Master’s degrees can give job candidates an edge in today’s highly-competitive job market, offering better career prospects and increased earnings potential.
But individuals holding third-class degrees or Higher National Diploma (HND) qualifications may feel encouraged to pursue one here in America; don’t despair! In this article, we’ll highlight universities that accept third class for masters in USA and schools that accept HND for masters in USA as we demystify this dream for international students seeking funding assistance for their master’s journeys in America. We also look at scholarships available to international students for universities that accept third class for masters program in USA!
Broaden Your Horizons: Top Universities that Accept Third Class for Masters in USA
Many esteemed universities in the USA recognize potential beyond grades alone and understand that academic performance does not entirely define an individual’s abilities. Some notable universities in USA that accept third class for masters include:
1. DePaul University
Situated in Chicago, Illinois, DePaul University takes a holistic approach to admissions by considering work experience, personal achievements, and motivation for success when selecting applicants. They look at applicants’ overall profiles while considering potential academic growth potential.
2. University of Houston in Texas
At the University of Houston in Texas, applicants’ strengths, experiences, and goals are valued over grades alone. Candidates are evaluated holistically, considering extracurricular involvement and passion for their chosen field of study.
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Universities Accept HND Qualifications: Accepting Diversity
Universities that Consider HND Qualifications: HND qualifications from recognized institutions have gained widespread acceptance over time, including some real-life universities in the USA that accept them for admission into master’s programs such as:
- California State University, Northridge: California State University, Northridge recognizes and values the skills acquired through HND programs as they offer practical knowledge that can be used in daily life. They welcome HND graduates with diverse backgrounds into their academic community.
- University of Central Florida: The University of Central Florida recognizes the value and expertise gained through Higher National Diploma programs while offering opportunities for further academic advancement for HND holders.
Scholarships Can Aid in Funding Your Master’s Journey
Pursuing a master’s degree can be costly; however, scholarships may help ease some of the financial strain. Here are a few real-life scholarships available for international students:
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program: The Fulbright Program offers scholarships to outstanding international students to enable them to pursue master’s degrees at accredited U.S. universities and foster cultural understanding between countries. This scholarship program, administered jointly by Japan and World Bank, offers full tuition assistance, monthly stipend, and travel costs to students from developing nations pursuing master’s degrees in certain disciplines, such as economics, public policy, and engineering. It covers full tuition expenses plus an allowance for travel and living expenses.
- Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program: The Aga Khan Foundation offers international scholarship grants for outstanding students from developing countries who do not have alternative means of financing their studies, covering tuition fees and living expenses for an entire master’s program.
Conclusion
Even though having a third-class degree or HND may seem like an insurmountable obstacle, there are real universities in the USA that recognize applicants’ true potential beyond grades alone.
Institutions such as DePaul University and the University of Houston take a holistic approach when reviewing applicants, while universities like California State University Northridge and the University of Central Florida value HND programs as an asset to applicants’ careers.
Fulbright Program, Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship, and Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship are also available to international students studying for master’s degrees in the USA. Don’t let past academic performance restrict your prospects–take charge of your career path by exploring all available options and seizing all potential opportunities!
