are female which is really great!’
What is a typical week like for a Global Engineering student at CentraleSupélec?
‘There are lots of different types of classes: lectures where there are 100 of us, seminars with 20 and tutoring where we are in groups of 12.’ Hanae explained that due to the small cohort size, the teachers know all of the students well, ‘We’re really close to the teachers, they know each of us and if you have a problem it’s easy to go and see them to ask them questions. The teachers’ offices are right next to the library so when we’re studying, it’s easy to find them.’
With a reputation for rigour and excellence and a broad curriculum, it’s not a surprise that the expectations and workload for Global Engineering students are high. Hanae recognises this but also reflects on the benefits that this has for the students, ‘As bachelor’s students we don’t have a lot of free time as the course is really demanding. Most weekdays start at about 8.30am and finish about 6pm and attendance is compulsory, which I really like because it means you have to work really hard and you stay on track because you have to!’
What about the wider university life?
‘Saclay is not that big as a place to live so we find things to do and the small number of students helps with this, I feel like I know everyone. At the weekend, I like to see my grandparents who live in France or we often go to central Paris which is only 45 minutes away. Sometimes we stay on campus and do sports as there are lots of different clubs.’
Internship opportunities
The programme also includes 3 internships, the first of which is the Social and Environmental internship at the end of the first year which must align with the UN’s 17 Sustainability Goals.
Hanae identified how this really helped her to apply what she’d learnt in the classroom to real world contexts. ‘I did mine in Mauritius in the energy sector. It was really interesting as I worked for a company that is responsible for the maintenance of a 2 megawatt energy field. I was really excited by how it works and learning about how to optimise it. It was amazing as I applied what I had learnt in school and I really understood what I was doing because of what I had done in physics.’
When Hanae first embarked on the Global Engineering pathway, she had always seen herself becoming an aerospace engineer but she recognises now how the course itself and this internship in particular allowed her to explore different areas. ‘I always thought I wanted to do aerospace engineering so this internship was brilliant because it allowed me to see different fields of engineering. My tutor at CentraleSupélec was really helpful with this as they helped me realise that my internship didn’t have to be in the exact career I thought I wanted to be in but instead it was a chance for me to discover and explore. I am really glad I did because I had never really studied electrical engineering in any depth at school but now I know this is what I want to do with my life.’
Paris-Saclay to Montreal : moving on to McGill
At the end of the second year, students complete their move from the outskirts of Paris to downtown Montreal and the campus of McGill. This is the point when they utilise their knowledge from the first two years of studying to begin to specialise in a particular engineering stream. There are 9 to choose from: bioengineering, chemical, civil, data science, electrical, entrepreneurial, materials, mechanical or breadth which equips students with the expertise to manage technical projects and teams.
For the students, preparation for the move to a more specialised focus begins in their second year. Hanae explained the process to us, ‘We have to choose the stream we would like and then there is the selection part which includes your grades, an interview, a motivation letter and reports from your internship because you have to prove why you should be placed in the stream you would like because there are limited numbers for each stream. Your internship and your motivation letter are also really important to help you get the stream you want. Last year, almost everyone got the stream that they wanted so I hope I will get my first or second choice.’
Learn more: McGill University I Global Engineering
Hanae’s advice for future students of the dual degree based in France and Canada
‘Be sure that you want to do something general because the Global Bachelor covers a wide range of topics but if you really are certain you want to study a particular area of engineering, like mechanical engineering, you might be better to choose that because you will spend the whole course specialising. Don’t be scared of the French aspect of CentraleSupélec because actually we’re an international group of people and everyone speaks English! I’m an ambassador for next year’s group of students so I can see that there are people from 33 different countries for next year so definitely you won’t be alone.’
How to apply to the CentraleSupélec / McGill – BEng Bachelor of Global Engineering?
As you might expect, the application process for the Global Engineering programme is highly competitive, this is where Expat Student can help.
Deadlines and application routes vary depending on which high school diploma you will obtain and the process involves providing proof of your English proficiency as well as a motivational letter and an individual interview detailing your motivations for following the programme. With our years of expertise, we can guide you every step of the way to ensure that the entirety of your application best reflects you and your ambition to become an engineer of the future.
Download the BEng Bachelor of Global Engineering Brochure
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FAQ — admissions & programme
Who can apply to the Bachelor Global Engineering?
Applicants holding a high-school diploma (or equivalent) with a strong background in maths and sciences and good English proficiency. Exact routes and deadlines depend on the diploma type.
What are the selection criteria for choosing a stream at McGill?
Selection is based on grades, an interview, a motivation letter and internship reports. Internship experience and a clear motivation letter strengthen your application.
How long is the programme and where does it take place?
Four years total: the first two years at CentraleSupélec (Paris-Saclay), then two years at McGill (Montréal) for specialisation.
Which specialisations are offered at McGill?
Options include bioengineering, chemical, civil, data science, electrical, entrepreneurial, materials, mechanical and breadth (technical project & team management).
Are internships part of the programme? Are they mandatory?
Yes — the programme includes three internships. One is a social & environmental internship that must align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
How can Expat Student help me apply?
Expat Student supports application preparation: CV and motivation letter review, interview coaching and guidance to choose streams and craft internship portfolios. Get in touch!
