If you’re a Nigerian graduate looking to advance your career with a world-class degree, you need to know exactly what American university of Nigeria AUN postgraduate requirements demand. This article gives you the complete roadmap to securing admission into one of Nigeria’s most respected private universities. You’ll learn the specific academic qualifications, entrance exam scores, documentation, and fees you need to prepare. This article is written for Nigerian graduates, healthcare professionals, nursing students, and career-changers who want to pursue postgraduate studies at AUN without surprises.
Overview of AUN Postgraduate Programmes
The American University of Nigeria, located in Yaba, Lagos, offers rigorous postgraduate programmes designed for working professionals and recent graduates. AUN’s postgraduate offerings span business, healthcare, engineering, and social sciences — giving you multiple pathways depending on your career goals. The university follows the American educational system while operating within the Nigerian regulatory framework, which means your degree carries international recognition alongside local credibility.
AUN postgraduate programmes typically run for 1–2 years depending on whether you’re pursuing a Master’s degree or diploma. The university operates on a semester system, meaning you’ll complete coursework, projects, and a thesis or capstone project within your study period. Many students choose AUN because the campus is in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub, making it easier to balance work and studies. Understanding the American university of Nigeria AUN postgraduate requirements is your first step toward making an informed decision about your graduate education.
Academic Requirements for Admission
To gain admission into any AUN postgraduate programme, you must hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (first or second-class upper honours) from a recognised university. If you graduated with a second-class lower or third-class degree, you may still apply, but your application will face stricter scrutiny, and you might be asked to complete additional qualifying courses. AUN recognises degrees from Nigerian universities like University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Ibadan (UI), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), and international institutions accredited by recognised bodies.
Your undergraduate transcript must show a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, though competitive programmes like the MBA prefer 3.0 and above. If your first degree is in a different field from your intended postgraduate programme, you may be required to take bridging or foundational courses before starting your main programme. This is particularly common if you’re transitioning from a non-healthcare background into health-related postgraduate degrees. The American university of Nigeria AUN postgraduate requirements regarding academic credentials are non-negotiable, so ensure your transcripts are officially certified before submission.
English Language Requirements
Since all instruction at AUN is conducted in English, the university requires proof of English language proficiency. If your first degree was completed in English at a recognised Nigerian or international institution, you’re typically exempt from additional English tests. However, if you completed your undergraduate studies in another language or attended a school where English wasn’t the primary medium of instruction, you must provide proof of English competency.
AUN accepts the following English language test scores:
- TOEFL iBT: minimum score of 80
- IELTS: minimum band score of 6.5 overall
- Cambridge English Advanced (CAE): minimum grade C
- PTE Academic: minimum score of 58
If you don’t have these international test scores, AUN administers its own English placement test during the application screening process. The test assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities to determine if you can handle postgraduate-level coursework. Many Nigerian applicants pass this internal test without needing external certifications. Meeting the English language component is a key part of the American university of Nigeria AUN postgraduate requirements that you cannot overlook.
Application Process and Documentation
The application process for AUN postgraduate programmes is entirely online through the university’s admissions portal. You’ll create an account, fill out the application form with your personal and academic information, and upload required documents. The process typically takes 15–30 minutes to complete, but gathering all necessary documents beforehand saves you time and stress.
Required documentation for American university of Nigeria AUN postgraduate requirements includes:
- Completed online application form
- Official transcripts from your undergraduate institution (sealed and signed)
- Copy of your Bachelor’s degree certificate or diploma
- Valid passport or national ID
- Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or AUN English test results)
- Statement of purpose (250–500 words explaining why you want to study at AUN)
- Curriculum vitae or resume showing work experience
- Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees
- Proof of payment of application fee (₦25,000 for Nigerian applicants, $150 USD for international applicants)
Some programmes, particularly those in healthcare and engineering, may request additional documents like a professional license, work experience certificate, or a research proposal. Once you submit your application, AUN’s admissions team reviews it within 2–3 weeks. If your application passes the initial screening, you’ll be invited for an interview — either in-person at the Lagos campus or via video call if you’re outside Lagos. The interview typically lasts 20–30 minutes and focuses on your motivation, academic background, and career goals.
Postgraduate Fees and Financial Information
AUN postgraduate fees vary significantly depending on your programme of study and whether you’re classified as a Nigerian or international student. As a private institution, AUN’s fees are considerably higher than federal government universities like UNILAG or UI, but they’re comparable to other premium private institutions like Covenant University and Lagos Business School.
Typical postgraduate fee ranges at AUN include:
- Master’s Programmes (Science, Engineering, Healthcare): ₦2,800,000 – ₦4,200,000 per academic year
- MBA and Business Programmes: ₦3,500,000 – ₦5,000,000 per academic year
- Postgraduate Diplomas: ₦1,800,000 – ₦2,800,000 per academic year
- International Student Fees: $18,000 – $25,000 USD per academic year
These fees cover tuition, library access, campus facilities, and student services. They do not include accommodation, meals, transportation, textbooks, or personal expenses. Most students budget an additional ₦800,000 – ₦1,500,000 per year for hostel accommodation on or near campus, meals, and transport within Lagos. If you’re coming from outside Lagos, factor in relocation costs and periodic travel home.
AUN offers payment plans allowing you to split fees into 2–3 instalments per semester, which helps ease the financial burden. Some employers sponsor their staff through AUN postgraduate programmes, so check if your organisation offers tuition reimbursement. Understanding the full cost structure is essential when evaluating the American university of Nigeria AUN postgraduate requirements and whether the investment aligns with your career goals.
