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What is an HND in Malta? MQF Level 5 (120 ECTS) Guide
A Higher National Diploma (HND) in Malta is an MQF Level 5 qualification carrying 120 ECTS credits - the equivalent of the first two years of a Bachelor's degree, and one of the most flexible vocational qualifications recognised by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA).
If you've come across the term 'HND' on a government promotion circular, a job advert, or a colleague's CV, this guide explains exactly what a Higher National Diploma means in the Maltese context. You'll learn how it sits alongside other Level 5 qualifications, and whether it's the right route for your career.
HND Meaning: What Does Higher National Diploma Mean Exactly?
HND stands for Higher National Diploma. In Malta, the term refers to a qualification accredited at MQF Level 5 and carrying 120 ECTS credits (240 UK credits) - the same volume of learning as the first two years of a Bachelor's degree. It sits above a standard diploma, just below a Bachelor's degree, and is recognised across the EU under the European Qualifications Framework (EQF Level 5).
With an HND in hand, students can progress to the final year of a Bachelor's degree via a Bachelor's Top-Up Programme. In fact, many universities award an HND automatically after a student completes the first two years of a Bachelor's, just before the final year.
HND vs Standard Diploma in Malta: What's the Difference?
This is probably the most common source of confusion. Both a standard diploma and a Higher National Diploma sit at MQF Level 5 - so how are they different?
The answer is ECTS credits. Level 5 qualifications in Malta can range from 30 to 120 ECTS, and the credit volume is what determines whether the qualification is classified as a certificate, a diploma, or a Higher Diploma. Here is how the main Level 5 qualifications in Malta compare
Key takeaway: a Higher National Diploma at 120 ECTS will always satisfy any requirement calling for a standard 60 ECTS Level 5 diploma. More credits at the same or higher level is always acceptable for eligibility purposes in Malta public service recruitment.
HND vs Bachelor's Degree: Which Should You Choose?
A Bachelor's degree in Malta is an MQF Level 6 qualification worth 180 ECTS. A Higher National Diploma sits one level below at MQF Level 5 and carries 120 ECTS - in practice, two-thirds of a full degree.
That makes an HND a strong choice if you:
- Need a recognised university-level qualification quickly to meet a promotion or job requirement.
- Aren't ready to commit to a full three-year Bachelor's Degree, and you’d prefer a self paced route (ideal if you’re working full time already).
- Want a stackable qualification you can later 'top up' to a full Bachelor's with just one additional year. /li>
If your end goal is a Bachelor's, the HND route is often faster and cheaper than enrolling on a traditional three-year programme - you finish the HND online with E&C, then progress straight to a one-year top-up degree at a partner university.
Is an HND with Elephant & Cross recognised in Malta?
Yes. Every Elephant & Cross HND is fully recognised by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) as an MQF/EQF Level 5. You may get in touch to request a copy of the MQRIC statement - the qualifications are awarded by OTHM and Qualifi, which you may find across the Maltese Qualifications Database.
This means that the HND qualification can be used:
- For public service promotions and salary-scale progression.
- For entry onto a final-year Bachelor's top-up at recognised UK and EU universities.
- As proof of Level 5 attainment with private-sector employers across the EU.
HNDs and Government Promotions in Malta
In the Maltese public service, promotion eligibility is almost always tied to a specific MQF level and a minimum number of ECTS credits. When a circular specifies 120 ECTS, that credit volume is exactly what an HND carries - making it the most relevant qualification for public officers looking to move up a salary scale.
Is an HND the Right Qualification for You?
That depends on what you're trying to achieve. Here are the three most common situations we see at Elephant & Cross:
- You've seen '120 ECTS' in a promotion circular
- You need a Level 5 qualification but aren't sure how many ECTS
- You want to work toward a Bachelor's degree
If the circular specifies 120 ECTS at MQF Level 4 or Level 5, then a Higher National Diploma - which carries exactly 120 ECTS at Level 5 - is an excellent fit. It meets the credit requirement and exceeds the level requirement.
Many government posts accept either 60 or 120 ECTS at Level 5. If you want flexibility, a qualification that satisfies a wider range of future calls for applications - the 120 ECTS route gives you more coverage. It also puts you much closer to a full Bachelor's degree if you want to progress later. If you only need 60 ECTS, and you'd like to get that done as quickly as possible, a 60 ECTS Undergraduate Diploma may be enough.
