Holders of Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) frequently encounter difficulties when trying to pursue postgraduate education overseas, particularly in nations such as the United States.
Nonetheless, a few American universities have recently shown greater willingness to acknowledge the worth of foreign degrees, such as HNDs. This post will be of help if you have an HND and intend to continue your studies in the United States.
Get Up to $100,000 Student Loan for Your Master in US or Canada.
Here are the 25 US colleges that will accept HND holders for Master’s or PhD admissions in 2025.
Learn How To Move to the US with an HND in 2025?
What is the Higher National Diploma (HND)?
HND, or Higher National Diploma, is a work-related course provided by higher education colleges and polytechnics, usually lasting two years. In countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and the UK, an HND is considered a step below a bachelor’s degree but focuses more on practical and technical education.
Although the U.S. education system does not have a direct equivalent, many institutions evaluate HNDs based on course content, grades, and work experience.
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Can I Study in the USA with an HND?
Yes, but it also depends on the school and how well your professional and academic credentials stand out. For graduate admission, the majority of American universities demand a four-year bachelor’s degree, but some may
- If HND is supported by substantial work experience or other credentials, accept it.
- Encourage enrolling in a pre-master’s or postgraduate diploma program.
- Use a credential review organization like WES (World Education Services) to assess your qualifications.
Requirements in the USA for Master’s/PhD Admission with HND
As an HND holder, you could require the following to get admitted to a graduate program in the United States:
- A high GPA, usually 3.0 or above
- Work experience that is relevant (2–5 years)
- Reference letters
- Statement of purpose or personal statement
- GMAT or GRE results (based on the program)
- Evidence of fluency in English (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo)
- WES Assessment or a comparable
- CV or resume
- Professional qualifications are useful but not required.
25 U.S. Universities That May Consider HND Holders for Graduate Admissions in 2025
Here’s a list of universities that have historically accepted HND holders under specific conditions. Always verify current policies on their official websites.
| # | University | HND Admission Notes | Website | International Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of South Florida (USF) | May consider HND with strong professional experience | www.usf.edu | 41% |
| 2 | Kent State University | Offers conditional admission and bridge programs | www.kent.edu | 4.5% |
| 3 | University of Houston – Clear Lake | Holistic evaluation; HND + experience may qualify | www.uhcl.edu | 81% |
| 4 | University of Bridgeport | Accepts HNDs into graduate programs upon evaluation | www.bridgeport.edu | 73% |
| 5 | California State University, Northridge (CSUN) | Accepts strong academic and work credentials | www.csun.edu | 88–90% |
| 6 | Texas A&M University – Kingsville | Flexible entry pathways for international students | www.tamuk.edu | 91% |
| 7 | New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) | Considers tech focus and professional certifications | www.njit.edu | 69% |
| 8 | Wichita State University | Pathway courses or transcript evaluation for HND holders | www.wichita.edu | 68% |
| 9 | University of Findlay | Welcomes diverse academic backgrounds | www.findlay.edu | 83.6% |
| 10 | University of Central Missouri | Accepts students with unique educational backgrounds | www.ucmo.edu | 66.7% |
| 11 | University of West Florida | HND + strong work experience + good GPA considered | www.uwf.edu | 59% |
| 12 | Arkansas State University | Admission possible via credential evaluation | www.astate.edu | 63.3% |
| 13 | Troy University | International-friendly; may offer conditional admission | www.troy.edu | 95.3% |
| 14 | Eastern Michigan University | Known for grad programs in business, tech, and education | www.emich.edu | 84.6% |
| 15 | Grand Valley State University | Case-by-case basis with strong recommendations | www.gvsu.edu | 90% |
Please note that acceptance rates can vary by program and over time. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s recommended to consult the universities’ official admissions pages or contact their admissions offices directly.
How to Make Your HND Application Stand Out to U.S. Graduate Schools
- Obtain an Evaluation of Your WES Credentials
- Send in your transcript for comparison.
- Select “Course-by-Course” for optimal outcomes.
- Acquire Useful Work Experience
- At least 2–3 years in your field helps enormously.
- Earn Extra Certifications
- Your profile can be enhanced by professional qualifications, edX, or Coursera.
- Get a solid statement of purpose (SOP) ready.
- Emphasize your motivation, objectives, and experience.
- Get Effective Recommendations
- Preferably from professional or academic supervision.
- Master the Standardized Tests
- Depending on the curriculum, the GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, or IELTS.
Note that you can also apply for financial aid and scholarships:
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
- University-specific scholarships (check official websites)
Read Also: How to get loans to study in the USA and Canada
