How To Move to the US with HND in 2025?

HND is the acronym for Higher National Diploma. Just like a bachelor’s degree, it is a higher education qualification that is obtainable in many countries. It was first introduced in England and Wales in 1920 and since then, other countries like Argentina, Malta, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya have adopted this. Generally, the grade boundaries for this certificate vary according to the institution’s requirements. 

HND in Nigeria

In Nigeria, HND typically takes about two years. Although it can take a longer time if the student decides to take the part-time route. It is also a continuation of the OND (Ordinary National Diploma) also called the National Diploma. These programs are normally offered by polytechnics. The National Board for Technical Education is the regulatory body for polytechnics and other technical institutions. 

• Duration of study: Minimum of 2 years.
• Admission requirements: OND certificate plus one year of relevant work experience.
• Content: Students get access to gain practical knowledge, and are taught vocational subjects and other general subjects. The curriculum can be found here.  
• Benefits: Holders of this certificate can apply for jobs like degree holders, and they can also apply for master’s and can begin in the 3rd year of a related bachelor’s program. 

Can I move to the U.S. with an HND Certificate? 

It is possible to move to the U.S. as an HND holder. All that matters is that you meet up with the requirements and are eligible. You can either get a job or further your studies in the U.S. as an HND holder too as long as you are qualified and you meet up with the outlined specifications. 

Can I pursue a Master’s in the U.S. with an HND certificate?

Yes, as an international student who wants to pursue a master’s degree abroad, you can pursue a master’s degree in the United States with your HND certificate. There are universities in the United States that accept HND certificates and graduates who finished with a 2:2 or 3rd-class degree. There are also scholarship opportunities for students who desire to go abroad to study.

Universities in the U.S. that accept HND certificates for Master’s program. 

Below is a list of universities that accept HND certificates for Master’s programs in the U.S.:

1. California State University, Ponoma
2. University of California, Merced
3. Clark University
4. Western Kentucky University
5. Louisiana Tech University
6. University of Northern Colorado
7. Utah Valley University
8. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
9. Illinois State University
10. University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire
11. Arkansas State University
12. Southern A & M University
13. Eastern Illinois University
14. Indiana State University
15. Georgia College and State University
16. Youngstown State University
17. Montana State University
18. Marshall University
19. Humboldt State University
20. Wichita State University
21. University of South Carolina
22. University of North Carolina, Charlotte
23. TAMUK
24. University of Minnesota, Duluth
25. Western Illinois University
26. University of Central Missouri
27. University of Missouri, St Louis
28. Georgia State University
29. University of Massachusetts,
30. Auburn University of Montgomery
31. University of Memphis (Computer Science dept.)
32. University of South Dakota
33. East Tennessee State University
34. North Dakota State University
35. University of Vermont
36. Cleveland State University
37. Western Washington University
38. University of Central Florida
39. Bowling Green State University
40. Old Dominion University
41. University of Houston, Clear Lake
42. Central Michigan University
43. University of Hawaii, Manoa
44. Jacksonville State University
45. Carnegie Mellon University
46. Tulane University
47. Tufts University 
48. University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley
49. University of Maryland
50. University of New Haven
51. Northern Arizona University
52. Case Western Reserve University
53. Georgia Southern Western
54. University of Alabama
55. Florida State University
56. Marquette University
57. University of Kansas
58. Colorado State University
59. University of Colorado- Boulder
60. University of Kentucky

Eligibility Criteria to pursue Mater’s with an HND certificate.

There are schools in the U.S. that accept HND holders just the same way they would accept a student with a bachelor’s degree. In these institutions, they often examine the standardized tests like GMAT/GRE with your IELTS/TOEFL before the student can be considered for admission. If a student has excellent scores in these exams and also has the relevant work experience then there is a good chance that they will be considered for admission. 

Informative tips on how to apply for a Master’s in the US with an HND certificate. 

