Nigerian students with just their Higher National Diploma (HND) degrees from polytechnics usually feel inferior as their HND degrees are not acceptable for admission internationally. Usually, before applying for admission, such students have to undergo a WES evaluation.
The World Education Services (WES) is dedicated to assisting students to pursue their education anywhere in the world. Suppose you have a certificate in your country that is not equivalent to a required certification, such as an HND degree. In that case, the WES evaluation process ensures that those academic certificates correspond with their USA equivalents.
Some universities require that you evaluate your HND and ND Transcripts with WES before applying. This evaluation will provide an equivalent for your certificate after a course-by-course credential evaluation. This evaluation process is usually costly, and not everyone can afford it. However, there are universities in the US that can accept your HND academic transcript for admission.
In this article, we have compiled a list of universities in the United States of America that accept HND for Master’s or PhD without WES evaluation.
26 Universities in the US that accept HND for Masters or PhD Without WES
Here is are 26 universities in the US that accept HND for Masters or PhD Without WES, all you need to do is upload the official HND documents while submitting your applications for admission.:
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona is one of such universities in the US that accepts HND certificates without WES certification. All you need is to submit your academic transcript showing that you have excellent academic records. Passing the IELTS test with a good score will also give your application a boost. You can apply via the official website.
University of Cincinnati
With your HND certificates, you can apply for admissions to study at the University of Cincinnati. Interested applicants are required to have a B average in their undergraduate degree, and pass the proficiency tests as these are the requirements for applying. All interested applicants can visit the official website for more information.
Purdue University
Purdue University is globally known for their prowess in research and advanced discoveries in science, technology, engineering and math. They are also ready to accept Nigerian students for admission with their HND certificate, with no WES evaluation required. Its admission is merit based so maintaining good grades will help you gain admission easily.
Harvard University
Harvard University is devoted teaching and grooming developing leaders in Learning and research. It is one of the world’s most renowned universities. If you want to make a difference globally, you can apply for admissions for Masters with your HND certificates. Having good academic records, getting a perfect score in the IELTS score, and a good recommendatiion letter.
Stanford University
Stanford University holds the record for the world’s leading research and teaching institutions. It is one of the university that accepts HND certificates for admission without WES evaluation. Stanford also offers need-based scholarships for international students with good academic records. You need to do thorough research before you proceed to apply for admissions with your HND certificate.
Duke University
Duke University is one of the universities that accepts admissions with HND results. Getting admission is usually highly competitive, and as such you need to research thoroughly and get the required documents ready before applying for admission.
University of Vermont
University of Vermont also accepts students for admission into their graduate program with just their HND certificate without WES evaluation. To meet the graduation requirements before gaining admission, the student must have a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.00., some courses might require more than that. You also need a letter of recommendation, and a high score in the IELTS proficiency tests.
The University Oklahoma
With your HND certificate, you qualify for admissions into the University of Oklahoma. You will need to submit a copy of your transcript, together with letter of recommendations. It is pertinent you do more research on the official university website about the courses you want to apply for to know more about their requirements.
Illinois State University
Illinois State University accepts applicants from all across the world into their graduate programs. These applicants are considered based on their academic records, a minimum GPA of 3.5 or above is needed, a minimum score on the GRE, GMAT or IELTS tests, and letters of recommendation. With your HND certificate, you are also free to enroll for admissions into Illinois state university.
University of Kansas
At the university of Kansas, HND holders can apply for admission into the graduate programs. Your English proficiency is also a requirement for admission, therefore having a good score in any English proficiency test will boost your chances of gaining admission into Kansas.
Kansas State University
International student can apply for admission into Kansas State University. As an HND holder, you can also submit your applications. International students are required to meet the same academic standards for admission such as good academic records, English proficiency, and a valid passport. Other requirements are displayed on the official website of the university.
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Formerly known as the university of Omaha, accepts admission applications from HND certificate holders. Your good academic records, as well as your ability to demonstrate your proficiency in English is one of the requirements for admission.
University of South Florida
The University of South Florida located in Tampa is one of the best research universities in the US. Fortunately, they accept applications from HND holders. There are basic requirements needed from applicants such as, good academic records, perfect IELTS scores, and other required tests.
Yale University
HND holders with good results can apply to Yale university, as they are one of the universities that accepts HND certificates without WES evaluation. However, applicants are required to pass the proficiency tests with above average scores. Plus other requirements which are listed on the official website.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), HND holders can apply to study any of the science and research based courses offered at MIT. Applicants will have to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to apply for any of their research programs.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
The California Institute of Technology has a reputation for expanding human knowledge and benefit society through research activities. They offer admission to HND holders with good GPA.
Princeton University
Princeton University is one of the Ivy league schools in the US. They accept applications into Masters program from applicants with HND certificates. You need to demonstrate your English proficiency, and submit your academic transcript alongside the recommendation letter. All other requirements specific to your choice of course are listed out on the official website.
Columbia University
Columbia university offers various courses for their Masters program, and admissions are open to even international students. With your HND certificate, you can apply, and you do not need to worry about WES. Your good academic performance will speak for you, and boost your chances of getting into Columbia University.
University of Chicago
International students with HND certificates can apply to the University of Chicago. Also they are eligible for merit scholarships which goes together with the applications for admission. Merit scholarships can be partial-tuition scholarships, and lump awards which can be renewable each year. To be eligible, you need a good result, and a perfect score in the IELTS test to prove your English proficiency.
