Are you a prospective NVTI students and graduates in Ghana who wish to progress to HND and degree levels. Wondering how to go from “NVTI to HND in Ghana”, “how to go from NVTI to university in Ghana”, and “NVTI graduates career path Ghana”; this post is for you.
If you have specific questions about your trade or current qualification level, you can read the information below to help you map your personal path from NVTI to higher education in Ghana.
It mostly depends on:
- Your desired field of study or job
- Your current NVTI level
- Whether you have BECE or WASSCE
Complete Guide on How NVTI Graduates in Ghana Can Progress to HND and Degree Levels
As a graduate of the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) in Ghana or as someone planning to enroll and wondering how to further your education? Many NVTI students ask the same question:
“Can I go from NVTI to HND or university in Ghana?”
The answer is YES—but with the right information and clear steps.
Below you will discover exactly how to move from NVTI to HND or degree level in Ghana. Whether you’re a current NVTI trainee, a graduate, or a parent looking for a career path for your child, read this carefully.
What Is NVTI in Ghana?
The National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) is a government training body under the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations. It offers practical, hands-on training in various trades and vocational fields such as:
- Electrical installation
- Welding and fabrication
- Catering and hospitality
- Dressmaking and tailoring
- Carpentry and joinery
- Auto mechanics
- ICT and office management
- and many more.
NVTI is recognized across Ghana for equipping youth and adults with employable skills.
What Qualifications Does NVTI Provide?
NVTI awards Trade Test Certificates and Proficiency Certificates, which are pre-tertiary vocational qualifications. They are ideal for those who want to start working in a trade or start their own small business. Here’s how the levels work:
NVTI Certification Levels in Ghana:
- Proficiency 1 – Basic level (beginner skills)
- Proficiency 2 – Intermediate level
- Grade I – Foundational trade knowledge
- Grade II – Intermediate trade knowledge
- Grade III – Advanced skills and mastery in the trade
While these certificates are not the same as WASSCE or HND, they are valuable for demonstrating your skills and training in your chosen field.
How to Progress from NVTI to HND or Degree Level in Ghana
If you’re an NVTI graduate and want to pursue further academic or professional qualifications, here are some of the most reliable and recognized pathways in Ghana:
Pathway 1: NVTI ➝ Certificate ➝ HND ➝ Degree
This is the most common and structured route.
- Complete NVTI up to Grade III
- Ensure you pass all levels, especially Grade III, which is the highest.
- Enroll in a Technical or Vocational Institute for a Certificate Program
- Choose institutions offering CTVET Certificates (Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training).
- Apply for a Certificate I or Certificate II program related to your NVTI trade.
- Progress to an HND Program
- After your certificate program, apply to a Technical University in Ghana for an HND (Higher National Diploma).
- Programs available include HND in Hospitality, Mechanical Engineering, Fashion Design, Business Administration, etc.
- Top-Up to a Bachelor’s Degree
- With an HND, you can do a Top-Up Degree (usually 2 years) at a university or technical university like:
- Accra Technical University
- Kumasi Technical University
- Koforidua Technical University
- Takoradi Technical University
- University of Education, Winneba (UEW)
- University of Cape Coast (UCC)
- With an HND, you can do a Top-Up Degree (usually 2 years) at a university or technical university like:
Pathway 2: NVTI + BECE/WASSCE ➝ Technical School ➝ HND ➝ Degree
If you also have a BECE or WASSCE certificate, your path becomes smoother.
- Use your BECE/WASSCE to enroll in a Technical Institute.
- You can study a 3-year programme leading to Certificate II or NVTI Trade Test Grade III under CTVET.
- Afterward, proceed directly to an HND programme.
Search Tip: Look for “technical schools in Ghana that accept BECE graduates” or “technical universities in Ghana offering HND in [your trade]”.
Pathway 3: NVTI ➝ CBT Diploma ➝ HND or Degree (Through CTVET)
Ghana now runs a Competency-Based Training (CBT) system, managed by CTVET, to standardize vocational training and make it equivalent to formal qualifications.
