Engineering Guide

Everything you need to know about engineering studies in Tunisia — from national entrance exams to degree types, fields, and every school in the system.

National Exams
Concours & Bac
Study Tracks
Pre-engineering paths
Degree Types
Ingénieur, Master, PhD
Schools
All institutes & schools
Ranks 2024
Find your school by rank

National Entrance Exams

Baccalauréat (Bac)

The Baccalauréat is the national secondary school diploma in Tunisia, awarded after the final year of high school (Terminale). It is the minimum requirement to enter any higher education program. Engineering-bound students typically sit the Sciences section (Mathématiques, Sciences Expérimentales, or Informatique). A high Bac grade significantly improves chances of entering a competitive pre-engineering institute.

Concours National d'Entrée aux Grandes Écoles

After completing a 2-year preparatory cycle (Cycle préparatoire), students sit the National Engineering School Entering Exam — called the Concours. It covers Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Technical Science, and language depending on the track. Students are ranked nationally and assigned to engineering schools based on their final rank and school choices. The concours is organized by the Ministère de l'Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche Scientifique.

  • MP (Mathématiques-Physique) — math-heavy track
  • PC (Physique-Chimie) — physics and chemistry focus
  • PT (Physique-Technologie) — technology and industrial sciences
  • BG (Biologie-Géologie) — for agronomy and biotech schools

Direct Entry Exams (Integrated Schools)

Some schools — particularly private institutions and a few public ones with integrated preparatory cycles — hold their own entrance exams directly after the Bac. These schools admit students without requiring a separate pre-engineering prep year, instead integrating the preparatory phase into the first two years of the engineering program.

Types of Study Tracks

Classic Pre-engineering (Cycle Préparatoire)

A rigorous 2-year preparatory cycle offered at dedicated Instituts Préparatoires aux Études d'Ingénieurs (IPEI). Students follow intensive courses in math, physics, and science, then compete in the national concours to enter an engineering school. This is the most competitive and prestigious path.

  • Duration: 2 years prep + 3 years engineering = 5 years
  • Degree: Diplôme National d'Ingénieur
  • Admission: Via Bac score → Pre-Engineering → National Exam

Integrated Pre-engineering

Some schools offer an integrated 5-year program where the preparatory cycle and engineering curriculum are combined in one institution. Students enter directly after the Bac and follow a PT or equivalent track within the same school.

  • Duration: 5 years integrated
  • Degree: Diplôme National d'Ingénieur
  • Admission: Bac score → direct entry or internal concours

Private Engineering Schools

A growing number of accredited private institutions offer engineering programs, often with more flexible entry requirements. Some partner with foreign universities for double-degree programs. Tuition fees apply but programs tend to be more professionally oriented.

  • Duration: 3 or 5 years depending on entry level
  • Degree: varies (national diploma or institution diploma)
  • Admission: Bac + institution-specific exam or interview

International & Double-degree

Several Tunisian engineering schools have partnerships with French, German, and Canadian universities offering co-diplomas or joint degrees. Students typically spend 1–2 years abroad as part of the program.

  • Examples: ENIT-Paris, ESPRIT-France, SUP'COM-Canada
  • Language requirement: French or English proficiency
  • Competitive selection within the school

Fields of Study

Computer Engineering & IT
Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Mechanical & Industrial Engineering
Civil Engineering & Architecture
Telecommunications
Chemical & Process Engineering
Agronomy & Biotech
Industrial Management & Logistics
Energy & Renewable Engineering

Types of Degrees

The primary engineering degree in Tunisia, equivalent to a Master's level (Bac+5). It is awarded by accredited public and private engineering schools and recognized by the state. Students graduate as Ingénieurs and are eligible to work in their specialty immediately. The DNI is required to become a certified engineer (Ingénieur Inscrit à l'Ordre des Ingénieurs de Tunisie).

A research or professional Master's available at universities and some engineering schools. Two types exist: Master Recherche (leading to PhD) and Master Professionnel (career-oriented). Entry requires a Licence (Bac+3) or equivalent. Some engineers pursue a master's for specialisation after their DNI.

A research degree requiring 3+ years after a Master's. PhD candidates work under a supervisor in a university lab and produce an original thesis. Required for academic and high-level research positions. Tunisian PhDs are eligible for CNRS and international programs through bilateral agreements.

Sub-engineering degrees for more hands-on technical roles. The Brevet de Technicien Supérieur (BTS) is a 2-year post-Bac qualification, and the Licence Appliquée is a 3-year degree offered at Institut Supérieur des Etudes Technologiques (ISET). These are not engineering degrees but are common entry points into the industry and can bridge to engineering programs.

Schools & Institutes

The 28 private institutions authorised by the Ministry of Higher Education to deliver engineering training. A marks schools whose details we have verified against the Ordre des Ingénieurs accreditation list.