It is a common misconception that as a HND graduate/student, you are at a disadvantage academically, because preferences are given to BSc graduates both in terms of employment and scholarship opportunities. Well, this post will seek to demystify the misconception around the idea, talk more on fully funded opportunities for HND graduates and the process to get these opportunities, so it might be quite lengthy.
When it comes to fully funded educational opportunities, the USA is far ahead of every other country. The US boasts of over 5000+ institutions with fundings across departments, facilities and institutions that opens room for professors in these departments/faculties to recruit graduate students & research assistants to assist them achieve these research goals. Unlike the USA, Canada only boasts of 101 universities which means lesser fundings compared to their North American big brother.
How can HND graduates access these fundings?
1. Cold mailing professors has been the most effective method for accessing these fundings. This is usually done by sending email(s) to different professors in a specific research field where you have built a portfolio over years of work and volunteering experience stating your interests, experiences, awards, certifications related to the field of interest, publications and references all outlined in an academic CV and your unofficial academic transcripts. While this has been proven effective, it is usually encouraged to send to more professors to increase chances of being responded to, because in some cases, rejections could abound and discouragement could sent in.
2. WES (World Education Services) Evaluation, is a non-profit organization specializing in the evaluation of foreign educational credentials. Their primary function is to assess and verify academic credentials from individuals who have studied outside of the United States or Canada. WES evaluates transcripts, degrees, and other educational documents to determine their equivalence in the North American education system.
The WES Evaluation is offered in two types; Course-by-Course Evaluation and Document-by-Document Evaluation. The Course-by-Course Evaluation is usually done for educational and professional purposes which helps to eliminate unnecessary courses and grades, hence, boosting your CGPA which gives you a better chance at securing admission through conversion to a U.S. based CGPA grading scale. On the other hand, the Document-by-Document Evaluation is more basic and is suitable for general purposes like immigration or employment where a detailed course breakdown may not be necessary.
Below are the list of USA universities that require WES evaluated HND transcripts;
South Dakota University
St Cloud State University, Minnesota
University of Central Florida
University of Memphis
North Carolina A&T University
Georgia Southern University
California State University, Channel Island
Fairfield University, Connecticut
Chicago State University, Illinois
Florida A&M University
Florida Atlantic University
Middle Tennessee State University
New Mexico State University
Indiana State University
Northeastern Illinois University, Kentucky
San Diego State University, California
Minnesota State University, Mankato
St John’s University, Texas
Baylor University, Texas
George Mason University, Virginia
Marquette University
University of Arkansas, Little Rock
American University, Washington
Queens University of Charlotte
Iowa State University
East Carolina University
University of Incarnate Word, Texas
Missouri State University
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
Bentley University
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy
Oakland University, Michigan
Santa Clara University, California
Sam Houston University
Tennessee State University
University of Hartford
University of Louisville, Kentucky
University of Nevada, Las Vega
University of North Carolina, Greensboro
Roosevelt University, Chicago
Long Island University, New York
Texas A&M College Station, Texas
Eastern Illinois University, Charleston
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
University of New Haven, Connecticut
Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
Drexel University
Rutgers University
St John’s University, Queens New York.
List of Top Universities in the USA that accepts unofficial HND transcripts without WES evaluation:
The University Oklahoma
Illinois State University
University of Minnesota
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Northern Illinois University
University of Connecticut
Purdue University
University of Arizona
University of Cincinnati
University of Nebraska- Omaha
University of South Florida
South Carolina University
Northern Arizona University
Kent State University
Miami University, Ohio
University of Vermont
University of Kansas
Kansas State University
As a HND graduate seeking fully funded opportunities abroad, these two methods are effective in securing graduate studies in the USA and Canada. It is also very important to check for the requirements of each department, faculty and university before proceeding with your applications to avoid time and resources wasting.
I am aware of the dichotomy between an HND and a Bachelor’s degree in some countries, including Nigeria. However, there are opportunities for HND holders to pursue scholarships in the US and Europe. Here are the steps to securing funded scholarships with an HND:
1. Search for Universities with your major across the globe: Begin your scholarship journey by researching universities worldwide that offer programs matching your field of study. Utilize various platforms, university websites, and scholarship databases (scholarshipscafe.com) to explore available options.
2. Contact the Universities and attach your credentials to evaluate eligibility for graduate admission: Reach out to the university graduate office you’re interested in and inquire about their admission criteria for graduate programs. Attach your academic credentials, including your Higher National Diploma (HND) transcripts and certificates, for an initial evaluation of eligibility.
3. Take WES evaluation if necessary: Some universities might require a World Education Services (WES) evaluation for international credentials. If necessary, complete the WES evaluation to provide standardized information about the equivalence of your educational qualifications.
4. Acquire the right expertise: Enhance your research skills or expertise in your field by pursuing additional certifications, short courses, or relevant workshops. This can strengthen your application and demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
5. Write a compelling CV detailing your Education, research experience, teaching experience (optional), volunteering, and leadership skills: Create a comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV) that highlights your educational background, any research projects or work experience, voluntary activities, and leadership roles. Tailor your CV to emphasize achievements and skills relevant to the scholarship and your chosen field of study.
5. Contact an advisor via cold email: Reach out to academic advisors or professors in your field of interest via email. Introduce yourself briefly, express your interest in their research or program, and inquire about any opportunities or guidance regarding scholarships for students with an HND.
6. Submit a competitive statement of purpose and references: Craft a well-written and compelling statement of purpose (SOP) detailing your academic journey, career goals, and reasons for pursuing further studies. Include strong references from mentors, professors, or employers who can vouch for your abilities and character.
7. Take standardized tests if applicable: Some scholarship programs or universities may require standardized tests like the GRE, GMAT, or language proficiency tests (such as TOEFL or IELTS). Prepare and take these tests as required by your target institutions.
8. Apply: Once you’ve completed all necessary preparations, submit your applications to the selected universities and scholarship programs within the specified deadlines. Ensure that all required documents and materials are included in your application package.