Available Postgraduate Programmes
AUN offers diverse postgraduate programmes across multiple disciplines. Your choice depends on your undergraduate background, career aspirations, and professional licensing requirements.
Healthcare and Medical Sciences Programmes:
- Master of Science in Public Health (MPH) — focuses on epidemiology, health policy, and community health
- Master of Science in Nursing — available for registered nurses seeking advanced clinical and leadership skills
- Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science — for laboratory professionals pursuing specialisation
- Master of Science in Pharmacy — postgraduate specialisation for licensed pharmacists
Engineering and Technology Programmes:
- Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
- Master of Science in Civil Engineering
- Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Master of Science in Computer Science
Business and Management Programmes:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) — general or with specialisations in finance, marketing, or healthcare management
- Master of Science in Management
- Master of Science in Finance
Social Sciences and Humanities:
- Master of Science in International Relations
- Master of Science in Education
- Master of Arts in English
Each programme has specific prerequisite courses and professional requirements. For example, the Master of Science in Nursing requires you to be a registered nurse with NMCN (Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria) and typically at least 2 years of clinical experience. The MBA doesn’t require a business background but prefers applicants with 3+ years of work experience. Researching your specific programme’s requirements within the broader American university of Nigeria AUN postgraduate requirements ensures you meet all criteria before applying.
Entrance Examinations and Assessments
Most AUN postgraduate programmes require you to take an entrance examination as part of the admission process. The specific exam depends on your programme and is designed to assess your foundational knowledge and readiness for graduate-level work.
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): Required for MBA and most business-related postgraduate programmes. You must score at least 450–500 on the GMAT (out of 800) to be competitive. The exam tests quantitative reasoning, verbal ability, and analytical writing. Many Nigerian applicants prepare for GMAT through online platforms like Kaplan, Manhattan Prep, or the official GMAC website. Registration costs approximately $275 USD, and you can sit the exam at testing centres in Lagos, Abuja, and other major Nigerian cities.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE): Required for Master’s programmes in science, engineering, and some social science fields. A competitive GRE score falls between 310–320 (out of 340). The exam has three sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Like GMAT, GRE registration costs $205 USD, and testing centres are available across Nigeria.
Subject-Specific Entrance Exams: Some healthcare programmes conduct their own entrance examinations. For instance, the Master of Science in Nursing programme may include a nursing-specific assessment testing clinical knowledge and critical thinking. These internal exams are administered by AUN and are included in the application screening process.
Interview and Essay Assessment: All postgraduate applicants participate in a structured interview where you discuss your academic background, career goals, and reasons for choosing AUN. You may also be asked to write a short essay on a given topic to assess your analytical and communication skills. These assessments help admissions committees evaluate your fit for the programme beyond test scores. Preparing thoroughly for these components significantly strengthens your chances of meeting the American university of Nigeria AUN postgraduate requirements.
Scholarship Opportunities
AUN offers several scholarship schemes to support qualified postgraduate students. These scholarships can cover full or partial tuition, making postgraduate education more accessible to deserving students.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded to applicants with outstanding academic records and strong entrance exam scores. These scholarships typically cover 25%–75% of tuition fees. To qualify, you usually need a bachelor’s degree GPA of 3.5 or above and competitive GMAT or GRE scores.
Need-Based Scholarships: Available for admitted students who demonstrate financial need. You’ll need to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form and provide financial documentation to be considered. These scholarships are limited and highly competitive.
Healthcare Professional Scholarships: Specifically for nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals pursuing advanced degrees. Some scholarships are sponsored by healthcare organisations and government agencies promoting professional development in the health sector. The NMCN and various state health ministries occasionally announce scholarship opportunities for nurses pursuing postgraduate qualifications.
Corporate/Employer Sponsorships: Many large Nigerian companies sponsor their employees’ postgraduate studies at AUN. Check with your HR department about tuition reimbursement or sponsorship programmes. Some organisations require you to sign an agreement committing to work for them for a specified period after graduation.
International Scholarships: AUN partners with international organisations and governments offering scholarships for African students. These include Chevening Scholarships, British Council scholarships, and scholarships from development agencies. Application deadlines typically fall between September and November for the following academic year.
Scholarship applications are competitive and often require essays, recommendation letters, and demonstrated leadership or community service. Start researching scholarship opportunities immediately after your undergraduate graduation. Many scholarships are announced in January–March for September intake, so plan accordingly. Securing a scholarship substantially reduces the financial burden of meeting the American university of Nigeria AUN postgraduate requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum GPA required for American university of Nigeria AUN postgraduate requirements?
AUN requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, though competitive programmes like the MBA prefer 3.0 and above. Check your specific programme’s requirements as some have higher standards.
Can I apply to AUN postgraduate programmes if my first degree is not related to my chosen field?
Yes, you can apply, but you may be required to complete bridging or foundational courses before starting your main programme. This is common for career changers, especially in healthcare and engineering fields.
How long does the AUN postgraduate admission process take?
From application submission to admission decision typically takes 4–8 weeks. This includes initial screening (2–3 weeks), interview scheduling, and final decision. Faster processing may occur during early application periods.
Are GMAT and GRE scores valid for how long when applying to AUN?
GMAT and GRE scores remain valid for 5 years from the test date. Ensure your scores haven’t expired before submitting your application, as AUN will not accept expired scores.
Does AUN offer part-time postgraduate programmes for working professionals?
Yes, AUN offers flexible scheduling for working professionals, with classes held in evenings and weekends for most postgraduate programmes. This allows you to balance work and studies, though you’ll still complete the full curriculum.
What is the application fee for American university of Nigeria AUN postgraduate requirements?
The application fee is ₦25,000 for Nigerian applicants and $150 USD for international applicants.