corporate firms in France. Although INSA engineering schools are selective and can be more expensive than public universities in France, Grandes Écoles typically have much smaller class sizes and student bodies, and many of their programs are taught in English. International internships, study abroad opportunities, and close ties with government and the corporate world are a hallmark of the Grandes Écoles. Many of the top ranked schools in Europe are members of the Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE), as are INSA engineering schools. Degrees from INSA are accredited by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles and awarded by the Ministry of National Education (France) (). Diplômes d'Ingénieur New European program In 2002, INSA Toulouse decided to reform its structure to adapt to the European 3/5/8 system. The Engineering degree is obtained after five years of studies. The new programme, better adapted to the social and economic environment, includes a one-year common core, two years of pre-specialization and two years of specialization. The selection level at INSA Toulouse has greatly increased since the European reform, and it now makes the INSA Toulouse one of the most elitist universities in France, with an average grade at the Baccalauréat exam (high school achievement exam) of 17.05/20, equivalent to the grades 1.0 or A in Anglo-Saxon countries. Specializations INSA Toulouse offers master level degrees (Diplôme d'Ingénieur) in the following 8 specializations: Biological engineering Mathematical modeling and AI Mechanical engineering Applied physics Civil engineering Chemical engineering Computer and networks engineering Automatic control and Electronics Note that other specializations are possible in the other INSAs (Lyon, Rennes, Rouen, Strasbourg, Centre Val de Loire). Research Masters In parallel of the regular Masters in Engineering, students may also follow one of the research masters, taught in French: Civil Engineering: Sustainable Engineering – research and innovation in materials and structures Mechanical/Energy/Thermic Engineering: Fluid dynamics, Energetics and Transfers Mechanical Engineering: Sciences for Mechanics of Material and Structures Embedded Networks and Connected objects – Security of information systems and networks Advanced Masters’s Degree INSA Toulouse delivers three Mastères Spécialisés, also called post master's degree for students already holding a master's degree. These masters are taught in English in the following subjects: Advanced Master in Safety Engineering & Management Advanced Master Business Engineering and International Affairs Advanced Master in Innovative and Secure IoT systems Masters of Science and Technology At INSA Toulouse, four master's degrees are especially designed for international students: Electronic systems