ESA offers a company-sponsored Master’s program for those pursuing careers in the food sector. Students will obtain a Master of Science in Agricultural Engineering from l’Ecole Supérieure des Agricultures Angers (ESA) after two years, combining high-level training in technical and managerial skills at ESA and practical experience in a French company with a tutor.
Application Deadline:
- Target Deadline: Rolling selection by host companies; applicants are strongly advised to submit applications promptly as placements fill up per country track. (Intensive French language preparation runs from March to August 2027 prior to the September 2027 academic start).
Tell Me About The Program:
The I²FA (Ingénieur International de l’Agroalimentaire) Program is a unique, company-sponsored Master of Science (MSc) in Agricultural Engineering / Agriculture and Food Processing hosted by L’École Supérieure des Agricultures Angers (ESA) in France. The 2-year sandwich course (alternance) alternates half-time academic study at ESA Angers with half-time professional work training at an international French food or agricultural company. The primary objective is to train international managers to build high-level technical and managerial competencies before returning to advance their careers in their home countries.
Which Fields are Eligible:
- Academic Backgrounds: Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Agronomy, Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Biotechnology, Food Production, or Chemical Engineering.
- Active 2027–2029 Recruitment Profiles by Country:
- Food Science / Microbiology / Chemistry / Related Fields: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, South Africa, and USA.
- Food Science / Microbiology / Chemistry / Related Fields AND Animal Production / Veterinary Sciences: Romania.
- Animal Production / Veterinary Sciences / Related Fields: Slovenia.
Type:
Fully Company-Sponsored Master’s Degree Program & Work-Study Apprenticeship (Sandwich Course)
Who can Apply:
- Degree Level: Must hold a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Master of Science (MSc) degree with a minimum of 180 ECTS credits in an eligible scientific domain.
- Age Limit: Must be under 28 years old on September 1, 2027 (i.e., born after September 1, 1999).
- Language Proficiency:
- Minimum B2 level in English (tested during admissions interviews).
- NO prior French language skills required at the time of application.
- Soft Skills & Mobility: Strong motivation to learn French and adapt to new cultures, a capacity to overcome professional challenges, and international experience (preferred).
How are Applicants Selected:
Candidates undergo a dual-stage selection process based on academic transcript evaluation, proof of degree qualifications, an English proficiency test, an interview evaluating motivation and cultural adaptability, and final approval/sponsorship by a partner French company matching the candidate’s country profile.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Romania, Slovenia, South Africa, and USA.
Where will the Program be Taken:
- Language Preparation (March–August 2027): Intensive French Language Center in France.
- Master’s Program (September 2027 – 2029): ESA Angers campus and the host French company’s facilities in France.
How Many Fellows / Grantees:
Selective cohort matching the specific manpower requests of participating French international firms.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- 100% Company Sponsorship: Full coverage of tuition fees by the partnering French company.
- Paid Employment: Monthly salary/stipend provided by the sponsoring host company throughout the 2-year work-study program.
- Intensive Language Preparation: Fully covered 6-month intensive French language course (March to August 2027) in France prior to beginning the Master’s coursework.
- Degree & Industry Experience: Earn a Master of Science in Agricultural Engineering while acquiring 2 years of practical international corporate experience.
How Long Will it Last:
2 Years (24 Months) full-time academic/work-study cycle (2027–2029), preceded by 6 months of intensive French language training.
How to Apply:
- Access the official ESA online application system (OLAGE portal).
- Register and select the campaign: “I²FA – Company-sponsored international Msc program (2027-2029)”.
- Fill out the application form and upload mandatory supporting documents (CV, academic transcripts, degree certificates, and motivation statement).
- If admitted by both ESA and a French corporate sponsor, submit official translations of your highest diploma and transcripts into French via a sworn translator.
