What is EPITA?
EPITA (École pour l’Informatique et les Techniques Avancées) is a School of Engineering and Computer Science located in France. It offers several programs in computer science and artificial intelligence and welcomes international exchange students every year.
Which academic programs are available for exchange students?
Exchange students can apply to the following programs:
- International Bachelor of Computer Science
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence Systems
Short programs are also available, including:
- A Summer Program (2-week program in July)
- A Winter Program (2-week program in January)
- French as a Foreign Language (FLE – French by EPITA)
What are the academic requirements?
Students are not allowed to mix courses from different levels or options due to timetable conflicts.
Exchange students must have a strong background in IT, mathematics, and algorithms.
A one-year exchange is possible for both Fall and Spring intakes, except for Year 3, which is only available in the Fall semester.
What are the nomination and application deadlines?
For the Fall semester:
- Nomination deadline: May 15th
- Application deadline: May 30th
- Admission notification: by June 30th
For the Spring semester:
- Nomination deadline: October 15th
- Application deadline: October 31st
- Admission notification: by November 30th
What is the application procedure?
Students must first be nominated by their home institution coordinator using the following form:
https://forms.office.com/e/HvG2CnRFEz?origin=lprLink
After nomination, students receive an application link by email from EPITA.
When applying, students are provided with a fee waiver code, so no application fee is charged.
Which documents are required for the application?
Applicants must submit the following documents in JPG or PDF format:
- A digital passport-size photograph
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A statement of purpose
- Academic transcripts (in French or English)
- Proof of language proficiency (French TCF or English test results such as TOEIC or IELTS)
- A copy of the passport (main pages) or a national ID card for EU students
- Proof of international health insurance (optional at application stage)
What are the language requirements?
Applicants must demonstrate a minimum B2 level in English through one of the following:
- TOEFL: minimum score of 550 (ITP) or 80 (iBT)
- TOEIC: minimum score of 750
- IELTS: minimum score of 6.0
- Cambridge ESOL / BULATS: B2 level
- An English teacher proficiency letter confirming B2 level
What is the academic calendar?
Fall Semester
- Year 1 & Year 2: September to mid-January
- Year 3: End of August to end of February
-
Year 4: End of September to mid-January
Winter break includes one week in November and two weeks in December
Spring Semester
- Year 1 & Year 2: Mid-January to end of June
- Year 3: End of January to July
-
Year 4: Mid-January to end of July
Spring break includes one week in March and one week in May
An orientation week and welcome days take place one week before the semester starts.
What housing options are available?
EPITA provides optional housing assistance, but only off-campus accommodation is available.
Students may also use alternative accommodation services such as:
- Studapart : https://epita.studapart.com/en/
- Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris (CIUP) : Campus international pour étudiants et chercheurs | CIUP
- Host family : Home | Atome Paris
What are the estimated living expenses?
Estimated monthly living expenses range between €1,200 and €1,500, including:
- Housing: around €800 for individual housing or €500 for shared accommodation
- Transportation: approximately €38 per month (Imagine R student pass)
- Food and groceries: around €200 per month
- Personal expenses: €100 to €150 per month
These amounts are estimates and may be reduced by housing subsidies (APL) if eligible.
Is health insurance required?
Yes, all students are required to have health insurance.
- EU students must have a European Health Insurance Card or private international insurance.
- Non-EU students must register for French Social Security (mandatory) and are strongly advised to take additional private international insurance.
Where can I find visa information?
Information on visa applications, visa validation by the French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII), and residence permits is available on the Campus France website:
https://www.campusfrance.org/en/the-different-types-of-visas
What is the EPITA Buddy Program?
The EPITA Buddy Program connects international students with local EPITA students.
Its goal is to facilitate integration, help students discover campus life, and promote intercultural exchange.
Can exchange students learn French during their stay?
Yes. EPITA offers an accredited French language program through its French by EPITA – FLE (French as a Foreign Language) center on the Paris campus. This program is designed to help international students improve their French language skills and better integrate linguistically and culturally into life in France, both socially and academically.
The French by EPITA center was established in 2015 and is officially recognized with the Qualité FLE label, which guarantees high standards in teaching French as a foreign language.
Classes follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and cater to all levels, from beginner (A1) to advanced (C2). Students are placed in groups based on their proficiency level after an initial assessment.
In addition to language classes, the program includes activities to support cultural immersion and communication practice, such as interactive lessons, group work, and opportunities to use French outside the classroom.
Courses may be available on-site, online, or in hybrid formats, and are open to exchange students who wish to enhance their language skills alongside their academic studies at EPITA