There are seven INSA establishments organised as a network and located in major French regional cities Lyon, Rennes, Rouen, Strasbourg, Toulouse, Valenciennes, Blois and Bourges.

[1] All INSAs share the same philosophy, at the same time preserving an individual identity based on their respective histories, origins, economic environments and on poles of excellence developed from specific competences.

[6] 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.

[7][8] Degrees from INSA are accredited by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles[9] and awarded by the ministry of higher education (French: Ministère de l'enseignement supérieur).

[14][15] Of the engineering schools that offer direct entry after receiving a baccalaureate, INSA are considered among the most selective and the number of applications has steadily increased over the years.