Over 25% of ENSAI students come from abroad. While some join the school thanks to double degree or exchange agreements, many students enroll as degree seeking students through direct enrollment. International students can participate in France’s competitive national exams after studying in preparatory programs in France or abroad. International students can also submit applications directly to ENSAI once they have completed an undergraduate degree.
The following ENSAI programs are open to all international students: Engineer Statistician Degree , Master for Smart Data Science , and PhD. While all admissions processes vary depending on the specific program, they all include the following steps:
The ENSAI Civil Servant in Official Statistics program is open to international students having EU Nationality. As the program prepares students to be future civil servants in France, admission is possible only via the competitive exams organized in France. Students interested in pursing the Master in Data Science for Public Decision Making (EMOS) program outside ENSAI double degree agreements must submit applications to the University of Rennes, who is co-accredited for the program and handles direct enrollment for international students.
Degree-seeking international students must pay program fees as set by ENSAI (see detailed information below) and in accordance with national policy. Tuition varies depending on the program and the candidate’s nationality.
Engineer Statistician program
Civil Servant Official Statistics program
Master for Smart Data Science
Master in Data Science for Public Decision Making (EMOS)
PhD
While fees for non-EU nationals are higher, these fees represent only a third of the actual cost of the program. The remaining costs are covered by generous subsidies from the French government.
ENSAI does not provide financial aid (scholarships, exemptions, stipends) for international direct enrollment students, aside from PhD students. However, all international students benefit from generous social programs for all university students, regardless of their nationality. These services include free healthcare, housing subsidies, subsidized meals in CROUS dining halls, and more.
Direct enrollment students are highly encouraged to apply for French government scholarships managed by French embassies in their country of origin. These grants may provide stipends as well as tuition exemptions. For more information, students should consult Campus France about grants for international students.
Direct enrollment students must meet certain language requirements. These requirements vary depending on the program. In addition to the requirement that all students enrolled in the Engineer Statistician program certify a B2+ level in English, all non-Francophone international students must also certify a B2 level of French in order to graduate.
Even if students elect to follow a program that is taught entirely in English, they should learn some French prior to arrival, as speaking the language of Molière is essential for daily life and integration. Erasmus+ and other non-French speaking students are highly encouraged to follow French as a Foreign Language courses while studying at ENSAI. They are offered to all international students free of charge.
Language requirements for degree-seeking students are detailed as follows:
Direct enrollment in Year 1 of Engineer Statistician program (Final Year of Undergraduate Studies) – Taught in French
Direct enrollment in Year 2 of Engineer Statistician program (1st Year Master Studies)
Master for Smart Data Science (2nd Year Master Studies) – Taught entirely in English
Master in Data Science for Public Decision-Making – EMOS (2nd Year Master Studies)
