If you live in a country covered by Études en France, such as India, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, Cameroon or Vietnam, Campus France is a compulsory step before your French student visa. This guide explains the procedure step by step and the questions you are likely to hear in the Campus France interview, with tips to answer them well.
Procedures, fees and documents vary by country and change over time: always follow the instructions of Campus France in your country and the official France-Visas website.
The Études en France procedure, step by step
- Apply to your programme. With AI2, you can apply online and receive your admission letter after an online interview with the academic team.
- Create your Études en France account on the Campus France platform for your country and complete your profile: identity, education, language level, study plan.
- Upload your documents: passport, transcripts and degrees, English test or proof of English-medium education, CV, statement of purpose and your admission letter.
- Pay the Campus France fee (the amount depends on your country).
- Attend the Campus France interview, in person or online, depending on your country.
- Get your file validated, then apply for the long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) on France-Visas and attend your visa appointment, with proof of at least €877.50 a month of resources.
- After arrival, validate your visa online within three months.
Start 6 to 8 months before your intake. AI2 offers January, May and September intakes, which gives you more flexibility if your procedure takes longer.
Campus France interview questions and how to answer
Why do you want to study in France?
Be specific: the quality of applied programmes, the European qualification level, Paris as an AI hub, the right to work during and after studies. Avoid generic answers about culture alone.
Why this programme and this school?
Link the course content to your goals: for example, machine learning, generative AI or cybersecurity modules, applied projects with companies and the qualification level (RNCP level 7 for an MSc).
How does it connect to your previous studies?
Show a logical path: what you studied, what you learned, and why this programme is the next step. If you are changing field, explain why and what you have done to prepare.
What will you do after graduating?
Give a clear career plan: the roles you target (data scientist, machine learning engineer, AI developer), the sector, and whether you plan to gain experience in Europe or return home.
How will you fund your studies?
Explain tuition and living costs and who pays: savings, family sponsor, education loan or scholarship. Your documents must match what you say; the visa requires at least €877.50 a month of resources.
Do you have a gap in your studies?
Explain any gap honestly with what you did: work experience, certifications, projects or exam preparation.
Where will you live?
Mention your plan: student residence, private rental or shared flat, and your budget.
Do you speak French?
If the programme is taught in English, say so clearly, and mention any plan to learn basic French for daily life.
Tips for a successful interview
- Know your programme: its modules, duration, qualification and fees.
- Be consistent: your answers must match your statement of purpose and your documents.
- Prepare your financial documents and know the numbers.
- Answer in clear, simple English; short and precise answers are better than long ones.
- Bring copies of your admission letter, transcripts and proof of funds.
Programmes taught in English at AI2
AI2 offers a Bachelor in Applied AI, BSc final years and MSc programmes in Applied AI and Data Science, Cybersecurity and IoT, all taught in English near Paris. See also visa guidance, the cost of studying AI in France and study in France without IELTS.
Guides by country: India · Africa · all countries
Visa refused before? See the 12 most common reasons for a French student visa rejection and how to avoid them.
Visa from India: follow our France student visa from India guide (Campus France, documents, timeline).
