Tajik students look across the border to Tashkent for a French student visa, because the French Embassy in Dushanbe has no consular section. This page sets out that route, how Tajik qualifications compare with AI2’s entry points, where to sit IELTS without leaving Dushanbe and what a year costs in somoni.
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 qualifications registered by the French State with France Compétences (RNCP) at level 6 (bachelor’s level) and level 7 (master’s level).
Applying from Tajikistan: what is specific to you
Long-stay visas are handled in Tashkent
According to France-Visas, Tajik residents applying for a stay of more than 90 days must choose Uzbekistan as their place of submission, and the consular section of the French Embassy in Tashkent decides on the file. The Tajikistan page on France-Visas still mentions VFS Global, but the Uzbekistan page states that TLScontact has handled appointments, fingerprints and passport return in Tashkent since 11 March 2026, and that VFS no longer accepts new bookings. Book through TLScontact and allow three months before your departure.
Tajikistan is not among the 75 countries on Campus France’s Études en France list, so AI2’s admission letter leads you straight to the France-Visas form, with no pre-consular interview.
From the national entrance exams to AI2
Entry to Tajik universities goes through centralised entrance examinations organised by the National Testing Center under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan. AI2’s admission is separate and relies on your diplomas, an online application and an interview with the academic team:
- Certificate of complete secondary education with mathematics: the Bachelor in Applied AI.
- Two years of higher education completed in Tajikistan: the BSc final-year top-up.
- A bachelor’s in computing, engineering, mathematics or statistics: the MSc Applied AI, with Data Science, Cybersecurity or IoT options.
- Four years of related higher education, or a master’s: the 11-month Fast-Track may be considered, subject to the academic team’s review.
Tajikistan has applied the Hague Apostille Convention since 2015, so an apostille covers any later request to authenticate a Tajik diploma for use in France.
IELTS in Dushanbe
The English test, at least, can be taken at home. The British Council offers computer-delivered IELTS through a partner testing point at the University of Central Asia, 61/2 Nisor Muhammad Street, Dushanbe; the Academic test costs GBP 173 (about TJS 2,140, approx., at the October 2026 rate). AI2 asks for IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 72 or equivalent, and also considers schooling in English.
Paying in soums, budgeting in somoni
Fees in Tashkent are not paid in somoni. TLScontact’s service charge, the equivalent of €31, is paid online in Uzbek soums when you book, and the consular fee is likewise payable only in soums, so arrange a payment method that works in Uzbekistan in advance.
| Item | EUR | TJS (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor in Applied AI, per year after the AI2 scholarship | from €9,000 | about TJS 93,000 |
| BSc final-year top-up | from €9,900 | about TJS 102,000 |
| MSc Applied AI, per year after the AI2 scholarship | from €10,500 | about TJS 109,000 |
| 11-month Fast-Track | €11,000 | about TJS 114,000 |
| TLScontact service charge in Tashkent (paid in soums) | €31 | about TJS 320 |
| IELTS Academic in Dushanbe | GBP 173 | about TJS 2,140 |
For rent and food costs in the Paris region, see our study cost guide. Paris Aéroport lists no non-stop service between Dushanbe and Paris, so book a connecting flight to Charles de Gaulle and continue by train via Gare du Nord.
Sources checked in October 2026: France-Visas: applying from Tajikistan · France-Visas: Uzbekistan (Tashkent visa centre) · Campus France: countries using the Études en France procedure · National Testing Center under the President of Tajikistan · British Council: IELTS in Tajikistan · HCCH: Apostille Convention status table
AI and data science programmes for students from Tajikistan
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 Tajikistan
- Bachelor Year 1: the certificate of complete secondary education, with mathematics. English at B2 level: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 72 or equivalent, or schooling in English.
- 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 pursue data and AI careers in Europe, Central Asia or with international organisations. Typical roles include data scientist, machine learning engineer, AI developer, data analyst and AI security specialist.
How to come to France from Tajikistan: step by step
Apply to AI2 online and attend an online interview with the academic team.
Receive your admission letter.
Tajikistan is not part of the Études en France procedure: once you hold your admission letter, you apply for the visa directly on France-Visas (see above for where to lodge your file).
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
Tajikistan Time (UTC+5): four hours ahead of Paris in winter, three in summer.
Frequently asked questions
Where do Tajik students lodge a French long-stay student visa?
In Tashkent. France-Visas asks Tajik residents to select Uzbekistan as the place of submission, and files are lodged at the TLScontact centre for decision by the French Embassy in Tashkent.
Is VFS Global still the provider for Tajik applicants in Tashkent?
No. France-Visas’ Uzbekistan page states that TLScontact took over on 11 March 2026 and that VFS Global no longer takes new appointments.
Can I take IELTS in Tajikistan?
Yes. The British Council runs IELTS on computer at the University of Central Asia in Dushanbe through a partner testing point.
Do I need to complete Études en France with Campus France?
No. Tajikistan is not on Campus France’s list of Études en France countries, so you apply on France-Visas directly after admission.
Apply online: the academic team reviews your file and invites you to an online interview.
