An industrial engineering program in Béziers starting in September 2026
Polytech Montpellier, part of the University of Montpellier, will expand its academic offerings following the accreditation, in late 2025, of a new engineering program by the Commission des titres d’ingénieur (CTI): a new specialization in industrial engineering. The result of close collaboration with the Béziers University Institute of Technology (IUT), Jean-Moulin High School, and the local business and economic community in the Béziers region, this ambitious initiative aims to meet the needs of businesses and address the challenges of the ecological transition.
Polytech Montpellier’s stated goal is to promote the development of higher education and research in dynamic regions where access to high-level programs has remained limited; to that end, it will offer a new industrial engineering program in Béziers starting in the 2026 academic year. Thanks to this program, students in the region will now be able to earn a five-year engineering degree without leaving their local area.
By establishing a presence in Béziers, Polytech Montpellier aims to build bridges between secondary and higher education, guiding high school students toward an engineering degree (BAC+5). This initiative also aims to promote social inclusion by making high-quality educational programs accessible to regions with limited higher education infrastructure. Finally, this program aims to meet the needs of local businesses, particularly in fields related to the green industry and the ecological transition.
A cross-functional program at the heart of industrial challenges
The new specialization in industrial engineering stands out for its versatility. The major topics covered include industrial processes and their optimization; quality and maintenance, which are the cornerstones of industrial performance; managing environmental impact, a key challenge of the ecological transition; and, of course, management, to train leaders capable of steering complex projects.
This program will be offered as an apprenticeship, promoting a rewarding balance between theory and practice. Students with a BUT degree (mechanical and manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering and maintenance, energy transition professions, etc.), certain professional bachelor’s degrees such as the one in AI and Robotics at the IUT de Béziers, BTS programs, or preparatory programs (ATS: Adaptation for Advanced Technicians or PeiP: Pathway to Polytech Engineering Schools), will thus have a unique opportunity to advance toward careers of the future.
A solution tailored to the needs of the region and the industry
Until now, the lack of specialized engineering programs in Béziers represented a gap in the regional network of the Occitanie region. By filling this gap, Polytech Montpellier is strengthening its strategic position. This specialization, developed in collaboration with industry partners, is designed to complement existing programs. It aligns with the university’s strategic priorities, which aim to support the ecological transition and promote the growth of local educational programs in key cities such as Béziers.
Florence Lambert, CEO of GENVIA and spokesperson for EDEN(Écosystème Durable et Énergies Naturelles) , welcomes the addition of these new skills:“The launch of this industrial engineering specialization is a concrete response to the skills needs of industries committed to the energy transition. It will help train engineers capable of supporting the industrialization of low-carbon technologies across the country.”
A Bold Vision for the Future
Regarding this initiative, Lionel Torres, Director of Polytech Montpellier, states,“This project reflects a clear ambition: to train engineers who are ready to tackle the industrial challenges of tomorrow, while revitalizing the local educational and economic landscape.” This project illustrates the ability of academic institutions to adapt to societal changes by building bridges between education, research, and industry. According to University President Philippe Augé,“This new specialization in industrial engineering fully illustrates the University of Montpellier’s commitment to accessible higher education that is rooted in the local communities and resolutely focused on the major challenges of our time.”
The first students in this program will begin their studies in September 2026, marking a decisive milestone in the development of higher education in Béziers. This is a wonderful opportunity for the region and its up-and-coming talent. This new program is expected to eventually enroll 60 engineering students over the course of its three-year curriculum.
This project was developed in close collaboration with the government—in particular with the superintendent of the Montpellier school district, Carole Drucker-Godard, and previously with Sophie Béjean, now Rector of the Lille Academy, as well as with the Prefect of Hérault, François-Xavier Lauch—and with all local authorities, including the city of Béziers—is a prime example of collective success in fostering engineering education in the region. It addresses a growing demand for skills in the industrial sector while fully incorporating the challenges of the energy transition.