Looking for a master’s in France as a Chinese student? AI2 offers English-taught MSc programmes in applied AI, data science, cybersecurity and IoT near Paris, open to graduates from China, with a French State qualification at master’s level (RNCP level 7).
Chinese applicants to AI2 pass through two French checkpoints before they can travel: the Études en France file handled by Campus France China, then an appointment at a TLScontact centre. This guide covers what is particular to China, from CHSI verification reports to the English test Campus France expects, so you can build your timetable around them.
AI2 – Applied Institute of Artificial Intelligence is an applied AI school on the Écouen campus, 22 minutes from Paris Gare du Nord. Its programmes are taught in English and prepare French State qualifications registered with France Compétences (RNCP) at level 6 (bachelor’s level) and level 7 (master’s level).
Applying from China: what is specific to you
How Chinese qualifications fit AI2’s programmes
- Senior high school diploma with gaokao results: first year of the Bachelor. Campus France China does not itself demand a gaokao certificate, but each school sets its own prerequisites, and AI2 asks for your results.
- Zhuanke (专科) diploma: more than two years of higher education, enough for the BSc final year (top-up).
- Benke (本科) degree in a related field: MSc Applied AI. A four-year Benke can also be assessed for the 11-month Fast-Track.
- Master’s degree (硕士) in a related field: the Fast-Track.
Études en France with Campus France China
China is one of the countries where Études en France is compulsory before a long-stay study visa. Once AI2 has admitted you, declare that admission on the platform, upload your documents and pay the procedure fee by bank transfer to the French Embassy: CNY 2,900 at the full rate, or CNY 2,100 for specific groups such as alumni of French institutions. Your file goes to the Campus France office linked to your current university or, failing that, to the one that awarded your last diploma.
Most applicants are assessed on their file alone. Others are called to an evaluation of about twenty minutes, held in the language of the course, which means English for AI2. The only original you must bring that day is your passport or ID card.
Documents Chinese applicants need
- An English-language authentication report from CHSI (chsi.com.cn) for your highest qualification: the gaokao or high school report for the Bachelor, the Zhuanke or Benke report for the BSc or MSc.
- Scans of every semester’s university transcript.
- For any part of your studies completed outside China, a report on that foreign diploma from the CSCSE (zwfw.cscse.edu.cn).
- A CV in English or French, plus work certificates if you have over three years of experience.
- A valid English test result taken at a test centre (see the tip below).
Your visa appointment at TLScontact
A message in your account tells you when Campus France has passed your file to TLScontact. Fill in France-Visas, then book at one of the fifteen centres France-Visas lists, from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou to Chengdu, Wuhan, Kunming and Xi’an. To get TLScontact’s student rate, upload a screenshot of that Études en France message. The basic service fee is about CNY 250, paid in cash or by UnionPay card. The Embassy in Beijing or the Consulates-General in Guangzhou and Shanghai decide; France-Visas allows up to two weeks for a long-stay file.
| Item | EUR | CNY (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor in Applied AI, per year (after AI2 scholarship) | from €9,000 | about CNY 67,000 |
| BSc final year (top-up) | from €9,900 | about CNY 74,000 |
| MSc Applied AI, per year (after AI2 scholarship) | from €10,500 | about CNY 78,500 |
| 11-month Fast-Track | €11,000 | about CNY 82,000 |
| Études en France procedure, full rate | about €390 | CNY 2,900 |
| TLScontact basic service fee | about €33 | about CNY 250 |
Flying to Paris
Air France runs a daily Shanghai Pudong to Paris-Charles de Gaulle service, confirmed for the 2026-2027 winter season, and resumed daily Beijing flights in July 2023. Book your ticket once the visa is in your passport.
Sources checked in October 2026: Campus France: countries using Études en France · Campus France China: documents for the academic file · Campus France China: English tests · France-Visas: China · Air France: 60 years of Paris-Shanghai · European Central Bank: euro reference rates
AI and data science programmes for students from China
Bachelor in Applied AI
Three years after secondary school. RNCP level 6, from €9,000 a year after the AI2 scholarship.
BSc final year
AI-Powered Application Development or Data Analytics & Applied AI. Entry with an HND, a BTS or two years of higher education. RNCP level 6, from €9,900.
MSc Applied AI
Data Science, Cybersecurity or IoT. RNCP level 7 (master’s level), from €10,500 a year after the AI2 scholarship.
11-month Fast-Track
The level-7 qualification in under a year, €11,000. Starts in January.
All programmes and current fees: all programmes, scholarships and our guide to the cost of studying AI in France.
Entry requirements for students from China
- Bachelor Year 1: the senior high school diploma and your gaokao results, with mathematics. English at B2 level: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 72 or equivalent, or schooling in English.
- MSc: a four-year bachelor’s degree (学士) in computer science, engineering, mathematics, statistics or a related field. English at B2 level: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 72 or equivalent, or schooling in English.
Why study AI in France rather than the UK or Australia?
- Tuition from €10,500 a year for an MSc, far below typical UK fees.
- Programmes taught in English, in the Paris region, at the heart of Europe.
- The right to work up to 964 hours a year during your studies, and a post-study permit for master’s-level graduates.
- Applied projects with companies, from the first semester.
Careers after an AI degree
Back home, Chinese tech companies and multinationals in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and Hangzhou value European experience and English-taught technical degrees. Typical roles include data scientist, machine learning engineer, AI developer, data analyst and AI security specialist.
How to come to France from China: step by step
Apply to AI2 online and attend an online interview with the academic team.
Receive your admission letter.
Complete the Études en France procedure with Campus France in China: online academic file and interview.
Apply for the long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) on France-Visas, with proof of at least €877.50 a month of resources.
Arrive on the Écouen campus near Paris and validate your visa online on the ANEF portal within three months.
Start 6 to 8 months before your intake (January, May or September). The full timeline is in our visa guidance, and daily life is covered in life in France.
Time difference for your online interview
China Standard Time (UTC+8): seven hours ahead of Paris in winter, six in summer.
English test: AI2 can accept English-medium education for admission (see study in France without IELTS), but Campus France China asks for a test taken in a centre (IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, TOEIC or Cambridge) for the visa procedure, so plan to sit one. Missed September? Start in January or May 2027.
Campus France interview? Prepare with our guide to Campus France interview questions and the Études en France procedure.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a CHSI report if I have already graduated?
Yes. Campus France China asks for the English-language CHSI authentication report for your highest qualification, plus scans of your transcripts. If your last degree was awarded outside China, the report comes from the CSCSE instead.
Will an online English test be accepted for my Campus France file?
No. Campus France China stopped accepting online English tests on 1 January 2025. Take IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT at a centre, TOEIC covering all four skills, or a Cambridge exam.
How much is the Études en France fee in China?
Campus France China lists CNY 2,900 at the full rate and CNY 2,100 at the reduced rate for specific groups, paid by bank transfer to the French Embassy. Check the amount shown in your account before transferring.
Which cities have TLScontact centres for French visas?
France-Visas lists fifteen, from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou to Kunming, Fuzhou and Xi’an. Your Études en France account shows the consular district your file belongs to.
Apply online: the academic team reviews your file and invites you to an online interview.