A 120 ECTS HND at Level 5 means you've completed two-thirds of the 180 ECTS required for a full Bachelor's. A one-year top-up at Level 6 - 60 ECTS - is all that stands between your HND and a full Bachelor's degree from a recognised university. At Elephant & Cross, the pathway looks like this:
- Complete your HND (120 ECTS, MQF Level 5) - 100% online and self-paced, typically 10–15 months
- Progress directly to a final-year top-up at a partner university
- Graduate with a full Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS, MQF Level 6)
Our university partners - including Arden University - accept E&C graduates directly onto their top-up programmes.
How to Study for an HND in Malta — 100% Online
Elephant & Cross delivers MFHEA-accredited online HND programmes in Malta through our partnership with Online Business School (OBS). All courses are:
- 100% online - study from anywhere in Malta or abroad, on any device.
- Self-paced - no fixed lectures, no scheduled exams, no commute.
- Assignment-based - you're assessed on written work, not closed-book exams.
- Designed for working adults - most students finish their 120 ECTS HND in 10–15 months without stepping away from their job.
Available 120 ECTS HND Programmes
- Business Management - MQF Level 5, 120 ECTS
- Accounting and Finance - MQF Level 5, 120 ECTS
- Human Resource Management - MQF Level 5, 120 ECTS
- IT and Computing - MQF Level 5, 120 ECTS
- IT and Networking - MQF Level 5, 120 ECTS
- Leadership and Teamwork - MQF Level 5, 120 ECTS
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management - MQF Level 5, 120 ECTS
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Higher National Diploma the same as an HND?
Yes - HND is simply the abbreviation for Higher National Diploma. In Malta, both terms refer to the same type of qualification: an MQF Level 5 programme carrying 120 ECTS credits (or 240 UK credits).
What MQF level is a Higher National Diploma in Malta?
A Higher National Diploma sits at MQF Level 5 - the same level as an Undergraduate Diploma, but with double the ECTS credits (120 rather than 60). It is below a Bachelor's degree (MQF Level 6) and above A-Levels or a foundation diploma (MQF Level 4).
Is an HND a degree?
No. A Higher National Diploma is a Level 5 qualification, while a Bachelor's degree sits at Level 6. An HND is, however, equivalent in volume to the first two years of a degree, and you can convert it into a full Bachelor's by completing a one-year top-up.
Does a Higher National Diploma satisfy a government promotion requirement for 120 ECTS?
In most cases, yes - but the exact eligibility always depends on the specific call for applications. Government circulars typically specify both an MQF level and a minimum number of ECTS. A 120 ECTS Level 5 qualification meets the credit requirement and will generally be accepted for any post requiring 120 ECTS at Level 4 or Level 5. We always recommend verifying the specific circular before enrolling.
Can I study for an HND in Malta while working full-time?
Yes - and that's exactly what our programmes are designed for. All Elephant & Cross HND courses are 100% online, self-paced, assignment-based, and have no fixed lecture times or exams. Most working professionals complete the 120 ECTS programme within 10–15 months.
How long does an HND take to complete in Malta?
A 120 ECTS HND is the equivalent of two years of full-time study. Because E&C programmes are fully self-paced, most working students finish in 10–15 months. Faster learners can complete in under a year.
Can I use an HND to progress to a Bachelor's degree?
Yes. Completing 120 ECTS at Level 5 means you only need 60 more ECTS at Level 6 to reach a full Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS). Our university partners - including Arden University — offer one-year top-up degree programmes that take you from HND to a full Bachelor's in just one additional year of study.
How do I know if a course is an HND?
The easiest way to check is the MQRIC statement issued by the MFHEA. If it says the course is an MQF Level 5 carrying 120 ECTS (or 240 UK credits), then the course is an HND. If the credit volume is 60 ECTS, it is an Undergraduate Diploma rather than a Higher Diploma.
How much does an online HND in Malta cost with Get Qualified?
Get Qualified refunds up to 70% of certified course fees as a personal tax credit after graduation, so the effective cost of an E&C HND is a fraction of the headline price. Speak to one of our advisors for current fees and the net cost after Get Qualified.
Ready to Start Your HND in Malta?
Whether you need a 120 ECTS qualification for a government promotion, a head start on a Bachelor's degree, or simply a respected Level 5 credential you can earn around your job, an online HND with Elephant & Cross is one of the most flexible routes available in Malta today.
Talk to one of our advisors about which 120 ECTS HND programme fits your role and your timeline. Book a free call here or browse our full list of Level 5 online programmes.
Information in this article is based on the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) guidelines, publicly available Malta Government Recruitment Portal circulars, and the Public Service Management Code. Eligibility requirements vary between individual calls for applications. Candidates should always verify requirements directly with the relevant ministry or department before applying.
