The Nigerian system in brief
Nigeria follows a 6-3-3-4 structure: six years of primary school, three years of junior secondary, three years of senior secondary, then higher education. Senior secondary ends with the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), run by WAEC, or the Senior School Certificate Examination of NECO.
- Universities award the B.Sc. in four years in most fields (from 100 level to 400 level), and the B.Eng. in five years.
- Polytechnics award the National Diploma (ND) in two years, then the Higher National Diploma (HND) after a period of industrial training and two further years.
- Postgraduate study includes the Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) and the M.Sc.
- Grades are reported as a cumulative grade point average (CGPA), usually on a 5-point scale, with a class of degree.
Because a Nigerian bachelor’s degree often lasts four or five years, it can count for more than a three-year European bachelor’s. That is why some Nigerian graduates enter AI2’s MSc directly in its shorter, 18-month format.
From your qualification to your AI2 entry point
| Your Nigerian qualification | AI2 entry point | Length | Tuition 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| WASSCE (WAEC) or NECO SSCE | Bachelor Year 1 | 3 years | €9,000 a year (Years 1 and 2), €9,900 for the final year |
| 100 level of a B.Sc., or first year of an ND | Bachelor Year 2 | 2 years | €9,000, then €9,900 |
| HND, completed ND, or 200 to 300 level of a B.Sc. | BSc final year | 1 year plus a placement | €9,900 |
| B.Sc. (4 years) or B.Eng. (5 years) in a related field, with or without a PGD | MSc direct entry | 18 months: 12 on campus, 6-month internship | €13,000 in total, from €11,300 with the AI2 scholarship (IoT from €11,800) |
| B.Sc. in a less related field, or a profile AI2 wants to strengthen first | MSc Year 1 | 2 years | €12,500 for Year 1, from €10,500 with the scholarship; €13,000 for Year 2 |
| M.Sc. or another master’s degree | Fast-Track, February 2027 only | 11 months: 5 on campus, 6-month internship | €12,500, or €11,000 if you apply before 15 November 2026 |
Indicative. Source: AI2 tuition fees and pathway pages, checked on 3 November 2026. Your admission letter confirms your entry year, tuition and any scholarship.
The BSc final year prepares a French RNCP Level 6 professional certification, and the MSc prepares a Level 7 one (Bac+5), registered in the French national register and recognised by the French State. See all tuition fees and the country-by-country equivalence table.
The AI2 × MAAUN progression routes
On 28 October 2026, AI2 signed a three-year memorandum of understanding with Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), in Kano. It defines five routes for MAAUN students and graduates:
- Route A: after Year 2 or Year 3 of a relevant B.Sc., Bachelor Year 3 at AI2, in one year;
- Route B: with a B.Sc. in computing or a related field, Mastère 1 then Mastère 2 in AI and Data Science, in two years;
- Route C: with a B.Sc. and relevant experience, or a PGD or M.Sc., the specialised Mastère 2, in one year;
- Route D: after Year 3 of a computing B.Sc., an integrated 3 + 2 progression, subject to programme mapping;
- Route E: a double degree or joint pathway, to be designed subject to the required approvals.
A joint working group is comparing programmes, credits and CGPA scales to set the entry requirements of each route. Students from other universities follow the standard admission process above.
Class of degree, CGPA and English
AI2 sets no minimum class of degree: the admissions team reads your full transcript, your projects and an online interview. Programmes are taught 100% in English and no French is required. Ask the admissions team whether your WAEC English result and a medium-of-instruction letter from your university are enough, or whether they recommend a test such as IELTS.
Getting your qualification recognised in France
AI2 evaluates your certificates and transcripts itself when you apply. If you later need an official comparison of your Nigerian qualification, for an employer or another institution, the ENIC-NARIC France centre of France Éducation international issues attestations of comparability for foreign diplomas.
Visa and timing
Once admitted, you file your application on Études en France with Campus France Nigeria, then lodge your visa application at TLScontact (Lagos until further notice). Plan to show at least €877.50 a month of resources. Our guide French student visa from Nigeria details each step.
AI2 has three intakes in 2027: February, May and September. For February, the priority deadline is 30 November 2026.
Comparing master’s options? Read our master’s guide for Nigerian graduates, with costs in naira.
Frequently asked questions
Which AI2 programme can I join with WAEC results?
With WASSCE (WAEC) or NECO SSCE results, you apply for Year 1 of the Bachelor, a three-year programme taught in English at the Écouen campus near Paris. AI2 reviews your results and your English level before confirming admission.
Can I join the MSc directly with a Nigerian B.Sc.?
Often, yes. Nigerian bachelor’s degrees usually last four or five years, so a B.Sc., B.Eng. or B.Tech in a related field can give direct entry to the 18-month MSc (12 months on campus, then a 6-month internship). Depending on your transcripts, AI2 may advise the two-year MSc instead.
Where does an HND fit?
An HND, a completed National Diploma or two to three years of a B.Sc. usually lead to the final year of the BSc: one year at AI2 plus a placement, which prepares a French RNCP Level 6 professional certification.
Do I need a second class upper?
AI2 sets no minimum class of degree. The admissions team reads your full transcript, your projects and your interview. Each French institution publishes its own conditions, so check them school by school.
Does the AI2 × MAAUN agreement change anything for me?
If you study at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, the agreement signed on 28 October 2026 sets out five progression routes to AI2 (A to E). Students from other Nigerian universities apply through the standard admission process described on this page.
Related guides: study AI in France from Nigeria · AI2 academic partners · MSc Applied AI and Data Science.
