EDUCATION

HND to Master’s Degree in Canada – What You Should Know Before Applying

Canada is one of the most popular destinations for international students—thanks to its high academic standards, student-friendly immigration policies, and strong job market. But for HND holders from countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and others, getting into a Canadian master’s program isn’t as straightforward as it is for bachelor’s degree holders. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s possible to move from an HND to a master’s in Canada, the answer is layered.

While Canadian universities generally require a four-year bachelor’s degree for admission into master’s programs, there are still realistic pathways for HND holders to reach that goal. However, you won’t find many schools that accept HND for direct entry into a master’s program. If you’re serious about studying in Canada after HND, you must be willing to take some extra academic steps—but the reward is worth it.

Why Canadian Universities Don’t Accept HND for Direct Master’s Entry

In Canada, a typical bachelor’s degree lasts for four years. Most universities expect candidates applying for a master’s to have completed this full cycle of undergraduate education. An HND, even though it’s a respected qualification in Nigeria and other countries, is considered a diploma—not a full degree—by Canadian academic standards.

As a result, if you submit only your HND certificate when applying for a master’s program in Canada, you’re likely to receive a rejection or be asked to apply for an undergraduate program instead.

But this doesn’t mean your HND is useless. With the right strategy, you can still use it as a stepping stone to earn a master’s degree in Canada.

Step-by-Step Pathway from HND to Master’s in Canada

The most reliable way to use your HND to get a master’s in Canada is to follow an indirect route. Here’s what that usually looks like:

1. Start with a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) or Graduate Certificate Program

Canadian colleges offer Postgraduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma programs that are designed for international students with sub-degree qualifications. These programs typically last for 8 months to 2 years and are often career-focused. Fields like business, IT, hospitality, project management, and engineering have plenty of options. Once you complete a Canadian PGD or graduate certificate, you’ll be in a better position to apply for a master’s program or directly enter the job market.

ALSO READ: Study in Canada with HND or ND Certificate

2. Consider Completing a Top-Up or Bridging Program

Although Canadian universities don’t officially label it a “top-up,” some institutions allow HND holders to transfer into the third year of a related undergraduate program. You’d then complete one or two more years to earn a full bachelor’s degree. After that, you become eligible for a master’s program. Some colleges have agreements with universities for degree completion programs that make this process easier. Ontario and British Columbia have several institutions that work in this format.

3. Gain Work Experience and Apply for Professional Master’s Degrees

If you have multiple years of relevant work experience, especially in fields like business, management, or IT, you may qualify for professional master’s degrees at some institutions—though this is still rare and often competitive. Your application must be backed by strong references, a detailed CV, and a compelling statement of purpose.

4. Study in a College First, Then Transfer

Colleges like Seneca College, Centennial College, Humber College, and George Brown College offer postgraduate-level certificate and diploma programs tailored to international students. After completion, you may be able to apply for a master’s at a university or enter the workforce with a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

ALSO READ: HND Nursing vs BSc Nursing: Choosing the Best Path for Your Career

Canadian Institutions Known for Accepting HND Through PGD Pathway

While universities won’t accept HND directly for master’s, several colleges will accept it for postgraduate certificate programs. Here are some of them:

Seneca College
Centennial College
George Brown College
Conestoga College
Niagara College
Humber College
Fanshawe College
Douglas College
Lambton College
Sheridan College

Once you complete your studies in any of these colleges, you’ll have Canadian education credentials that may qualify you for a master’s or a high-paying job.

Duration and Structure of the PGD Path

A postgraduate diploma program in Canada typically takes 1 to 2 years, depending on the institution and course. Many of these programs include co-op or internship opportunities, which allow you to gain Canadian work experience during your studies.

They are also designed to align with labor market demands, which increases your chances of getting a job after graduation—especially with a PGWP in hand.

Can You Apply for a Master’s After Completing Canadian PGD?

Yes. Some Canadian universities will consider you for a master’s program once you’ve completed a relevant postgraduate certificate or diploma. You’ll still need to meet the program’s entry requirements, which may include a minimum GPA, language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL), and possibly GRE/GMAT scores for competitive programs.

You must also ensure that the PGD or certificate you completed is in a related field to the intended master’s program. For example, someone with an HND in Business Administration who completed a graduate certificate in Global Business Management may now be eligible to apply for an MBA.

Important Documents You’ll Need

To make any of these pathways work, you’ll need to prepare a solid application package:

HND certificate and transcript
WAEC/NECO certificate
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Statement of purpose
Recommendation letters
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS Academic – minimum 6.5 overall for most schools)
Professional certifications (if available)

In some cases, you’ll also need a credential evaluation (WES) to show how your HND compares to Canadian academic standards.

ALSO READ: HND to Master’s Scholarships in the USA: Your Pathway to Advanced Education

How PGD in Canada Leads to Permanent Residency

One of the biggest advantages of studying in Canada—even through a college-level PGD—is the opportunity to apply for permanent residency. Once you finish your program, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows you to work in Canada for up to 3 years.

After gaining Canadian work experience through the PGWP, you may be eligible to apply for PR through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

This long-term benefit makes the HND-to-PGD-to-master’s pathway even more appealing for those planning to settle in Canada.