- After NVTI, you can enroll in a CBT Diploma Programme.
- CBT Diplomas are recognized and accepted for HND and even some direct degree programs.
- This route is especially helpful for those without WASSCE.
First Summary: Step-by-Step Guide for NVTI Graduates in Ghana
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Complete NVTI (Proficiency 1–2, Grades I–III) |
| 2 | Enroll in a Certificate or CBT Program (CTVET) |
| 3 | Progress to an HND Program at a Technical University |
| 4 | Top-Up to a Degree Program (2–3 years) |
| 5 | Explore job opportunities or start your own business |
Pathway 4: NVTI → IPES (Institute of Professional and Entrepreneurial Studies) Pathway
For NVTI students or graduates seeking a practical, flexible, and recognized route into diplomas, HNDs, or global certification, IPES – Institute of Professional and Entrepreneurial Studies in Accra offers direct pathways that build on your NVTI trade skills.
What You Can Study at IPES:
- Academic Certificate (3–6 months)
- Professional Certificate (9–12 months)
- Academic Diploma (National Cert I) (12–18 months)
- Professional Diploma (National Cert II + internship) (15+ months)
- National HND (via CTVET exam after 3 years or more)
How the Program Works:
IPES combines three instructional phases—Apprenticeship (Months 1–6), Conceptual Learning (Months 7–12), and Industry & Concept Learning (Months 13–18+)—to ensure you receive both theoretical knowledge and hands-on training.
Courses like Carpentry, Electricals, HVAC, and Metal‑Works offer Academic Diploma options in 21–24 months, with the full 3‑year model opening the path to the CTVET HND.
Why It Works for NVTI Graduates:
- Leverage your existing NVTI trade training to fast‑track your diploma or HND.
- Choose a shorter diploma route or the full 3‑year path toward nationally recognized HND.
- Gain industry‑relevant experience through attachments and internships.
- Access exam prep for international certifications, giving you global mobility.
Enrolling is Easy:
- Choose your trade track at IPES.
- Meet entry requirements—JHS level or pass entrance test.
- Apply online, upload your qualifications, and pay GHC 250.
- Receive acceptance in ~ 7–14 business days.
- Begin training under practical, industry‑focused models.
Final Summary Table Including IPES Options
| Step | Route |
|---|---|
| 1 | Complete NVTI certification (Proficiency, Grade I–III) |
| 2 | Option A: Technical Institute → Certificate → HND → Degree |
| Option B: BECE/WASSCE + NVTI → Tech Institute → HND → Degree | |
| **Option C: NVTI → IPES → Academic or Professional Diploma (1–2 years) | |
| Option D: NVTI → IPES (3+ years) → CTVET HND → then Degree top-up | |
| 3 | Optional: Use IPES to prep for international certifications |
Long-Term Career Opportunities for NVTI Graduates in Ghana
Moving from NVTI to HND or university can open many doors. Some possible career paths include:
- HND in Fashion Design ➝ BTech in Fashion ➝ Start fashion brand
- HND in Electricals ➝ Degree in Electrical Engineering ➝ Work with ECG or set up electrical consultancy
- HND in Catering ➝ Degree in Hospitality Management ➝ Hotel/restaurant management
- HND in Mechanical Engineering ➝ Degree ➝ Work in manufacturing or mining sector
- and many more.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t stop learning! Combine your NVTI skills with IT or business courses to boost your earning power.
Some Institutions That Accept NVTI Graduates in Ghana
Here are some technical universities and colleges in Ghana that support the NVTI-to-HND transition:
- Accra Technical University
- IPES – Institute of Professional and Entrepreneurial Studies
- Takoradi Technical University
- Ho Technical University
- Cape Coast Technical University
- Koforidua Technical University
- Kumasi Technical University
- Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU)
- University of Education, Winneba (TVET-focused degrees)
Researching how NVTI students and graduates in Ghana can take the route via IPES – Institute of Professional and Entrepreneurial Studies, and how that fits into the pathway to HND, diploma, or even international certification?
