EDUCATION

International Scholarships for HND Graduates: Application Process

Many Higher National Diploma (HND) holders often wonder if they can benefit from international scholarships for further studies. The answer is yes, there are several international scholarships and universities that accept HND holders, either directly into master’s programs or through top-up or bridging programs. In this article, you will learn about suitable scholarships, the application procedures, and how to boost your chances of securing one.

Who is an HND Graduate?

An HND (Higher National Diploma) is a vocational and practical qualification awarded in several countries, especially in the UK, Nigeria, Ghana, and other Commonwealth countries. It is typically equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree and is focused on practical and industry-specific training.

Some international universities accept HND certificates for direct entry into postgraduate programs, while others may require applicants to undergo a pre-masters or a top-up bachelor’s program before progressing to the master’s level.

Scholarships Available for HND Graduates

Below are some well-known international scholarships you can apply for as an HND holder.

1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is one of the most popular fully-funded opportunities for international students. It offers full funding for selected master’s degree programs across Europe. It covers tuition fees, travel expenses, insurance, and a monthly stipend.

Eligibility for HND Graduates:

Some Erasmus programs accept HND holders, especially if you have a strong academic record, relevant work experience, and good motivation. Each program has its own entry requirement, so you will need to carefully check the eligibility of each course.

Application Procedure:

Visit https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus-catalogue_en
Search for master’s programs that suit your field.
Check if your qualification (HND) is acceptable.
Prepare documents such as your transcript, statement of purpose, CV, recommendation letters, and English proficiency results (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
Apply directly through the program’s application portal.

2. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

This program provides full scholarships to students from Africa to study at selected universities in Canada, the USA, and other partner countries. The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, books, and a monthly stipend.

Eligibility for HND Graduates:

Some Mastercard partner universities accept HND holders, especially if you have strong academic records and leadership potential. Some may require you to first complete a top-up degree.

Application Procedure:

Visit https://mastercardfdn.org/all/scholars/
Review the list of partner universities.
Check each university’s admission requirement for HND holders.
Apply directly to the university.
If eligible, apply for the Mastercard Scholars Program within the university.

3. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France)

This scholarship is awarded to international students who want to study for a master’s or PhD program in France. It offers financial support covering living expenses, health insurance, and return tickets.

Eligibility for HND Graduates:

French universities often determine whether to accept HND holders. In some cases, you may need to do a top-up program before applying for a master’s.

Application Procedure:

Visit https://www.campusfrance.org/en/eiffel-scholarship-program-of-excellence
Find French universities offering your program of interest.
Confirm from the admissions office if they accept HND for postgraduate studies.
Apply for admission.
If selected, the university will nominate you for the Eiffel Scholarship.

ALSO READ: Top-up programme Not for every HND holder – NBTE Clarifies

Universities That Accept HND Holders for Postgraduate or Top-Up Programs

Here are some universities known to accept HND graduates:

Leeds Beckett University (UK)
University of Portsmouth (UK)
University of Bedfordshire (UK)
University of Central Missouri (USA)
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (USA)
Memorial University of Newfoundland (Canada)
Robert Gordon University (UK)
Sheffield Hallam University (UK)

These universities may allow you to:

Top-up your HND to a full bachelor’s degree in 1 year.
Progress directly into a master’s program (for selected courses).

It is advisable to contact the admission office of your chosen university to verify specific requirements.

Documents Usually Required for Scholarship Applications

To apply successfully for international scholarships as an HND holder, you will likely need the following:

HND certificate and transcript
Statement of purpose or personal statement
CV/Resume
Letters of recommendation
International passport
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
Work experience letter (if applicable)
Portfolio (for art and design-related courses)

Tips to Strengthen Your Application as an HND Graduate

Evaluate Your Certificate: If applying to countries like the USA or Canada, you may need to evaluate your HND certificate using credential evaluation services such as WES (World Education Services).
Gain Work Experience: If you have work experience in your field, it adds weight to your application, especially if you are applying for scholarships that value leadership and practical experience.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Use your statement to explain your academic background, why you are interested in further studies, and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.
Secure Quality Recommendations: Ensure you get recommendation letters from lecturers or employers who can genuinely speak about your skills and character.
Prepare Early: Many international scholarships have early deadlines, sometimes up to 12 months before the intended study start date. Prepare your documents and apply on time.