Overview

Presentation

The international BioTechEco Master in Industrial Biotechnology and Processes for a Bio-Based Economy is a newly conceived master’s degree offering a cross-disciplinary educational program that includes life sciences, chemical and bioprocess engineering, bioethics, sustainability, economics, and environmental regulations.

BioTechEco is a two-year, full-time master’s program entirely taught in English. The program is specifically designed to shape international and French university students into bright, well-prepared professionals specialized in an emerging field. Students receive high-quality teaching delivered by lecturers and researchers from universities ranked among the 300 best institutions in the world (NTU and ARWU rankings, 2020). The curriculum comprises a full semester undertaken abroad in select partner universities in Europe, Asia and the USA, and a 6-month internship at a research laboratory of the university consortium or an industrial company.

BioTechEco master‘s program is included in EUR BIOECO, supported by the French State and managed by the French National Research Agency (ANR) under the Investments for the Future Program (PIA) ANR-18-EURE-0021.

Objectives

BioTecEco aims to train its students with cross-disciplinary skills and expertise. A coupled training delivered by both University Faculties and Research Units in Biological and Chemical Sciences and Economics will provide new and unique expertise to students, making them attractive to the emerging bioeconomy market and allowing them to develop new industrial segments.

The added-value and originality of BioTechEco stem from the integration of the master‘s program in a Graduate School of Research in BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BUILDING A BIO-BASED ECONOMY.

The close ties of the degree with a doctoral program and international scientific competitions will ensure its relevance to research and education centers in Toulouse with innovative pedagogical practices.

Duration:

4 semesters (including a full semester abroad)

Program Start:

mid-September

Course details

Training content

Students are enrolled at the University of Toulouse during the first semester and receive an integration package, which helps them to get used to our academic system and their new environment quickly. The second semester is undertaken abroad at one of our select partner universities in Europe, Asia and the USA, whereas the third semester welcomes back the students to the University of Toulouse for further cross-disciplinary courses.

The fourth and last semester of the program comprises a 6-month internship where students apply their acquired knowledge in a professional setting, either working at an industrial company or at a research laboratory from the university consortium.

Master’s program

- Semester 1

• Integration package (French language and culture)
• System biology I, Synthetic biology and Enzyme systems I
• Biochemical engineering I and Upstream and downstream bioprocessing I
• Ethical issues I and Bioeconomy I
• Practical training in research laboratories

- Semester 2

• System biology II, Microbial systems and Upstream and downstream bioprocessing II
• Bioeconomy II

- Semester 3

• Life cycle assessment and Ethical issues II
• Biochemical engineering II and Enzyme systems II
• Entrepreneurial skills and leadership
• Bioprocess design and Project management
• Practical courses

- Semester 4: Internship

The complete syllabus can be found here.

Assessments comprise course examinations, written laboratory reports, work groups and presentations depending on the module.

Fees & Funding

Tuition fees

The fees are composed of the tuition fees and the specific cost.

Tuition fees from 243 € to 3770 € depending of EU or Non EU/EEA citizens.

Specific cost: 5139 €.

Fellowships can be provided on the basis of academic merit and financial needs.

 Living costs

Monthly living costs for a student in Toulouse range between 700 and 900€. This amount heavily depends on the accommodation chosen.

Detailed information about living expenses can be found in the Student Guide.

 A Toul'Box full pack with a private pick-up at the airport will be provided for all students.

Other scholarships:

• Scholarships from the French government (Eiffel scholarship, embassies…)
• Scholarships from the European Union (Erasmus, Leonardo…)
• Scholarships from French regional authorities (town halls, regions…)
• Scholarships from academic labs or industrial companies

Admission

Access condition

Entry requirements:

French, European or international bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, biotechnology or chemical engineering.

Pre-sessional courses in biological sciences and/or engineering are organized prior to the start of the master’s degree to meet minimum requirements in both specialties.

Required documents:

• A copy of your passport or ID card
• English language test (except for native speakers): TOEIC (750) or TOEFL (80), IELTS (6.5)
• Certified academic transcripts
• Certified copies of academic diplomas
• Curriculum Vitae in English (max. 2 pages)
• Short motivation letter in English indicating the partner universities of choice for studying abroad in semester 2

 Application:

A two-step admission process is organized:

1) Online application process: https://e-candidat.insa-toulouse.fr (until April 15)

2) Interview with pre-selected candidates based on their suitability (planned for mid-May)

Student Life

All the international students enrolled with the BioTech Eco international Master of Science receive the Toul'Box "All In" pack with a private pick-up at the airport or train station in Toulouse (working days and working hours), absolutely FREE!

Accommodation

There are several possibilities of accommodation at INSA:

• The Crous residences
• The Promologis Group residences

To learn more about different types of accommodation in France, you can read this article.

Part-time jobs

If you are a European citizen, you do not have any working restrictions in France.

If you are not a European citizen, a long-term student visa (VLS-TS) will allow you to work for 960 hours over a one-year period (on average, 20 hours per week). Internships are not included in this limit.

Part-time student jobs are available in Toulouse, from bartending to babysitting, for students with a basic level of spoken French. Announcements are put up on campus boards; it is recommended that students personally hand in their CV to bars and restaurants.

Student clubs

Life at INSA and INP is very rich thanks to the numerous clubs and associations that allow students to take part in many humanitarian, sporting, economic or cultural activities.

Student associations and clubs create a friendly atmosphere on campus and organize several events. Click here to find the complete list of student clubs.

About School

Toulouse INP-ENSIACET (A7) is a school that groups all the specialties for the matter and energy transformation sectors. Toulouse INP-ENSIACET trains agile engineers with high technological and digital potential, capable of innovation, critical thinking, able to master complex systems, and ready to meet scientific and technical challenges in the international context. These engineers have a general expertise in their field and are specialists in their profession.

And after ...

Further studies

PhD, MBA

Career prospects

Bright international careers in the emerging field of a sustainable bio-based economy, a growing sector offering new jobs in public or private companies, including green chemistry, health, bioenergy, water and waste treatment, biomaterials, cosmetics, among many others.

Graduate residence permit

The graduates of this program can apply for a residence permit “recherche d’emploi / création d’entreprise” ("job search / business creation"). This residence permit allows students to remain in France for up to one year to look for employment.

At the end of your studies, if you have obtained your diploma, you can apply for this residence permit (except Algerian students), which replaces the temporary residence permit previously issued to graduate students ("APS Master").

This residence permit can also be requested from abroad: if you leave France at the end of your studies, you can apply for the residence permit “recherche d’emploi / création d’entreprise” at the French consulate of your home country or country of residence within 4 years after graduation. More information: france-visas.gouv.fr.