The HNC or Higher National Certificate is a vocational qualification equivalent to the first year of a bachelor’s degree. It offers a flexible route to international students and is a stepping stone to getting a full bachelor’s degree and kickstarting a high-demand career. This qualification is globally recognised, including the UK, Australia, Singapore and India.
In this article, we’ll explain what an HNC is, its benefits, entry requirements, cost, and how you can pursue this qualification with The WorldGrad.
The full form of HNC is Higher National Certificate. It is a Level 4 qualification primarily awarded in the UK, designed to provide practical skills and theoretical knowledge in a specific subject area. The HNC is part of the “Higher Nationals” suite of qualifications, which also includes the Higher National Diploma (HND).
An HNC is usually completed in one year of full-time study or two years part-time. It is a vocational qualification, which means it focuses on preparing students for specific careers or further study, rather than just academic theory. HNC courses are available in a wide range of subjects, such as business, engineering, computing, health and social care, and more
The HNC is considered a Level 4 qualification on the UK’s Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). This means it is equivalent to:
After completing an HNC, students can progress directly into the second year of a related undergraduate degree or move into skilled employment.
As an Indian student, to study for an HNC, you need to:
Some colleges may have different requirements, so it’s important to check with the institution offering the course.
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The cost of an HNC varies depending on the country, institution, and mode of study (full-time, part-time, or distance learning). In the UK, tuition fees for international students can range from £6,000 to £10,000 per year. This roughly translates to INR 7 to 11.7 Lakh. Note that the costs may be lower or higher based on the subject and institution.
The WorldGrad is offering the same Level 4 Higher National Certificate for Indian students for just INR 3.5 Lakh, excluding taxes. Students will study in India and on completion, will be awarded a Pearson-accredited Level 4 HNC qualification.
Understanding HNC vs HND is essential as it will help you, as a student, to decide what to pursue. Here are some main differences between these two qualifications:
Feature | HNC (Higher National Certificate) | HND (Higher National Diploma) |
Qualification Level | Level 4 | Level 5 |
Credit Value | 120 credits | 240 credits |
Equivalent To | 1st year of bachelor’s degree | First 2 years of bachelor’s degree |
Progression Options | Entry to 2nd year of degree | Entry to final year of degree |
An HNC qualification is highly valued by employers, both Indian and overseas. Some popular career paths for HNC graduates include:
Many students use the HNC as a stepping stone to further study, such as progressing to an HND or entering the second year of a bachelor’s degree. This flexibility allows graduates to either start working or continue their education based on their career goals.
The WorldGrad’s Global Year 1 Program is a Smart Program for students seeking to accelerate their undergraduate studies at top universities in Australia, the UK, Singapore or even in India. Our program enables students to save time and money while achieving academic success overseas and at home.
Through our program, you can complete your Pearson-accredited HNC in India in just 6 months and then progress to a UK or Australian university to get a full bachelor’s degree.
You also have the option to complete the rest of the bachelor’s degree in India at Pearson BTEC partner institutions, such as Lovely Professional University, Ajeenkya DY Patil University and Jagganath University.
Below are some main benefits of pursuing an HNC with The WorldGrad:
The Higher National Certificate (HNC) is an excellent choice for Indian students seeking a
qualification that is globally recognised by both institutions and employers. Whether you want to get a job quickly or use the HNC as a pathway to further studies abroad, this qualification offers flexibility, affordability, and strong employability prospects. With us, starting your HNC journey has never been easier or more accessible.
A1. HNC stands for Higher National Certificate.
A2. The HNC is equivalent to the first year of a bachelor’s degree or a diploma after 10+2 in India. It is a Level 4 qualification in the UK. The WorldGrad’s Global Year 1 Program offers a Pearson-accredited HNC in India.
A3. Yes, the HNC is recognised by employers in India as well as overseas.
A4. Yes, you can progress to an HND (Higher National Diploma) or enter the second year of a related bachelor’s degree.
A5. Yes, the HNC is recognised in many countries, and its credits can be transferred to universities in the UK, Australia, and other countries.