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Higher National Diploma (HND) is a level 5 qualification that is similar to a foundation degree. Infact when compared to the typical Bachelor’s degree, it is more practical and hands-on. Your Higher National Diploma (HND) will allow you to pursue studies abroad. You may be eligible for a postgraduate diploma or a direct Master’s program with your HND (PGD). HND is recognized by educational institutions in the US, Canada, the UK, and numerous other nations.
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HNDs are flexible and place a greater emphasis on coursework and applying what has been learned than taking a few tests at the end of the academic year.
HND is a continuation of the National Diploma program (ND-[equivalent to associate degree]), both of which are provided by polytechnics in Nigeria.
There is a one-year break after the two-year ND program and this break is for an Industrial Training (IT) placement and experience in related industries.
So how does an HND compare to a bachelor’s degree in the US?
Although a direct comparison cannot be made, an associate’s degree is probably the most equivalent qualification in the United States. Similar to the HND, it is a two-year university program that can prepare students to pursue a degree if they so want.
With an HND, applying for a position at a school abroad is more difficult than it would be with a bachelor’s degree. Candidates with an HND may need to apply for a pre-program master’s in various countries before enrolling in a master’s degree.
It’s not always the same procedure in every nation, especially the United States of America.
This is some good news for HND holders who need to apply for Masters with an HND to Study. However, there are a few things you must be aware of in order to apply for positions with HND abroad.
The United States is one of the nations that accepts HND for undergraduate degrees. With your HND certificate, you can apply to some universities in the United States for a master’s degree program.
It is not the case in other nations, Canada, the UK, Germany, and Spain would require that you first complete a postgraduate course or a certificate/diploma program.
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Locating schools that accept the HND
Nigerian students with HND degrees are advised to review university entrance standards to determine what is necessary to enroll in their chosen courses. You could also need to use search engines to get a wider selection of options for school opportunities.
Visit any of the above schools’ websites for further information on how to apply for master’s degrees with an HND.
How to Apply for Masters in the US with an HND: Some Tips
You should find it interesting that several US universities view the HND certificate similarly to that of a B.SC degree, but with a few conditions attached. These universities will take into account your GMAT/GRE score along with your IELTS/TOEFL score if you are applying for a direct master’s program in the United States.
Before making an unconditional offer to you, your GRE/GMAT and TOEFL/IELTS test scores, as well as your work experience, are taken into consideration.
If you have higher credit or distinction, you will have the opportunity to get admission to study in the United States; however, you still need to meet with all different prerequisites determined on the school site. This is similar to how having a first- or second-class upper (2:1) grade gives students an advantage over candidates with lower grades to be offered admission for universities abroad.
If you’re thinking about applying for HND programs abroad, you’ll need to assess your transferable skills. Obtaining your HND and OND Transcripts and declaring with WES or other evaluating bodies
List of institutions in the United States that accept HNDs masters
The University of West Virginia (WVU) is a public, land-grant university that conducts research, and it is situated on the main campus in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Western Illinois University (WIU) is located in McComb, Illinois, it is a public school. It was established as the Western Illinois State Normal School in 1899.
The general school evolved into the Western Illinois State Teachers College as it grew. The University of Western Illinois has four academic colleges: the colleges of art and science, business and technology, education and human services, and fine arts and communication.
Houston-Victoria University (UHV) is a public university in Victoria, Texas. It belongs to the University of Houston. Houston-Victoria University (UHV) is one of four distinctive and diverse institutions that make up the University of Houston. The institution is independently accredited, provides its own educational programs, awards its own degrees, and has its own administration.
Tеxаs A&M Unіvеrѕіtу-Kіngѕvіllе is a рublіс research unіvеrѕіtу in Kіngѕvіllе, Tеxаѕ. It belongs to the Texas A&M University System. The university offers courses in science, engineering, agriculture, and wildlife. It also created the first PhD degree in bilingual teaching in the nation. It has a “R2” classification.