Thinking of studying in France? France welcomes international students from all over the world, with a growing number of degrees taught entirely in English. This step-by-step guide explains how to choose a programme, apply, get your visa, plan your budget and build a career in France after graduation.
Which AI programme fits your profile?
| Your background | Programme | Duration | Qualification | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finished secondary school (Class 12, A-levels, WASSCE, HSC) | Bachelor in Applied AI | 3 years | RNCP level 6 | from €9,000 a year |
| HND, BTS or two years of higher education | BSc final year | 1 year | RNCP level 6 | from €9,900 |
| Three-year bachelor’s (B.Sc, BCA, BS) | MSc Applied AI (Data Science, Cybersecurity or IoT) | 2 years | RNCP level 7 (master’s level) | from €10,500 a year after scholarship |
| Four-year degree (B.Tech, B.E.) or a master’s | 11-month Fast-Track | 11 months, starts in January | RNCP level 7 | €11,000 |
| Want to try AI first, online | Online AI certificates | 40, 60 or 100 hours | Certificate | See the page |
| Short experience in Paris | Paris AI Summer School 2027 | Summer | Certificate | See the page |
All programmes are taught in English near Paris, with intakes in January, May and September 2027. Not sure? Compare data science vs AI or read is studying in France free.
1. Why study in France?
- Programmes taught in English, especially in technology, AI and data.
- Recognised qualifications: State-registered professional titles (RNCP) classified from Level 3 to Level 8.
- Access to the Schengen area for short stays while you hold a French residence permit.
- A path to work and settle after graduation — see Why France & After Graduation.
2. Choose your programme and level
In France, a Bachelor corresponds to three years after secondary school (Level 6) and a master’s to five years (Level 7). You can join a programme at different points depending on your previous studies: Bachelor Year 1, a final Bachelor year after two years of higher education, MSc Year 1 after a Bachelor’s, or direct entry into MSc Year 2 after a four- or five-year degree. AI2 explains every option on its entry routes page.
3. Apply
- Prepare your transcripts, diplomas, CV, passport and proof of English (B2: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 72 or equivalent).
- Apply directly to the school, then attend an admission interview.
- Many schools have several intakes: AI2 starts in January, May and September 2027.
4. Get your student visa
Most non-EU students go through the Études en France procedure, then apply on France-Visas for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS), which must be validated online after arrival. You need to show resources of at least €877.50 a month. Read AI2’s visa guidance for a month-by-month timeline.
5. Plan your budget
| Item | Guide amount |
|---|---|
| Living costs in the Paris region | about €900 to €1,700 a month |
| Minimum resources for the visa | €877.50 a month |
| AI2 tuition | from €9,000 a year (Bachelor Years 1–2) to about €13,000 (MSc Year 2), with scholarships |
Details: Tuition & Scholarships and Life in France.
6. Work during your studies
With a student permit you can work up to 964 hours a year. In the second year of a master’s, a work-study contract can also cover your tuition and pay you a salary.
7. Stay and work after graduation
- A 12-month job-search permit for master-level graduates.
- Then an employee or Talent permit (Talent from €39,582 gross a year in 2026), or an EU Blue Card (from €59,373).
- A 10-year resident card after five years under work permits.
Study AI and data science in France with AI2
AI2 – Applied Institute of Artificial Intelligence teaches applied AI, data science, cybersecurity and IoT entirely in English, near Paris: MSc Applied AI and Data Science, MSc Applied AI & Cybersecurity, MSc Applied AI & IoT and the Bachelor in Applied AI. Apply to AI2.
More guides for international students
- Master’s in AI in France, taught in English: the 2027 guide
- Study AI in Europe in English: where and how in 2027
- Study in France from India: AI and data science in 2027
- Affordable English-taught master’s in Europe
- Master’s in Data Science in Paris, taught in English
- Master’s in Cybersecurity and AI in France, in English
- Bachelor’s in Artificial Intelligence in Europe, taught in English
- Working while studying in France: jobs, internships and work-study
- Study in France from Africa: AI and data degrees in English
Country guides: study AI in France from your country
Nigeria · Ghana · Kenya · Bangladesh · Nepal · Pakistan · UAE · Egypt · Sri Lanka · Pune · Indore · Jaipur · Bangalore · Mysuru · Delhi NCR
Guides by country: entry requirements, fees and visa steps for students from India, Pakistan, Nepal, China, Africa, the Middle East and more.
Campus France interview? Prepare with our guide to Campus France interview questions and the Études en France procedure.
Related guides
- AI jobs in France: roles, salaries and work permits.
- AI courses in Paris: from a 10-day summer school to an MSc.
- Cost of studying AI in France: tuition, living costs and visa funds.
- Study in France without IELTS.
- January and May intakes 2027.
- France vs Germany for a master’s in AI.
- RNCP level 7 explained.
- Guides by country and city.
Funding your studies: compare all scholarships in France for international students (Eiffel, embassy programmes, Erasmus Mundus, school scholarships).
Finding a place to live: read student accommodation in Paris for international students (options, rent, CAF aid, Visale).
