Program assets
The diversity of backgrounds and cultures is a real asset for the Smart Data students who are recruited on an international scale. They benefit from teaching provided by professors who are renowned researchers from France and abroad and/or specialists in their field.
On the day of their arrival, students are lent a computer for the academic part of the program and are given access to IT resources, to the library, Moodle etc.. . The small student body for this Master program receives a personalized welcome. A dedicated Academic Affairs Coordinator and the Head of the master’s program make sure that everything goes smoothly throughout the year. Students work on projects in small groups and can interact very easily with their professors and supervisors, some of whom come from the professional world for some projects.
Professors
Our students and alumni are best placed to talk about it
Admissions & Prerequisites
The Master for Smart Data Science is open to students of all nationalities.
All applicants must have a minimum of 4 years of higher education equivalent to 240 ECTS credits (at least a 4-year Bachelor’s degree or the first year of a Master’s degree). A strong statistical, mathematical, and computer science background is required. Candidates with additional professional experience are welcome.
Successful candidates are selected based on degrees, academic results, and skills.
Smart Data Prerequisites page
This Program is taught entirely in English. Non-native English speakers must provide proof of a minimum B2 level (CEFR scale) in English by providing valid results from a recognized language certification such as Cambridge exams, CLES, Duolingo English Test, IELTS, Linguaskill General, TOEIC Listening & Reading, TOEFL iBT or Home Edition.
Non-French speakers are highly encouraged to attend intensive French language courses (Université d’été) in August prior to the beginning of the semester. Students may also follow weekly French language courses in the evening at ENSAI.
ENSAI students with disabilities can receive assistance, support, and accommodations for their studies and exams thanks to the help of the entire teaching, administrative, and technical staff, as well as the disability support unit. Learn more.
Application & Selection Procedures
All applications for the Master for Smart Data Science at ENSAI for the 2026-2027 academic year must be completed and submitted online between:
1st wave: from December 15, 2025 (at 18:00 GMT+1) to February 4, 2026 (at 23:59 GMT+1)
Applications submitted during this period will be examined by the selection jury during the first half of February 2026. For pre-selected applications, an online interview in English will be organized with the selection jury before the end of February 2026.
2nd wave: from February 5, 2026 (at 00:00 GMT+1) to March 30, 2026 (at 23:59 GMT+1)
Applications submitted during this period will be examined by the selection jury during the first half of April 2026. For pre-selected applications, an online interview in English will be organized with the selection jury before the end of April 2026
3rd wave (if spots remain): from March 31, 2026 (at 00:00 GMT+1) to May 31, 2026 (at 23:59 GMT+1)
Applications submitted during this period will be examined by the selection jury during the first half of June 2026. For pre-selected applications, an online interview in English will be organized with the selection jury mid-June 2026.
Every year, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply during the first round of admissions. Applications for the 3rd round may not be taken into consideration depending on the results of the first two waves. All application materials and documents must be submitted electronically during this time period. No paper applications will be accepted.
During the application process, candidates are invited to complete an online form and submit all the requested documents in .pdf format.
List of application documents
Candidates should click here to apply and follow the on-screen instructions.
ENSAI’s budget office requires candidates to complete bank transfers for application fees. Applicants must cover any and all costs associated with transfers.
Smart Data Application Fee Payment
Cost
Tuition and Fees
The Master for Smart Data Science program cost is fixed at:
- €4,000 for tuition and fees if students correspond to one of the six criteria below:
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- Citizens of European Union member states, of another state that is part of the European Economic Area, or the Swiss Federation;
- Holders of French titre de séjour with the mention « Carte de séjour de membre de la famille d’un citoyen de l’Union/EEE/Suisse »;
- Holders of residency cards delivered under Chapter IV of Title I of Book III of the CESEDA or the same residency card delivered within the framework of an international agreement applicable to the French Republic, or a minor under 18 years of age who is a direct descendant of a cardholder;
- Foreigners having fiscal residency or attached to a fiscal householder in France for at least two years as of January 1 preceding the beginning of the academic year for which admission is requested; the tax assessment must show independence in terms of taxation.
- Beneficiaries of Refugee status or subsidiary protection or a person whose father, mother or legal guardian benefits from such a status;
- Citizens of states having concluded an international accord applicable to the French Republic which requires the payment of the same fees that are applicable to French citizens or exempts citizens of said state from the obligation to have a residency card or titre de séjour in France.
- €6,000 for tuition and fees if students do not correspond to any of the above criteria.
Students following this Master’s program are not eligible to apply for need-based financial aid (except for CROUS).
Cost of Living
Additional Costs
All Master for Smart Data Science students must pay the national student fee (CVEC) of about 105€.
Student health insurance is free for all students in France, regardless of their nationality.
Université d’été (Intensive French Summer Program):
Non-French speakers also pay around €650 for a 3-weeks Intensive French Summer Program: the Université d’été; this cost includes courses and program fees. Students pay the organizing language center, CIREFE at the University of Rennes 2. Accommodation costs are not included in the above-mentioned fee.
Professional Outlook
Graduates of the program are skilled Data Scientists who have numerous career opportunities in international corporations and data start-ups in many fields including:
Artificial Intelligence
Business Analytics
Internet of Things
Personalized Medicine
Smart Grid Optimization
Smart Society
Social Networks Analysis
Supply Chain Optimization
Additionally, graduates can pursue a PhD for a career in research or academia. ENSAI proposes a PhD in Applied Mathematics (Statistics and related fields). ENSAI PhD students are enrolled in the Matisse Doctoral School, which is operated jointly by several regional institutions of higher education including the Ecole Normale Supérieure de Rennes, Centrale Supélec Rennes, INSA Rennes, the Institut Agro Rennes-Angers, the University of Rennes, and the University of Rennes 2. ENSAI also proposes joint PhD programs in Economics and Computer Science in collaboration with partner establishments from Rennes, Paris Saclay, or institutions abroad.
PhD students at ENSAI take advantage of the dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment of the renowned CREST research lab and its team. The CREST laboratory is characterized by a strong attachment to quantitative methods, data, mathematical modeling, and the continuous movement between theoretical models and empirical evidence to analyze concrete scientific, economic, and societal problems.
Master for Smart Data Science brochure
The Master for Smart Data Science at ENSAI is a unique and innovative program taught entirely in English. It combines advanced notions in Statistics, Applied Mathematics, and Computer Science and includes several units specific to this program which can be used in developing Artificial Intelligence. This one-year degree prepares graduates for exciting careers as highly-qualified Data Scientists in numerous sectors and opens the door to PhD studies for a career in research.