Having a good grade will increase your chances of studying abroad although the schools in the U.S. that accept students with an HND certificate often consider the standardized test scores like GMAT/GRE with your IELTS/TOEFL. If you plan on pursuing your master’s abroad with your HND certificate, you will need to first of all evaluate your transcripts. Additionally, you will also send your transcripts to tо World Evаluаtіоn Sеrvісеѕ (WES) through уоur school. The three sorts of assessments include:

• Evaluation by Course

This entails a course-by-course qualification assessment. The report recognizes each of the certificates submitted and provides an equivalent to each record. It includes a demonstration of the portrayal of times оf ѕсhооlіng, courses, сrеdіt hours, evaluations, аnd degrees sd in the general education system as far as thе instructive frаmеwоrk in thе United Stаtеѕ. Additionally, it should be noted that schools in the United States utіlіzеѕ ѕеmеѕtеr credits аnd аn evaluation роіnt nоrmаl, оr GPA, оn a 4.0 ѕсаlе. 

• Evaluation by dосumеntѕ 

This assessment involves the assessment of the lists thе еduсаtіоnаl іnѕtіtutіоn (s) аnd educational сrеdеntіаls gotten in a foreign country thrоugh the Dосumеnt Credential Evaluation Rероrt аnd thеіr U.S.Only some universities and colleges accepts this evaluation exercise. 

• Eԛuаlіtу (Prоfісіеnt Wоrk Exреrіеnсе Evaluation)

This assessment is mostly used during migration purposes and it is for those people who want to apply for the  H-1B visas іn thе Unіtеd Stаtеѕ.

Necessary Documents needed to apply for a master’s in the U.S.

Below is a list of the documents required to apply for a master’s degree in the U.S. 

• Letters of Recommendation
• Academic transcripts
• Standardized tests like the GRE and GMAT
• Proof of English language proficiency scores like SAT and TOEFL
• Statement of Purpose
• Passport
• Resume or CV
• Mark sheets and pass certificates
• Work experience letters (if any)
• Proof of funds
• Research proposal / any portfolio (for any particular course)

How to position yourself for a scholarship opportunity as an HND Certificate Holder

As an HND holder, there are various tips you can harness to increase your chances when you want to get a scholarship to further your studies in the United States. Some of them include: 

• Consider getting more certifications: Whether you are a degree holder or an HND certificate holder, you mustn’t just stop there. Take short specialized courses and get certifications. It aids your personal growth and broadens your knowledge. Doing this communicates dedication and commitment to your field and gives you an edge.
• Get the relevant work experience: The scholarship committee considers the applicant’s work experience so applicants should gain the necessary work experience either through internships, volunteer roles, or other means. It gives you a practical experience in your field. 
• Networking: The importance of networking cannot be overemphasized. Attending career fairs, webinars, and conferences can aid networking as you get to meet with other like-minded individuals and get recommendations through them. 
• Research: Participating in research projects can demonstrate dedication to your chosen field of study and it gives you an edge when you apply for a scholarship. 
• Prepare an excellent application: An excellent application goes a long way in determining whether or not you are going to get the scholarship. When applying for post-graduate programs, having an excellent application that properly outlines your strengths, experiences, and the achievements you have made so far gives you an advantage during your application process. 

Begin your Career in STEM Today

Do you desire to start a career in STEM? The first thing is to pursue a degree in STEM. Wondering how to go about pursuing a postgraduate degree in STEM courses abroad? We can guide you through your journey and make your dreams come true. Reach out to us at EdXtra to access opportunities that will help you on your journey. 

Enrolling in the top universities in the world can increase your chances with employers. Unfortunately, it can be quite expensive to study abroad due to the current economic crisis. But this shouldn’t limit you as there are other options you can explore to enhance your career. 

MPower Finance and Prodigy Finance are some of the best student loan providers for international students. They also do not require any cosigner or collateral before application. At EdXtra Associates, we can help you with your loan application process. We also provide educational consultancy services for international students to help make your journey easier and faster. You can reach out to us, as we’d love to guide you through this journey. 

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