The Data Science Master program aims to train experts in extracting knowledge from massive and complex data. It combines advanced computer science (machine learning, algorithms) and mathematics (statistics, optimization) to solve real-world problems.

This Master program is supported by the University of Lille (3 Departments: computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering) as well as 2 renowned engineering schools (Grandes Ecoles): Centrale Lille and IMT Nord Europe.

The curriculum covers key areas such as:

• Machine Learning & Deep Learning.
• Big Data Technologies (NoSQL, Distributed Systems).
• Statistical Modeling.
• Optimization for Data Science.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP) or Computer Vision.

The program includes projects and a mandatory internship in both years. These placements can be done in a company or a research laboratory.

International students can apply. Depending on your country of residence, you may need to go through the "Études En France" (Campus France) procedure or MonMaster.

The program is designed for students with a strong background in Computer Science or Mathematics (Bachelor's level). You must have solid skills in programming (Python, C++, etc.) and a good understanding of linear algebra and probability.

Selection is based on academic excellence (grades), the relevance of your previous courses, and your professional project/motivation. This master is highly selective and only excellent track records in mathematics and computer science will be considered. In general, we do not consider application from too technical or technological background (like a French DUT or BUT, or Bachelor of technology or business intelligence abroad) except potentially with top level records (like ranked 1st).

All classes are taught in English. A B2 level (CEFR) is required. You can prove this via:

• Official certificates (TOEIC, TOEFL, Cambridge…).
• A Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your previous university.
• A recommendation letter from an English professor.

Note: The Duolingo test is not an optimal reference.

No French proficiency is required.

The application process depends on your nationality, the country in which you are currently living, and whether you apply as a full-time student or through the Erasmus program.

If you are not a Centrale Lille or IMT Nord Europe student, you must apply through the Université de Lille on the different platforms.

French / EU students

Students currently living in France or the EU (regardless of their nationalities), must apply through the national platform: MonMaster. Please note that the Master in Data science is referenced twice on MonMaster: under Université de Lille, and under Centrale Lille; you must apply through the page of Université de Lille only.

Foreign students (outside of the EU)

If you are currently enrolled in a higher education institution in France or in the EU, you must use the same procedure as French / EU students.

If you are currently living in one of the countries listed under the Campus France procedure Études en France, you must follow the specific procedure of Campus France. Please refer to the Études en France website to check if you qualify for their procedure and access the detailed application process.

Please note that the Études en France process starts very early on: the process to join the Master at year N typically starts during the first semester (usually in October) of the year N-1.

Important note: You may find two distinct pages on Études en France for the Master in Data science: one to apply to University of Lille, the other to apply to Centrale Lille. While this is the same Master program, you must apply through University of Lille only (not Centrale Lille), otherwise your application will not be processed.

Etudes En France

Is a platform for students outside the European Union.

If your residence country is in the EEF list, the only possible application process is to go through Etudes en France. Please be aware of the early deadlines (usually around February/March).

MonMaster

If your country of residence is NOT on the EEF list, you can apply through monmaster.gouv.fr in April-May to enter in Master 1.

Ecandidat

Is a platform to enter in Master 2. Open to students from the European Union.

Please note that each application platform has its own deadline. Be aware that they might be early (the process to join the Master at year N typically starts during the first semester (usually in October) of the year N-1. Ex: Applications should be sent from October to December 2025, to apply for the 2026-2027 academic year). Here is a general timeline of the periods:

Etudes En France

• application: start in October
• decision: around the end of April

MonMaster

• application: around February
• decision: around April

Ecandidat

• application: around April
• decision: around June

Applicants must provide the following documents with their application:

• A curriculum vitae
• Transcripts of grades of your current and previous higher education program
• A cover letter (lettre de motivation)
• One or several documents attesting your level in English

Additional documents may be required depending on the procedure through which you are applying.

Optionally, applicants can provide some of the following documents:

• Recommendation letters
• Official certificate of proficiency in English (TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
•  Statement of proficiency in English issued by your university

The M2 in data science is open to students who have completed (or will have completed by the end of the academic year) a first year of Master studies (60 ECTS credits) or an equivalent program (e.g., 4th year of Engineering school) in one of the following fields:

• Data science,
• Computer science,
• Applied mathematics or statistics.

Applicants must demonstrate that they successfully completed courses equivalent to the content of the M1 in Data science (see detailed program here) during their M1/Bachelor studies, and must have obtained very good grades in mathematics and computer science at the Bachelor level.

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English at the CEFR level B2 or above. Your level in English can be demonstrated in several ways: by an official certificate (TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.), by having studied in a program taught in English, by having stayed in an English-speaking country, or through a statement issued by your university.

Important note: Students enrolled in the first year of the Master in Data science are automatically accepted to the second year upon completion of the first year. There is no application process to follow.

Applicants must provide the following documents with their application:

• A curriculum vitae
• Transcripts of grades of your current and previous higher education programs
• A cover letter (lettre de motivation)
• Recommendation letters from professors of your M1 (or equivalent) program
• One or several documents attesting your level in English

Application documents should be in English at least, though transcripts in French are also accepted.

Erasmus students are welcome for 1 semester or 1 full year (rather in M1 than M2)

The fees are approximately €300 per year. This rate applies to all students (French, EU, and Non-EU).

Important note: This is an estimation and may vary each year depending on th Univerity's decision.

Scholarship applications are separate from the Master's application.

• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship: Applications usually open from October to January.

https://www.campusfrance.org/fr/le-programme-de-bourses-france-excellence-eiffel

• Graduate Programme scholarship: Applications usually open from February to May.

https://international.univ-lille.fr/en/graduate-programmes/grant-application/

Do not hesitate to contact them for more information.

• Campus France scholarships

https://campusbourses.campusfrance.org/#/catalog

There is no possibility of « alternance », with part-time in the master, part-time in a company (« contrat professionnalisant » in French)

Graduates typically work as: Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Analyst, Data Engineer, R&D Engineer in AI.

Our program has a strong link with research laboratories (like CRIStAL). Students interested in research can continue with a doctoral thesis.