France · Master's
Université Paris-Saclay
MSc in Computer Science
Université Paris-Saclay
Course Overview
Université Paris-Saclay's MSc in Computer Science is delivered by the Computer Science department (LISN — Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Sciences du Numérique) on the Orsay / Saclay campus — France's largest scientific cluster, sitting inside the Shanghai (ARWU) global top 15 universities every year since 2020. Paris-Saclay's Computer Science department is consistently ranked among Europe's top 5 (top-50 globally), with strong research groups in artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, formal methods, distributed systems, and high-performance computing. The 2-year MSc is structured with 5 specialisation tracks: AI & ML, Data Science, Networks & Distributed Systems, Software Engineering, and Theoretical Computer Science. Strong industry partnerships with INRIA (France's national CS research institute, headquartered on the Paris-Saclay campus), Dassault Systèmes, Capgemini, and Google's Paris AI research lab.
Sri Lankan applicants — typically first-class Computer Science / IT graduates from Moratuwa CSE / IT, Colombo UCSC, Peradeniya, SLIIT, NSBM, NIBM, plus engineers with 1-3 years experience at WSO2, IFS, Virtusa, Sysco LABS — choose Paris-Saclay MSc Computer Science over UK / German / Dutch alternatives for: the Shanghai top-15 global brand, tuition at €4,200/year (versus £25,000-£35,000 at UK Russell Group), strong INRIA research partnerships giving direct PhD progression and industry-funded research projects, France's 24-month APS post-Master's permit, and the EU Blue Card pathway. Returnees route into senior software engineering, AI/ML engineering, and research roles at WSO2, IFS R&D, Virtusa, Sysco LABS, MillenniumIT ESP, Dialog Axiata, plus Big Four Colombo technology advisory and the data science teams at HSBC SL and Standard Chartered.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Bachelor's degree (3 or 4 years) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Engineering, or closely-related discipline. First-class equivalent (Sri Lankan GPA 3.3+ / first-class or upper second-class Hons) required.
- check_circle Strong programming background (Python, Java, C/C++) and foundational mathematics (linear algebra, probability, discrete maths).
- check_circle Two academic references, CV, motivation letter, transcripts. Coursework / project portfolio in algorithms, machine learning, or distributed systems strongly valued.
- check_circle GMAT / GRE not required for most tracks; the AI / ML tracks may request GRE Quantitative for borderline candidates.
- check_circle Sri Lankan applicants from Moratuwa CSE / IT (B.Sc. Eng. or BIT), Colombo UCSC (BCS / MIT), Peradeniya (B.Sc. Computer Science), SLIIT (B.Sc. IT), NSBM (B.Sc. Computing), plus IT professionals at WSO2, IFS, Virtusa with first-class Bachelor's are competitive.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall (no band below 6.0).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 90 Overall.
- check_circle Cambridge English: C1 Advanced.
- check_circle Duolingo English Test: 115+.
- check_circle French is taught alongside the MSc — no entry requirement; students reach A2-B1 by graduation.
- check_circle Waived if your bachelor's degree was taught entirely in English — Sri Lankan applicants from English-medium degrees at Moratuwa, Colombo UCSC, Peradeniya, SLIIT, NSBM, NIBM, IIT, ICBT submit an MOI letter from their university.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (€) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year, non-EU/EEA) | €4,200 | Rs. 1,449,000 |
| Living Expenses in Orsay/Paris (12 months) | €13,000 | Rs. 4,485,000 |
| Student Visa, Residence Permit & CVEC | €500 | Rs. 173,000 |
| Health Insurance, Books & Travel | €1,200 | Rs. 414,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | €18,900 | Rs. 6,521,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Paris-Saclay MSc Computer Science graduates have ~92% placement within 6 months, with starting salaries of €45,000-€60,000 in Paris (higher in AI/ML quantitative roles and finance). France's 24-month APS post-Master's permit converts to a Passeport Talent or the EU Blue Card. Top hirers: INRIA (research engineer positions), Criteo, Dassault Systèmes, Capgemini, Atos, Thales, Schneider Electric, plus the Paris AI engineering offices at Google, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft. Quantitative finance routes at BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole CIB. Direct PhD progression at INRIA, Paris-Saclay doctoral schools, École Polytechnique, and CentraleSupélec. Sri Lankan returnees route into senior software engineering and AI/ML engineering roles at WSO2, IFS R&D, Virtusa, Sysco LABS, MillenniumIT ESP, Dialog Axiata, plus the data science and AI teams at HSBC SL, Standard Chartered SL, John Keells data, and the Big Four Colombo data and AI advisory practices.
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ඔබට සුදුසු විශ්වවිද්යාලයක් තේරීම, අයදුම්පත් යොමු කිරීම, SOP සකස් කිරීම සහ වීසා ලබා ගැනීම ඇතුළු සෑම පියවරකදීම, ඔබ වෙනුවෙන් සියලුම වගකීම් විශ්වාසවන්තව අප භාර ගනිමු.