All the industries of the world now depend upon data to make their decisions, making data science an important subject in the technology sector. Now, Data Science is not limited to just the knowledge of maths and statistics with software applications. It has evolved with the inclusion of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), with specializations in a particular field such as marketing and engineering. Therefore, there is a rise in demand for data science specialists among industries which has led to its demand among students as a taught program.
When considering where to study Data Science, France has emerged as the top choice among students not only because of the education system and the research facilities but also because France provides an ecosystem for students to explore the advanced techniques in this field of study. The data science programs in France are generally at the Masters level, with a few universities also providing short-term and certificate courses. In this blog, we will list down the best data science programs available in France so that you can make an informed decision about this growing field.
Why France for Data Science
Before we list down the data science programs in France, you must be aware of why France has become a favorite destination among students for their higher education. The first and most important reason is that France houses some of the best higher educational institutions in the world with many offering specialized programs in Data Science. Students also get additional benefits like opportunities for internships and employment as cities like Paris, Lyon, and Toulouse are home to many tech companies, start-ups, and research centers.
Moreover, France is also appealing to students because of its long tradition of offering scholarships to students, having a fairly affordable living cos t as compared to other European or American countries, along with a high standard of living giving students a culturally rich experience with academic excellence. It is of little consequence whether you are an individual from the European Union (EU) or any other nation; France allows its international students to engage in employment while studying and even provides post-study work authorizations. This makes France all the more appealing to students to study in France for a better future in data science.
The Polytechnic Institute of Paris (IP Paris)
It offers a 2-year Master’s in Business Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. This program is specially designed for students who what an international education, therefore, taught fully in English . This program is in collaboration with HEC Paris and is taught jointly by both institutes. It is an industry-oriented program imparting students the abilities and understanding of an engineer with business acumen. The program fee is EUR 27,900 per year.
The highlight of the program is that it starts with a sturdy foundation with the fundamental concepts of science and mathematics. Then it encourages the students to apply their knowledge through learning by doing methods so that they develop the ability to solve complex business problems. The faculty also comprises some of the leading data scientists giving a stimulating research environment to the students. The curriculum of the program incorporates machine learning techniques, programming skills, real-life cases, and the completion of a big data project. The students also participate in a 4-month internship with a data-related firm. In the last semester, students need to choose a specialization track from data manager, data entrepreneur, and data consultant. The program is completed after students produce a research paper during the last 4 months of the course.
The requirements for this program are proficiency in the English language proven through IELTS, TOEFL IBT, and Cambridge General English exams. This requirement is waived if you are a native of an English-speaking country or your previous education was from an institution whose medium of instruction was English. You’ll additionally need to enroll in an introductory French language course if none of your previous academic programs was taught in French or your mother tongue is not French. For educational requirements, an applicant has to have a bachelor’s degree in either mathematics or computer science or a double bachelor’s degree in both. If you are considering pursuing a Master’s in Data Science at IP Paris, Contentholic, a study abroad consultant , can guide you through the application procedure.
ESSEC Business School
The ESSEC Business School is ranked number 3 in the world for its Master in Data Science and Business Analytics program as per the QS ranking 2025. This program is taught in collaboration with CentraleSupulec. Therefore, students can benefit from the expertise of Europe’s most prestigious engineering and business schools. It is a 2-year program and fully taught in English . This is for those students who want the expertise of data science in combination with business analytics to make data-driven choices in companies.
The students have the choice to choose from seven specialization options- finance, healthcare, marketing, retail, consulting, research, and international. The highlight of the program is the annual participation of students in Hackaton, doing a corporate research project, a 4-month internship over the summer, and attending various masterclasses. They would also have a chance to be part of an international field trip in Europe. The total tuition rate of the program for non-EU students is EUR 31,200. ESSEC additionally gives many scholarships and financial support options to students including the Academic Excellence/Diversity Scholarship, the Women in Data Science and Business Analytics Scholarship, and the EIFFEL Scholarship.
For admissions, you need to hold a 3 or 4-year bachelor’s degree in subjects of Engineering, Science, Mathematics, Business, or Economics. You need to provide a management test score such as GMAT, GRE, or Tage-Mage; and an English test score if your previous higher education was not taught in English. You also have to attach supporting documents with your online application such as academic transcripts and two letters of recommendation (LORs) (one academic and one professional). As a student aspiring to be part of this program, you can turn to Contentholic for expert advice on the application process. With their LOR writing service , you will be able to submit an application that captures your potential and dedication to excel in data science.
