Looking for a master’s in France as a Ugandan student? AI2 offers English-taught MSc programmes in applied AI, data science, cybersecurity and IoT near Paris, open to graduates from Uganda, with a French State qualification at master’s level (RNCP level 7).
Uganda is not one of the countries using Campus France’s Études en France procedure, which makes the route to a French student visa shorter: once AI2 has admitted you, you deal directly with the French Embassy in Kampala. This guide explains that process, how UACE and Ugandan degrees map to AI2’s programmes, and the costs in shillings.
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 Uganda: the direct route to the embassy
No Études en France stage
Campus France’s list of 75 Études en France countries, checked in October 2026, does not include Uganda. Your AI2 admission letter is therefore attached directly to the long-stay student visa form on France-Visas, after which you book an embassy appointment. Campus France still has an office in Kampala, at the Alliance Française de Kampala (Plot 52, Bukoto Street, Kamwokya), which answers general questions at kampala@campusfrance.org.
Lodging your visa in Kampala
- Applications are lodged in person, by appointment, at the visa section of the French Embassy, 16 Lumumba Avenue, Kampala. There is no outsourced visa centre for France.
- Submission slots run from Monday to Thursday, 07:50 to 10:30.
- Fees are collected in Ugandan shillings. Credit cards and cheques are not accepted.
- The embassy advises lodging at least one month before travel, and no earlier than six months before departure.
Matching your qualifications
With UACE, including mathematics, you enter Year 1 of the Bachelor in Applied AI. Two completed years of higher education, or an HND, can open the BSc final year, the top-up that awards a level-6 qualification in one year. A bachelor’s in a related field leads to the MSc, and graduates who already have an engineering qualification, a master’s or four years of related study behind them can reach level 7 in under a year on the January Fast-Track. Details are on all programmes.
Back in Uganda, the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) handles recognition and equation of qualifications. Its guidance says letters are processed within three months, so start early if a job offer depends on it.
English level and the admission interview
AI2 asks for English at B2: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 72 or an equivalent, or schooling in English. Ugandans educated in English through A-level and university may not need a test at all; this guide to applying without IELTS explains how AI2 treats that. The admission interview happens online with the academic team, so the only trip to Kampala you need to plan is the embassy appointment.
| Programme | EUR | UGX (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor, one year of tuition with the AI2 scholarship applied | from 9,000 | about 41.6 million |
| Bachelor, all three years if the fee stays unchanged | from 27,000 | about 124.8 million |
| Top-up BSc, single year | from 9,900 | about 45.8 million |
| MSc, yearly tuition with the scholarship applied | from 10,500 | about 48.6 million |
| Fast-Track, whole programme | 11,000 | about 50.9 million |
Sources checked in October 2026: Campus France: countries using the Études en France procedure · France-Visas: applying in Uganda · Campus France: Espace de Kampala · National Council for Higher Education: recognition and equation
AI and data science programmes for students from Uganda
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 Uganda
- Bachelor Year 1: the UACE (A Level), 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 target AI roles in Europe or in East Africa’s fintech, agritech and telecom companies. Typical roles include data scientist, machine learning engineer, AI developer, data analyst and AI security specialist.
How to come to France from Uganda: step by step
Apply to AI2 online and attend an online interview with the academic team.
Receive your admission letter.
Uganda 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
East Africa Time (UTC+3): two hours ahead of Paris in winter, one 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
Do Ugandan students need Campus France approval before the visa?
No. Uganda is not on the Études en France list, so you apply on France-Visas and go straight to the embassy appointment with your AI2 admission letter.
Where do I give my biometrics in Uganda?
At the visa section of the French Embassy, 16 Lumumba Avenue in Kampala, by appointment only.
Can I enter the Bachelor with UACE?
Yes. UACE with mathematics is the qualification AI2 lists for Year 1 entry from Uganda, together with English at B2 level.
Who recognises a French qualification in Uganda?
The National Council for Higher Education handles recognition and equation of qualifications and says requests are processed within three months.
Apply online: the academic team reviews your file and invites you to an online interview.