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) is an Ivy league university ready to accept applicants from Nigeria with their HND certificates. Admissions are merit based, therefore you will need to demonstrate your academic prowess and proficiency in the required tests. Note that there are other requirements which you need to gain knowledge of before applying for admissions.
Kent State University
At Kent State University, scholars with their HND certificates can apply for admission. They also have a scholarship program offered to students with good academic records.
Miami University, Ohio
HND holders with good results can apply for this university. For Masters, PhD, and research programs, Miami is ready to accept you. All you need is to provide official academic transcript, plus other documents that qualifies you for admission. Each department has their specific requirements which you need to know before applying.
University of Minnesota
Non-US citizens like those from Nigeria can apply to the University of Minnesota with just their HND certificate. You will not need a WES evaluation for your certificate, but prepare other documents such as your IELTS proficiency tests score, your Academic CV, and also your recommendation letter. You need to research other requirements for the course you are applying for before you proceed with the applications.
Northern Illinois University
Nigerian students interested in studying in US for their Masters program with just their HND can do so at the Northern Illinois University. Also they can apply for the International Student Merit Scholarship from the Office of International Admissions to get grants that will support their studies financially.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
If you are interested in completing your Masters program in US with just your HND certificate, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers you such opportunity. You can embark on field of study in the arts and science. You are required to have good academic records and pass the IELTS proficiency tests with an above average score as these are the basic requirements for admission into the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
University of Connecticut
At the University of Connecticut, Nigerian students can apply for admissions for graduate studies with just their HND certificates without having to go for WES evaluation. You are required to do proper research on the requirements for your choice of course, before proceeding with the applications.
Eligibility Requirements
If you have just HND, here are some requirements you need to acquire before applying for this scholarship;
- You must have a distinction or an upper credit in your HND. This will help you stand out, even amongst the BAs and BScs of this world.
- Prepare your statement and letters of recommendation from an academic professor.
- Register for the GRE or TOEFL tests and ensure you have perfect scores. This will boost your CV and increase your chances of being selected for admission.
- Submit your applications early. Ensure you research these schools before applying to ensure you meet their eligibility requirements.
FAQS | 26 Universities in the US that Accept HND for Masters or PhD Without WES
Can I Apply for Masters in the USA With HND?
Yes, you can apply for a master’s program in the USA with an HND (Higher National Diploma), but it may not be straightforward. Most universities in the USA require a bachelor’s degree for admission into a master’s program. However, some institutions might accept an HND combined with significant work experience or additional coursework.
Is Wes Required for Masters in USA?
WES evaluation is often required for international students applying for a master’s degree in the USA. It evaluates foreign academic credentials to determine their equivalence to U.S. degrees. Many universities require a WES evaluation to understand your academic qualifications better.
Does Wes Evaluate HND?
Yes, WES evaluates HND qualifications. WES provides an equivalency report that helps U.S. institutions understand the level and content of your HND.
Can Someone With HND Go for Masters in Canada?
Yes, someone with an HND can pursue a master’s degree in Canada, though it may require additional steps. Canadian universities typically require a bachelor’s degree for admission into a master’s program. Some institutions may accept an HND combined with substantial work experience or additional qualifications. Alternatively, you might need to complete a bridging program or a post-diploma degree to meet the master’s program entry requirements.
Is HND Equivalent to Degree in USA?
No, an HND is generally not considered equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in the USA. An HND is typically seen as equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree or an associate degree. For master’s program applications, you might need to complete additional coursework or a top-up degree to bridge the gap between an HND and a bachelor’s degree.
Can Someone With HND Go For Masters in Abroad?
Yes, but it depends on the country’s educational system and the specific institution’s requirements. Some universities in countries like the UK might accept HND holders directly into master’s programs, especially if combined with relevant work experience. Other countries may require additional qualifications or bridging programs to meet the entry requirements for a master’s degree.
What Is HND Called in Canada?
In Canada, an HND does not have a direct equivalent but can be compared to a diploma or advanced diploma. These Canadian qualifications are usually awarded by colleges and cover similar academic and practical training as an HND. They are usually seen as equivalent to the first two or three years of a bachelor’s degree program.
Which Countries Accept HND?
Countries like the UK, Nigeria, Ghana, and some European nations recognize and accept HND for various academic and professional purposes. In the UK, for instance, HND holders can often enter the final year of a bachelor’s degree program.
Can I Convert My HND to BSC?
Yes, you can convert your HND to a BSc (Bachelor of Science) through a top-up degree program. Many universities offer these programs, allowing HND holders to complete additional coursework to earn a bachelor’s degree. The duration of a top-up program usually ranges from one to two years, depending on the institution and the field of study. This pathway is commonly available in the UK and other countries with similar educational frameworks.
Do universities in the USA accept HND for a master’s degree?
Having an HND degree should not deter you from getting admission to a Master’s degree program in an American university. All you need to do is pass the WES evaluation and get an acceptable GRE score. These will increase your chances of being admitted.
Which USA universities accept HND transcripts with WES evaluation?
Here is a list of schools in the USA that accept HND with WES Evaluation for the application procedures:
– Tennessee State University
– University of Hartford
– Lowa State University
– Chicago State University, Illinois
– Florida A&M University
– New Mexico State University
– Indiana State University.
Final Thoughts
Although HND degrees are not highly regarded like Bachelor’s degrees, with the right information, you can use that HND to gain admission to do your masters abroad. In this article, we have listed the universities that accept HND without WES evaluation. Now, you can apply to these schools as long as you meet their eligibility requirements.