NVTI to IPES (Institute of Professional and Entrepreneurial Studies) — Academic Diplomas, Professional Diplomas, or CTVET HND
If you’re looking for a dynamic, hands-on route from NVTI to HND or diploma level, IPES (in partnership with DevWorld Tech Academy – DWTA) in Accra offers flexible and recognized credentials to help launch your career or academic progression in Ghana and internationally.
What Can You Study at IPES?
- Academic Certificates (3–6 months):
- Short-term foundational programmes like “Academic Certificate in Air Conditioning” or “Digital Marketing”.
- Professional Certificates (9–12 months):
- Job-specific skill training such as “Professional Certificate in Plumber” or “Welding”.
- Academic Diploma / National Certificate I (12–18 months):
- In-depth field education like “Academic Diploma in Software Engineering” or “Computer Science”.
- Professional Diploma / National Certificate II (15+ months + internship of 3 months):
- Practical training with required apprenticeship for trades like plumbing or metal-works.
- National Higher Diploma (HND – 36 months or more):
- Study for three years or more with IPES & DWTA, then sit the CTVET HND final exam to earn a nationally recognized HND certificate.
How IPES Study Programs Work
IPES adopts a structured learning model combining theory, practice, and real-world experience across three progressive phases:
- Phase 1 (Months 1–6): Apprentice Study Model — foundational theory + practical workshop work.
- Phase 2 (Months 7–12): Concept Study Model — more focused training with internships.
- Phase 3 (Months 13–18 and beyond): Industry Attachment — real-world placements plus deeper specialization.
Per specific trades (e.g. Carpentry, Electricals, Metal-Works):
- Academic Diploma or CTVET HND pathway:
- Day classes: 7 sessions (21 months)
- Weekend classes: 8 sessions (24 months).
These programs give you the flexibility to choose study modes that suit your schedule.
Why NVTI Graduates Should Consider IPES
- Use Your NVTI Trade Skills to Advance Faster
If you already hold an NVTI Grade II or III in your trade, you may be able to shorten your study time at IPES and move more quickly toward a diploma or the CTVET HND. - Multiple Qualification Options
- Enroll for less than 3 years to earn an Academic Diploma or Professional Diploma, which are work-ready credentials and nationally recognized in Ghana.
- Or study 3 years or more to qualify for the CTVET Higher National Diploma (HND) via final exams.
- Blend Theory and Practice with Industry Experience
IPES programs emphasize hands-on training, real tools, internships, and attachments—ensuring graduates are job-ready in Ghana’s labor market. - International Certification Preparation
IPES also supports exam preparation for international certifications, giving you the chance to gain certifications that are recognized globally—ideal for graduates seeking work both in Ghana and abroad (though specifics depend on the course, so inquire directly during admission). - Smooth Progression to HND or Degree
Whether you choose the diploma route or the full 3-year path, your credentials from IPES (especially the CTVET HND) are accepted by technical universities across Ghana—enabling you to advance to degree-level programmes later.
IPES Enrollment & Admission Process Highlights
- Select the Right Program
Review the Skill Tracks at IPES (e.g., Electricals, Carpentry, Plumbing, HVAC, IT). - Meet Basic Entry Requirements
Minimum requirement: Junior High School completion or equivalent or pass a basic English & Math entrance test. - Apply Online
Fill the online form, submit documents (your NVTI certificate can help), and pay the non-refundable enrollment fee (~GHC 250) covering starter materials. - Choose Payment Plans and Study Mode
Fees are structured per session or month—for example, GH¢800/month or GH¢2,000 per session depending on the track. - Admission Notification
You’ll get a decision in 7–14 business days, often via email or WhatsApp.
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Final Words: You Can Go from NVTI to HND and Beyond
Don’t let anyone tell you that vocational training is a dead end. With the right strategy and determination, you can use your NVTI qualification as a stepping stone to higher education and a better future.
Whether you want to become an engineer, fashion entrepreneur, chef, hotel manager, or skilled technician—the journey can start at NVTI and lead all the way to the university level.
