Looking for a master’s in artificial intelligence in France, taught entirely in English? France has become one of Europe’s main AI hubs, with €109 billion of AI investment announced at the AI Action Summit in Paris in February 2025, and a clear legal path for international graduates who want to stay and work. This guide explains the formats, the admission requirements, the cost, the visa and what happens after your degree — using AI2’s MSc Applied AI and Data Science and its specialisations as a worked example.
Which AI programme fits your profile?
| Your background | Programme | Duration | Qualification | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finished secondary school (Class 12, A-levels, WASSCE, HSC) | Bachelor in Applied AI | 3 years | RNCP level 6 | from €9,000 a year |
| HND, BTS or two years of higher education | BSc final year | 1 year | RNCP level 6 | from €9,900 |
| Three-year bachelor’s (B.Sc, BCA, BS) | MSc Applied AI (Data Science, Cybersecurity or IoT) | 2 years | RNCP level 7 (master’s level) | from €10,500 a year after scholarship |
| Four-year degree (B.Tech, B.E.) or a master’s | 11-month Fast-Track | 11 months, starts in January | RNCP level 7 | €11,000 |
| Want to try AI first, online | Online AI certificates | 40, 60 or 100 hours | Certificate | See the page |
| Short experience in Paris | Paris AI Summer School 2027 | Summer | Certificate | See the page |
All programmes are taught in English near Paris, with intakes in January, May and September 2027. Not sure? Compare data science vs AI or read is studying in France free.
Why study a master’s in AI in France?
- A fast-growing job market. Machine-learning engineers in Paris earn on average about €65,000 a year (Michael Page 2027 salary survey), and data scientists €47,000–52,000.
- Programmes taught 100% in English. You do not need French to study: AI2’s programmes are fully taught in English, from Bachelor Year 1 to the MSc.
- State-registered qualifications. In France, professional titles registered in the national register (RNCP) are classified by level. A Level 7 title corresponds to master’s level (EQF 7).
- Tuition far below UK or US fees, and access to public health insurance, student meals and transport discounts.
- A route to stay after graduation: a 12-month job-search permit for master-level graduates, then employee, Talent or EU Blue Card permits.
Three ways to do an MSc in applied AI at AI2
All three formats lead to the same RNCP Level 7 title and the same AI2 MSc diploma. They differ by your previous degree, the time spent on campus and the intake.
| Format | Who it is for | Duration | Intakes 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSc · 2 years | Holders of a three-year Bachelor’s degree | Year 1 shared applied AI foundation (500 h), Year 2 specialisation, then a 6-month company placement | January, May, September |
| Direct entry into Year 2 | Holders of a related four- or five-year degree | 18 months: 12 months on campus and in company | January, May, September |
| Fast-Track | Engineers and master’s graduates in a hurry | 11 months: 5 months of intensive courses, then 6 months in a French company | January 2027 only |
Compare the routes in detail on the programmes page or use the route finder on the MSc Applied AI and Data Science page.
Which specialisation: data science, cybersecurity or IoT?
- MSc Applied AI and Data Science — machine learning, NLP, computer vision, generative AI and MLOps; prepares for RNCP39978 (Level 7).
- MSc Applied AI & Cybersecurity — IT/OT security, SOC operations, cryptography and the security of AI systems; RNCP39978 with a cybersecurity specialisation.
- MSc Applied AI & IoT — sensors, edge AI, secure connected systems and IoT data; prepares for RNCP40554 (Level 7).
Courses are built around projects, case studies and jury defences, taught by practitioners and PhD holders — meet the teaching team.
Admission requirements
- Previous degree: a three-year Bachelor’s for the 2-year MSc; a related four- or five-year degree for direct entry into Year 2, subject to academic review.
- English: B2 level — IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 72 or equivalent, or a degree taught in English.
- Interview: motivation, and Python and SQL foundations checked at the admission interview.
The full process is explained step by step in How to apply.
How much does a master’s in AI cost in France?
| Programme | Tuition per year |
|---|---|
| MSc Year 1 (applied AI common core) | from €10,500 after scholarship · standard €12,500 |
| MSc Year 2 · Data Science or Cybersecurity | from €11,300 · standard €13,000 |
| MSc Year 2 · IoT | from €11,800 · standard €13,000 |
| Fast-Track (11 months, whole programme) | €11,000 for applications before 15 November 2026 · otherwise €12,500 |
Plan a living budget of about €900 to €1,700 a month in the Paris region. Work-study (apprenticeship) is possible in MSc Year 2: the employer then funds the tuition and pays a salary. Details on Tuition & Scholarships, Work-Study and Life in France.
Student visa for France
Non-EU students apply through the Études en France procedure and France-Visas, then validate their long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) after arrival. You must show resources of at least €877.50 a month, and you may work up to 964 hours a year alongside your studies. AI2 provides the admission documents for your file — see the visa guidance and its month-by-month timeline.
After your master’s: working in France
- 12-month job-search permit for master-level graduates, non-renewable, to find a job or create a company.
- Employee or Talent permit — the Talent (qualified employee) permit applies from a gross salary of €39,582 a year (2026).
- EU Blue Card from €59,373 a year (2026), with mobility in the EU.
- 10-year resident card after five years under work permits.
Read the full path in Why France & After Graduation.
Where is the campus?
AI2’s campus is in the Hub Nikola Tesla in Écouen, in the Paris region, about 22 minutes from Paris Gare du Nord. Discover campus life.
Ready to apply?
2027 intakes open in January, May and September (Fast-Track: January only). Apply to AI2, or message the admissions team on WhatsApp at +33 6 50 53 92 99.
Prefer a short format first? The Paris AI Summer School 2027 offers ten days of applied AI in Paris, and AI2’s online certificates run from 40 to 100 hours.
More guides for international students
- Study AI in Europe in English: where and how in 2027
- Study in France as an international student: the 2027 guide
- Study in France from India: AI and data science in 2027
- Affordable English-taught master’s in Europe
- Master’s in Data Science in Paris, taught in English
- Master’s in Cybersecurity and AI in France, in English
- Bachelor’s in Artificial Intelligence in Europe, taught in English
- Working while studying in France: jobs, internships and work-study
- Study in France from Africa: AI and data degrees in English
Campus France interview? Prepare with our guide to Campus France interview questions and the Études en France procedure.
Related guides
- AI jobs in France: roles, salaries and work permits.
- Best degree for a career in AI: routes from high school to master’s level.
- AI courses in Paris: from a 10-day summer school to an MSc.
- Cost of studying AI in France: tuition, living costs and visa funds.
- Study in France without IELTS.
- January and May intakes 2027.
- France vs Germany for a master’s in AI.
- RNCP level 7 explained.
- Guides by country and city.
Still deciding? Compare data science vs artificial intelligence: skills, jobs and which master’s to choose.
No GRE? No problem: read masters in France without GRE to see how admission works.
Finding a place to live: read student accommodation in Paris for international students (options, rent, CAF aid, Visale).
Only a 3-year degree? It is enough in France: see masters in France with a 3-year bachelor’s degree.