Emylon Business School
The Emylon Business School is counted among the top 50 universities in the world according to the Global Employability University ranking (GEUR). It gives a Master’s program in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which may be finished in a single year or two years depending on whether or not the student has a preceding master’s degree or not. The medium of education for this program is English. The program aims to train students in designing and leading effective AI strategies with the help of data science.
The program emphasizes international exposure through an international seminar and one international term every year. It also emphasizes learning by doing teaching methods with cross-field projects with partner firms and the opportunity for an internship or a professional experience by the end of the first year. In the final semester, students have to write a Master’s thesis related to industry and the experience gained through internship. The two-year tuition rate of this program is EUR 38,500 and for one year is EUR 28,750 . Emylon offers scholarships to eligible students such as the Emylon scholarship, and government scholarships like the CROUS scholarship and EIFFEL Scholarship.
To apply to this program, you need to fill out the online application via the school’s website. You need to upload your resume, previous educational degrees, a duplicate of your transcripts, a management aptitude test score, scores of a legitimate English proficiency test, LORs, and a letter of motivation (also referred to as a statement of purpose [SOP]). Contentholic ’s professional SOP and LOR writing services can ensure that your documents reflect your academic background and passion for data science, giving you a competitive edge. After you submit your application, you will be invited to an online test.
Cote d’Azure University
The University presents a two-year Master’s of Science track focusing on Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. This program is designed from the perspective of mathematics and computer science technicalities. With a firm grounding in theory, it enables students to apply the advanced methods of data science and artificial intelligence to analyze real-world problems. This program is also taught in English.
The program involves two long internships, one of 4 months and the other of 6 months. In the second year, students would have the option to choose a specialized track from Core AI and AI & Health. The alumni of this program have joined companies as experts or engineers in development, research & development, and consulting, or work as data analysts, big data architects, and specialists in data visualization. The per year tuition fee is EUR 5,000. The university also offers financial aid through scholarships like the Idex scholarship and the Efelia-3IA Corte d’Azure Institute Scholarship.
There are some conditions to get admission to this program. The first condition is that the candidates must have a strong background in mathematics and computer science. They must have a B2 level of English language proficiency proved through English language test scores. As part of the application, you would need to submit a letter of motivation talking about your educational and professional history, the reasons for choosing this program, and how this program aligns with your future aspirations. The other documents you would be uploading would be your resume and previous academic transcripts.
University of Polytech of Nantes
The Polytech Nantes offers a program in Data Science as part of its Master in Computer Science degree. It is a 1-year program designed keeping in mind the needs of international students, therefore taught in English. The program aims to train students in practical skills of methodologies of data science through case studies and internships so that students can learn about data science applications in social, scientific, and economic activities.
The core specialty of the program is its courses on machine learning & data mining, managing large databases, visual analytics & complex data, data-driven application, and economics & privacy. In the second semester, students need to complete a 5-month internship in a lab or a firm. The career prospects after this program are in the position of data scientist, research & development engineer, education & research, or post-doctoral education. The tuition fee for this program is EUR 7,500.
For admission, candidates ought to have a 4-year higher education degree in Computer Science. For the reason that the program is taught in English, the program requires a great command of the language. The university requires international students to take French classes to help them in their everyday lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, studying data science in France offers the advantage to students to have an overall academic experience through not only the advanced tech programs but also a chance to live in a culturally rich country. With many top universities in the country offering specialized programs in data science, students flock to France for an environment to grow academically as well as professionally. Whether you choose IP Paris, Emolyn Business School, or any other leading institute, studying data science in France opens doors for opportunities to explore multiple aspects of this field. To make your journey smoother, Contentholic can assist with every step of the application process. Our expertise in both SOP and LOR writing services ensures that your application is both compelling and professional, increasing your chances of admission. With our support, your study abroad experience could be just around the corner.
FAQs
What are the requirements for joining a data science program in France?
Most data science courses necessitate applicants to possess a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, or computer science. A few programs additionally require skillability in programming languages like Python or R.
Are the data science programs in France taught in English?
Indeed, many Master’s level data science courses at top universities in France are offered in English.
What is the tuition fee of a data science program in France?
The tuition fee would vary depending upon which university you get admission in; the public universities are more affordable than the private universities in France. The average tuition fee for a data science program lies between 10,000 to 50,000 euros.
What are the career options after a data science degree from France?
With a data science degree from France you can get into almost any sector of your choice. People usually get employed as a consultant, data scientist, research & development engineer, etc.
Are there internships available within data science programs in France?
Yes. Almost all the universities in France have strong industry connections that offer students internships, collaboration, or working on projects with companies.
