If your goal is to japa, the qualification you hold can feel like a major part of the plan. And for many Nigerians, one question pops coming up: is an HND better than a BSc when you want to travel abroad?

The short answer is: it depends on where you are going and why.

For studying, working or immigrating, different countries and institutions assess qualifications differently. So while a BSc may offer a more straightforward route in some situations, an HND can have an important advantage in others.

Your Destination Changes the Answer

A BSc is generally a familiar qualification to universities, employers and immigration systems around the world. That familiarity can make certain processes simpler, especially when applying for postgraduate study or jobs where a bachelor’s degree is specifically required.

An HND, however, should not automatically be seen as a disadvantage. The way it is assessed depends on the country and the purpose of your application.

For example, a university considering you for a master’s programme may assess your qualification differently from an immigration authority calculating your points. An employer may also have requirements that are completely different from those of a university.

This is why choosing between an HND and a BSc based only on the idea that one is “better for travelling” can be misleading. The better question is: better for travelling where, and for what purpose?

Read: Tips and Tricks for Traveling on a Budget

When an HND Can Have an Advantage

Canada provides an interesting example.

Under Canada’s Express Entry system, applicants can receive points for having two or more eligible post-secondary credentials, provided the requirements are met and the credentials are supported by valid Educational Credential Assessments. At least one of the credentials must represent a programme of three or more years.

For some Nigerian polytechnic graduates who hold both an ND and an HND, this can be significant. If both credentials qualify through the assessment process, they may fit into the “two or more certificates, diplomas or degrees” category rather than being assessed based on just one qualification.

That category can attract more CRS points than a single bachelor’s degree in Canada’s system. In other words, for this specific immigration route, an ND and HND combination may offer an advantage over holding only one bachelor’s degree.

But there is an important catch: this does not mean an HND is universally equivalent to two degrees. It simply means that Canada’s immigration system has a category for applicants with multiple eligible post-secondary credentials.

Why a BSc Can Still Be the Smoother Route

The advantage changes when your goal is postgraduate education.

Universities make their own admission decisions, and a credential evaluation does not automatically guarantee admission into a master’s programme. Some institutions may accept an HND for postgraduate study, while others may require additional qualifications, a top-up degree or a pre-master’s programme.

A BSc may therefore provide a more straightforward path when applying to institutions that specifically require a bachelor’s degree. It can also be easier for employers unfamiliar with Nigeria’s ND and HND system to immediately understand.

That does not mean HND holders cannot study or work abroad. It simply means they may need to research requirements more carefully and, in some cases, take an additional academic step.

Read: What Nobody Tells You About Entry-Level Jobs

So, Which One Is Better?

There is no universal winner.

If your goal is immigration to Canada, holding an ND and HND may give you an advantage under the right credential assessment and Express Entry conditions. If your goal is a master’s degree, a BSc may offer a more direct route depending on the university. For employment, the answer will depend on the employer, role and country.

Before making a decision, research the exact requirements of your destination. Check how your credentials will be assessed, what your preferred universities accept and what the immigration programme actually awards points for.

Because when it comes to travelling abroad, your qualification matters but where you are going and what you plan to do when you get there matters just as much.

At RefinedNG, we break down the opportunities, information and stories that help Nigerians make informed decisions and think beyond borders. Follow along for more insights that can help you navigate your next move.