Yes, American students can study AI in France in English, with no French required at AI2. Get admitted, complete Études en France with Campus France USA, then apply for a long-stay student visa. Here is the route, with the costs in dollars.
In short: American students need a long-stay student visa for a degree in France, and France-Visas cannot be the first step. Campus France USA requires an Études en France file first, at $270 or $460. You then attend an in-person TLScontact appointment, and the French Consulate in Washington DC decides. At AI2, the Bachelor costs €9,000 a year (about $10,090) in Years 1 and 2, and MSc Year 1 costs €12,500 (about $14,020), from €10,500 with scholarship. Intakes are in February, May and September 2027.
AI2 (Applied Institute of Artificial Intelligence) is a French school of applied AI and data science at Écouen, 22 minutes from Paris Gare du Nord. French is not required for its English-taught programmes.
⚠️ Important: no deposit, no enrolment certificate
AI2 issues your enrolment certificate only after your €5,000 deposit is paid. Campus France and the consulate ask for this certificate: without the deposit, your Études en France file and your visa application cannot go ahead.
Applying to AI2 is free: there is no application fee. If your visa or your Campus France file is officially refused, the deposit is refunded minus €300 of administrative fees, on presentation of the refusal letter. Pay only by the instructions in your AI2 documents, never to a personal account.
What AI2 costs in US dollars
| Programme | Tuition | In local currency | Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor in Applied AI, Years 1 and 2 | €9,000 a year | about $10,090 | February, May or September 2027 |
| Bachelor, final year | €9,900 | about $11,100 | Follows Year 2 |
| MSc, Year 1 | €12,500, from €10,500 with scholarship | about $14,020, from $11,780 | February, May or September 2027 |
| MSc, 18-month direct entry | €13,000 single fee, from €11,300 with scholarship | about $14,580, from $12,670 | See tuition fees |
| Fast-Track Data Science, 11 months | €12,500, or €11,000 before 15 November 2026 | about $14,020 | February 2027 |
Local amounts use the European Central Bank rate of 2 November 2026 and are rounded. They are indicative: AI2 bills in euros.
Your route from the US in 7 steps
When to start
Campus France USA advises starting Études en France at least 10 to 12 weeks before departure, and appointments are released weekly on a rolling 6 to 8 week schedule. It also says your appointment cannot be more than 180 days before your programme starts. The France-Visas US page gives a shorter window, so check both before booking. For February 2027, start now. For May or September, you have more room.
How much money you must show
France has required €877.50 a month (about $980) for every month in France since 1 August 2026, after all tuition and programme fees are paid. Twelve months comes to €10,530, about $11,810. Campus France USA accepts one of three proofs:
- Your three latest bank statements.
- A notarized sponsor form with the sponsor’s statements.
- An official scholarship or loan statement.
You also need housing proof for the first 3 months, or for the first week with a letter on your long-term plans. Your passport must stay valid 3 months after your planned return, with two consecutive blank visa pages plus a third blank page.
Does a US diploma get you in?
There is no official equivalence between French and non-French degrees: each institution sets its own criteria. These are AI2’s entry points, and admissions confirms yours in writing.
| Your background | AI2 entry to ask about | What admissions looks at |
|---|---|---|
| High school diploma | Bachelor, Year 1 | Transcripts, with mathematics, or science for the Industrial IT track |
| College credits, one year | Bachelor, Year 2 | One validated year in a related field |
| Associate degree or two years of college | Bachelor, Year 3 | Two years of higher education in a related field |
| Bachelor’s degree | MSc, Year 1 | Your degree, transcripts and field of study |
English: AI2 asks for B2 level, shown by IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 72 or English-medium schooling. Apostille: it is not listed in the Campus France USA pre-consular or visa checklists. If you are asked for one, federal documents go through the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications, and state documents usually go through the state Secretary of State. Translation: documents not in English or French must be translated.
Funding
AI2 offers scholarships for excellence and early application: MSc Year 1 can fall from €12,500 to €10,500. Do not plan on US federal loans or GI Bill benefits for AI2 programmes. The Fulbright 2027-2028 competition closed on 6 October 2026. Budget from your own funds, family or a private loan, and see the cost of studying AI in France.
Is an AI2 qualification recognised?
AI2’s degree programmes prepare RNCP titles at Levels 6 and 7, recognised by the French State. Campus France states that the value of a French diploma is guaranteed by the State for national diplomas, Ministry-approved diplomas and titles registered in the RNCP. You can look up each code on the France Compétences website. See is AI2 recognised and all programmes.
After you graduate
The one-year job-search permit is open to master’s-level graduates, among others, so most bachelor’s graduates who want to stay continue to a master’s first. Any AI2 BSc graduate can progress to MSc Year 1. No school can promise a job or a visa, and AI2 does not. While you study, the student visa allows up to 964 hours of work a year.
Getting to the campus
Air France lists direct links to Paris-CDG from Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington DC. Check current timetables before you book, and do not buy a non-refundable ticket before you hold your visa. Also read visa guidance, the guide for Mexico and all country guides.
Frequently asked questions
Can Americans study AI in France in English?
Yes. AI2’s Bachelor and MSc programmes at Écouen near Paris are taught 100% in English, and French is not required.
Do US students need Campus France?
Yes. Campus France USA calls Études en France a mandatory first step for all student visa applicants, including students admitted directly to a school. You cannot start with France-Visas alone.
How much is the Campus France USA fee?
It is $270 or $460, depending on your student category and processing speed. Ask Campus France USA which category applies to you before you pay.
How much does AI2 cost in dollars?
Bachelor Years 1 and 2 cost €9,000 a year, about $10,090. MSc Year 1 costs €12,500, about $14,020, or from €10,500 with scholarship. AI2 bills in euros.
How much money do I need for the visa?
At least €877.50 for every month in France, about $980, after tuition is paid. That is €10,530 for twelve months.
Can I use US federal loans at AI2?
Do not plan on them. Budget from your own funds, family, a private loan or an AI2 scholarship, and confirm any funding before you pay a deposit.
Can I work while I study in France?
Yes, the student visa allows up to 964 hours of work a year. Do not count on this income in the funds you show for the visa.
When can I start?
AI2’s 2027 intakes are in February, May and September. Campus France USA advises starting your file at least 10 to 12 weeks before departure.
Last checked on 2 November 2026 against the official sources listed below. Rules and fees change, so confirm them with Campus France and the French consulate before you pay.
Official sources: Campus France USA: pre-consular applicants · Campus France USA: fee · Campus France USA: visa FAQs · Campus France USA: TLScontact guidance · France-Visas: United States · Service-Public: student visa, resources and tax · Campus France: degree equivalence · HCCH: US apostille authorities
Tell AI2 your current level: admissions confirms your entry year, tuition and scholarship in writing, then you start your visa file.
