Looking for a master’s in France as a Rwandan student? AI2 offers English-taught MSc programmes in applied AI, data science, cybersecurity and IoT near Paris, open to graduates from Rwanda, with a French State qualification at master’s level (RNCP level 7).
Rwandan students admitted to AI2 lodge their visa with VFS Global in Kigali, but the Campus France step is less clear-cut than elsewhere in the region, and this guide shows how to settle it. It also covers how the Advanced Level certificate and Rwandan degrees relate to AI2’s programmes, HEC equivalence after graduation, and costs in Rwandan francs.
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 Rwanda: settle the Campus France question early
Études en France: confirm before you pay
Campus France Rwanda’s own pages describe Rwanda as attached to the Études en France procedure for French-taught courses and say some English-taught programmes need a separate check. Its visa page adds that an Études en France number is not needed to complete the online visa form, and asks students admitted directly by a school to contact the embassy’s cooperation and cultural action service (SCAC) first. Rwanda is also missing from the central list of 75 Études en France countries we checked in October 2026.
The practical answer: send your AI2 admission letter to campusfrance@if-rwanda.org and ask which route applies to an English-taught programme at a private school.
VFS Global in Kigali
Visa applications for France are received by VFS Global on the 5th floor of the Radiant Building, KN 3 Street, Kigali, from Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 15:00, by appointment; the French Embassy’s visa service makes the decision. Allow at least three weeks between submission and departure. The application fee is collected only in Rwandan francs at the chancellery rate, and cheques are refused.
Where your Rwandan qualifications fit
- If you hold the Advanced Level certificate with mathematics, start with Year 1 of the Bachelor in Applied AI.
- Students who have finished two years at university, or who hold an HND, can look at the one-year BSc final year.
- A first degree in computing, engineering, maths or statistics points to the MSc.
- Four years of related higher education, an engineering degree or a master’s makes you eligible for the Fast-Track, which begins in January.
After graduating, an Equivalence Certificate from the Higher Education Council (HEC) confirms that a foreign qualification is comparable to a recognised Rwandan one. HEC takes applications online through Irembo, lists a fee of RWF 60,000 for Rwandan applicants, and normally issues the certificate within 10 working days of a complete file.
| Programme | EUR | RWF (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor, annual tuition | from 9,000 | about 14.9 million |
| Top-up BSc (one year) | from 9,900 | about 16.4 million |
| MSc, annual tuition | from 10,500 | about 17.4 million |
| Fast-Track (eleven months) | 11,000 | about 18.3 million |
Sources checked in October 2026: France-Visas: applying in Rwanda (VFS Global Kigali) · Campus France Rwanda: how to apply · Campus France Rwanda: visa and residence permit · Campus France: countries using the Études en France procedure · Higher Education Council: equivalence of qualifications
AI and data science programmes for students from Rwanda
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 Rwanda
- Bachelor Year 1: the Advanced Level certificate, with mathematics. English at B2 level: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 72 or equivalent, or schooling in English.
- BSc final year: an HND or two years of higher education in computing or engineering lets you enter the third year directly and earn a level-6 qualification in one year.
- MSc: a bachelor’s degree 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
Graduates can work in Europe or contribute to Kigali’s innovation ecosystem, fintech and public digital services. Typical roles include data scientist, machine learning engineer, AI developer, data analyst and AI security specialist.
How to come to France from Rwanda: step by step
Apply to AI2 online and attend an online interview with the academic team.
Receive your admission letter.
Campus France Rwanda says Rwanda follows the Études en France procedure, although Rwanda is not on Campus France’s central list: confirm with Campus France Rwanda before you pay (details above).
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
Central Africa Time (UTC+2): one hour ahead of Paris in winter, same time in summer.
No IELTS? AI2 accepts English-medium education as an alternative: see study in France without IELTS. 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
Is Rwanda an Études en France country?
Sources disagree: Campus France Rwanda describes Rwanda as attached to the procedure, but the central Campus France list checked in October 2026 does not include it. Confirm with campusfrance@if-rwanda.org before paying any fee.
Where do I submit my visa application in Kigali?
At VFS Global, 5th floor, Radiant Building, KN 3 Street, with an appointment booked on the VFS Global website.
How long before departure should I apply?
France-Visas asks Rwandan applicants to allow at least three weeks between lodging the file and leaving. With a fixed start date, aim well beyond that minimum.
Will HEC recognise my AI2 qualification?
HEC assesses each foreign qualification for an Equivalence Certificate, which confirms comparability with a recognised Rwandan qualification. You apply through Irembo with notarised copies of your certificate and transcripts.
Apply online: the academic team reviews your file and invites you to an online interview.
