20 Universities in the USA That Accept HND Transcripts Without WES Evaluation
By TOI Desk Report
March 27, 2025
Update on : March 27, 2025
Are you an HND (Higher National Diploma) holder dreaming of studying in the United States—but worried about the time, cost, and hassle of WES (World Education Services) evaluation?
Good news: Many U.S. universities accept HND transcripts directly, without requiring a third-party credential evaluation like WES.
Whether you’re planning to pursue an undergraduate top-up program or a graduate degree, here’s a curated list of 20 U.S. universities that accept HND holders without WES evaluation, making your application process simpler and faster.
What is WES and Why Do Some Universities Skip It?
WES (World Education Services) is one of the most common agencies that evaluates international academic records. While it’s widely accepted, not every university requires it.
Some universities have internal credential evaluation teams that can review your HND transcripts directly, especially if they have experience admitting students from countries like Nigeria, Ghana, India, or Pakistan, where HND qualifications are common.
20 U.S. Universities That Accept HND Without WES Evaluation
| University Name | State | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| University of Vermont | Vermont | Accepts direct transcript submission |
| The University of Oklahoma | Oklahoma | International office assists with transcript review |
| Illinois State University | Illinois | Recognizes HND qualifications directly |
| University of Arizona | Arizona | Flexible admissions for international students |
| University of Cincinnati | Ohio | No mandatory WES for many graduate programs |
| Kent State University | Ohio | Accepts HND with departmental review |
| Miami University, Ohio | Ohio | May require unofficial transcripts at first |
| University of Minnesota | Minnesota | HND accepted based on program |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Nebraska | Internal review accepted |
| Northern Illinois University | Illinois | WES optional for some programs |
| University of Connecticut | Connecticut | Recognizes HND with strong grades |
| Purdue University | Indiana | Department-based decision on credential evaluation |
| University of Kansas | Kansas | Accepts direct application with HND transcripts |
| Kansas State University | Kansas | WES not always needed—varies by program |
| University of Nebraska-Omaha | Nebraska | Internal credential review available |
| University of South Florida | Florida | Welcomes international qualifications |
| University of South Carolina | South Carolina | Accepts direct transcript evaluation |
| Northern Arizona University | Arizona | WES not required for many HND holders |
| West Virginia University | West Virginia | Known for flexible admission requirements |
| Clark University | Massachusetts | Accepts HND holders directly in many programs |
What You’ll Typically Need Instead of WES
Even though WES isn’t needed, universities may still require:
- Official HND transcripts sent directly from your institution
- Course-by-course breakdown of grades (if available)
- English proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation
- A valid international passport
- Application fee (varies per university)
Tips for HND Holders Applying to U.S. Universities
- Contact Admissions Directly: Always email or call the international admissions office to confirm if WES is waived for your program.
- Submit Transcripts Early: Transcripts should be official and sealed, either uploaded to the application portal or mailed.
- Strong Academic Record: A high GPA in your HND program increases your chances of acceptance, especially for graduate studies.
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Internships, work experience, or certifications can strengthen your application.
- Be Program-Specific: Requirements may vary depending on the program (e.g., engineering vs. business vs. public health).
Programs Commonly Open to HND Holders in the U.S.
Many of these universities offer HND holders admission into:
- Bachelor’s top-up programs
- Pre-master’s or bridge programs
- Direct entry into master’s programs (in select cases)
Popular fields include:
- Computer Science & IT
- Business Administration
- Engineering
- Public Health
- Data Science
- Environmental Science
- Education & Leadership
Why This Matters for International Students
Many students from countries like Nigeria, Ghana, India, and Pakistan hold HND certificates and face rejections simply because of WES requirements. Finding a university that understands and accepts your academic background without unnecessary red tape can save time, money, and energy.
These 20 universities provide that opportunity.
Conclusion
If you’ve got an HND and big dreams of studying in the USA, you’re not limited. These 20 universities prove that you can move forward without needing WES evaluation, as long as you meet other academic and language requirements.
Do your research, reach out to admissions offices, and don’t be afraid to apply. A U.S. degree might be closer than you think.
Latest News
Related Posts
