A Celebration of Achievement: ESILV’s 2024 Graduates Honoured at Paris La Défense Arena

Held at Europe’s largest indoor venue, the graduation ceremony brought together 2,800 graduates from ESILV and its partner schools, marking the end of their academic journey and the beginning of new professional chapters.

Each year, De Vinci Higher Education honours its graduating students in a ceremony that blends tradition with innovation. This year, the event was once again hosted at the Paris La Défense Arena, where the Class of 2024 from ESILV officially received their diplomas, alongside graduates from EMLV, IIM, and De Vinci Executive Education.

The graduation ceremony: A landmark moment for four schools

With over 8,000 attendees, the ceremony was more than a diploma handout—a showcase of collective achievement and ambition. This year, 2,800 graduates officially received their degrees, including the Class of 2024 from ESILV, recognised for achieving their five-year engineering curriculum accredited by the CTI.

The evening alternated between formal speeches and festive performances, offering a moment of reflection and pride for students and families alike.

An engaging programme, a symbolic venue

The ceremony opened with a speech by Nicolas Glady, Director of De Vinci Higher Education, followed by Franck Ledoux from Dassault Aviation, the sponsor of the 2024 class.

Nicolas Glady, General Director of De Vinci Higher Education, emphasised the role of graduation as a transition into professional life: “You leave here with strong scientific, technological, and human skills—essential assets to navigate a world in constant transformation. You now join a network that will support you throughout your career.”

Each school director addressed the graduates: Duc Khuong Nguyen for EMLV, Lidija Nikolic for IIM, and Philippe Guérinet for Executive Education.

Pascal Pinot, Director of ESILV, highlighted the significance of the moment and the pride shared by families and faculty. He noted that 817 students received their diplomas, including 669 engineers, 127 dual-degree holders, and the school’s first MSc in Computer Science & Data Science graduates.

A highlight of the evening was the performance by Léo King’s Walker, De Vinci Higher Education’s dance association, bringing energy and creativity to the event. The ceremony closed with a cap toss and a cocktail reception, celebrating the graduates’ accomplishments in a festive atmosphere.

During the cap toss

ESILV: A generalist engineering school with a digital edge

Located in the heart of Paris-La Défense and Nantes, ESILV trains engineers equipped to meet today’s and tomorrow’s technological challenges. With its strong focus on digital innovation, interdisciplinary learning, and project-based pedagogy, the school offers a solid scientific and technological foundation enriched by real-world experience.

The curriculum is built around flexibility and choice: students can select from 12 majors and access 21 dual-degree options, including the popular Engineer-Manager track in partnership with EMLV Business School.

The program embeds at least 13 months of internship experience, with students working on progressively complex projects that develop their engineering mindset, from the Imagination and Exploration Project to the Industrial Innovation Project and real-world business challenges.

ESILV: 817 students received their diplomas

International experience at the heart of the curriculum

Graduating from ESILV means meeting the challenge of a demanding, international engineering education. To earn their degree, students must complete an experience abroad—an academic semester, an internship, or a dual degree in their final year.

The school’s global outlook is reflected in its network of partner institutions: 50 double-degree agreements, 13 international academic partners, and numerous ERASMUS+ exchanges allow students to study across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia-Pacific.

In the final year alone, 20% of students pursue a double degree abroad, demonstrating the school’s commitment to global learning.

Strong industry links and career outcomes

ESILV’s close collaboration with companies across all sectors—automotive, aerospace, IT services, civil engineering, telecoms, finance, and insurance—explains the strong employability of its graduates.

More than 14 months of professional experience are integrated into the curriculum, ensuring students leave with technical expertise and industry-ready soft skills.

Designed with and for businesses, the academic model ensures that students are well-prepared to enter the workforce and contribute to solving major societal challenges.

Learn more about ESILV’s programmes