Mines Douai was founded in 1878 by a presidential decree. At this time, it trained qualified staff for mining activities. In 1965, the School became an Engineering College, no longer concerned with mining but industrial activities. In 1980, after a constant evolution based on adaptation, innovation, and anticipation, Mines Douai became the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des, Mines.
Mines Douai is a Public Institution depending on the French State, especially on the Ministry of Industry.
The initial training is open to the students from the scientific preparatory course. They are selected based on the national competitive examination "spé." University students are also admitted. The main objective is to train multidisciplinary engineers, ready to be operational in a specific field of activity (8 majors) with a double competence (8 specialization domains), preparing them for the business's different functions and developing management skills.
Continuing education is a real opportunity for qualified technicians showing at least three years of professional experience to become engineers. The curriculum is available both on-site (2 years full time at the School including a six-month final year project) or through e-learning (1-year distance learning followed by one year at School and a six-month final year project).
Taking a great interest in its internationalization, the Ecole des Mines de Douai created the Industrial and International Relations Department, which directly connects with French and foreign partners (universities and companies).
As well as the work placements and the international discovery course, one of the International Department's primary duties is the welcome and the follow-up of international students (undergraduate and postgraduate students). If these have any question, they always have the opportunity to go and ask at the International Department.
