Have an HND and want a full bachelor’s degree? A top-up year lets you turn a Higher National Diploma into a bachelor’s-level qualification in one year. In France, AI2 offers English-taught final-year BSc programmes in applied AI near Paris, open to HND holders.
What is a top-up degree?
A top-up degree is the final year of a bachelor’s programme, designed for students who already hold a two-year higher education qualification such as a Pearson BTEC HND. Instead of starting a bachelor’s from Year 1, you join the final year and graduate in about 12 months.
Who can apply after an HND?
- Holders of a Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) or a BTEC Level 5 qualification in computing or a related field.
- Holders of a French BTS, or students who have completed Years 1 and 2 of a bachelor’s in computing.
- Students from Nigeria, Ghana, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the UK and other countries where HNDs are common, subject to an assessment of your diploma.
- English at B2 level: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 72 or an English-medium instruction letter; see study in France without IELTS.
Two top-up BSc programmes in applied AI
BSc AI-Powered Application Development
Build complete, secure applications with AI coding assistants, APIs and cloud tools. RNCP37873, level 6.
BSc Data Analytics & Applied AI (Industry 4.0)
Data analytics, business intelligence and AI for industry. RNCP41370, level 6.
Why top up in France?
- One year to a bachelor’s-level qualification, taught entirely in English.
- Tuition from €9,900 after the AI2 scholarship (standard tuition €10,500).
- The right to work up to 964 hours a year during your studies.
- A direct path to an MSc afterwards: see MSc Applied AI and Data Science.
From HND to Paris: step by step
Apply online with your HND or BTEC transcripts and your English certificate.
Attend an online interview with the academic team.
Receive your admission letter, which confirms your programme, intake, tuition and any scholarship.
Complete the Campus France procedure if it applies in your country, then apply for your student visa; see visa guidance.
Join the final-year BSc on the Écouen campus near Paris.
Country guides: Nigeria · Ghana · Sri Lanka · Pakistan · Bangladesh · all countries.
Related guides: entry requirements for the BSc final year · French student visa from Sri Lanka
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a bachelor’s degree in one year after an HND?
Yes. A top-up final year lets HND holders earn a bachelor’s-level qualification in about one year. AI2’s final-year BSc programmes prepare qualifications registered by the French State at RNCP level 6.
Is a Nigerian or Ghanaian HND accepted?
HND holders from Nigeria, Ghana and other countries can apply; the academic team assesses your diploma and transcripts during admission.
How much does a top-up year cost at AI2?
From €9,900 after the AI2 scholarship, with a standard tuition of €10,500.
Can I continue to a master’s after the top-up?
Yes. After the BSc final year you can apply to an MSc, such as the MSc Applied AI and Data Science.
Do I need IELTS?
You need English at B2 level: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 72 or an English-medium instruction letter.
Apply online: the academic team reviews your file and invites you to an online interview.
