The Higher National Diploma (HND) is a globally recognised UK Level 5 qualification that offers a faster, more affordable route to a full bachelor’s degree. For Indian students, understanding the HND and its equivalence in India and overseas is important. It’s considered above a regular diploma but just below a full bachelor’s degree. One main benefit of pursuing an HND is that you can complete a bachelor’s degree in just 2 years instead of a traditional 3-year duration.
Continue reading our blog to learn more benefits of the Higher National Diploma, its entry requirements, and cost.
A Higher National Diploma (HND) is an academic and vocational qualification that originated in the UK but is now offered in several countries, including India, the UK, UAE, Nigeria, Malaysia, and many more. It is worth 240 credits and can be completed in just 12 months. Upon completing the diploma, you will receive a Level 5 qualification, which is equivalent to the first 2 years of a UK bachelor’s degree.
HND allows students to proceed to Year 3 for a top-up degree. A top-up degree is a 1-year program that allows students with a Level 5 qualification to earn a full 3-year bachelor’s degree. HND acts as a bridge between secondary education and a full bachelor’s degree, or as a direct entry point to employment in technical and professional fields.
The level of an HND varies by country, but in the UK, it is classified as a Level 5 qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). This means it is equivalent to the first 2 years of a 3-year bachelor’s degree. In Scotland, the HND is at Level 8 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework.
For Indian students, understanding the higher national diploma equivalent in India is important. The HND is generally considered to be above a regular diploma but below a full bachelor’s degree. It is a globally recognised qualification for both employment and further study.
Entry requirements for an HND can vary depending on the country and the institution. However, the general requirements for Indian students are:
It’s important to check the specific requirements of the institution or program you are interested in, as these can differ.
Choosing an HND offers several advantages, especially for students who want a practical and direct route into their chosen career:
In the UK, a Higher National Diploma (HND) typically costs between £4,000 and £8,000 per year. This roughly translates to 4.5 to 9.5 Lakh per year. For Indian students, The WorldGrad is offering the same HND, accredited by Pearson, for just INR 6.5 Lakh + GST. You can top up to a full bachelor’s degree and study in the UK.
This approach helps save money on tuition and living expenses by allowing students to complete part of their studies from home before transferring to an overseas campus.
The Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) are related qualifications, but they differ in depth and duration:
Feature | HNC | HND |
Duration | 1 year (full-time) | 2 years (full-time) |
Academic Level (UK) | Level 4 | Level 5 |
Academic Level (Scotland) | Level 7 | Level 8 |
Progression | Second year of HND, second year of degree | Final year of degree |
For Indian students, The WorldGrad offers a smart and affordable way to start your international education journey. Through our UK Advanced Accelerator Program, you can complete your Pearson-accredited HND in India in just 12 months and then progress to a UK or UAE university to get a full bachelor’s degree. We are partnered with 50+ universities across the globe.
Our program costs INR 6.5 Lakh + GST. Merit-based scholarships of INR 1 Lakh are also available.
Below are some main benefits of pursuing an HND with The WorldGrad:
The Higher National Diploma (HND) is a valuable qualification for Indian students seeking a qualification with global recognition by institutions and employers. After completing an HND, you can either enter the workforce or top up for a UK bachelor’s degree. With The WorldGrad, the HND is more accessible and affordable.
A1. In India, an HND is generally equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree, sitting above a regular diploma but below a full degree.
A2. Yes, The WorldGrad’s UK Advanced Accelerator Program offers Pearson-accredited HND online, allowing students to start their studies in India before transferring to an overseas campus.
A3. Yes, many Indian and overseas universities accept HND graduates into the final year of a bachelor’s degree.
A4. The WorldGrad’s UK Advanced Accelerator Program costs INR 6.5 Lakh + GST. Through this Smart Program, you earn a Pearson-accredited Higher National Diploma.
A5. Yes, HNDs are globally recognised and highly valued by Indian and overseas employers.