Frequently
Asked Questions

Applying is easy! Once you've decided on the program you want, and read up on the admissions criteria, visit the admission page to start your application. If you have everything ready, it should take you seven minutes (or faster!) to complete the form.

Download our step-by-step guide to understand what you need to do to complete your HARDE application and give yourself the best chance of acceptance.

Programs start on the first of each month, which gives you a lot of flexibility. You can apply now and choose to start right away, or on a date in the future. Whenever you choose to start, apply and enroll at least 10 days before the start of the month. This gives you enough time to finish orientation and get used to the online learning environment before your first course.

You'll be able to finish the application in 7 minutes (or faster!) providing you have all your documents. However, there are some things that may add a bit of time:

Want to apply for a scholarship? You'll need to answer some questions about you – each question is about 150 words, so it won't take long!

Don't have all your documents? Start your application now – you can come back later to upload them. We'll save it for you! (Don't forget: your documents can be in any language: we'll translate them for you, at no extra cost.)

When you apply, you'll pay a one-off fee of $20, which allows us to process your application.

If you've studied business already, or you're just getting started, there's a program for you! Here's a quick rundown; visit our programs overview page for more information!

The Master of Business Administration (MBA)

is a graduate business program that takes an average of 15 months to complete. (Go faster and you could finish in just 12 months!)

ND & HND in Accounting and Business Administration

Begin your Career on a strong foundation by bagging your Higher National Diploma in either Accounting or Business Administration. This gives you a head start in your journey to bagging a Bachelor of Science in a Business related course.

Can't commit to a whole degree? Take a course or certificate instead, and learn the skills you need in a fraction of the time.

You can take a photo with your smartphone, or scan it in.

Make sure your photo ID:

Shows your most recent legal name

Is valid within the past two years

Is written in English (although we can translate in-house at no cost!)

We can process your application quickest if you upload your passport. We also accept national identity cards (but as we have to translate them, it might slow things down).

Having difficulties uploading your photo ID? Check out Section ‘1.6 Proof of Identity’ of our guide.

Do I have to be over a certain age to apply? Do you take older students?

We accept mature students! At HARDE, we believe you're never too old to learn.

Want to earn your degree with a specialization? Specialize and build in-demand skills such as Digital Transformation, Marketing and Doing Business in Africa.

In most cases, you'll need to have graduated from high school before you can apply for your BBA. If you have significant work experience, we might be able to make an exception, though. Get in touch to see what we can do: info@hardeverse.org

You'll need an undergraduate degree or higher national diploma (HND) qualification to apply for the MBA. However, your degree doesn't need to be in business.

If you have a degree in another discipline, you'll take four 6-8 week Foundation courses. Here, you'll learn the baseline business skills you need for our broader MBA. At the end, start taking MBA core courses.

If you have studied business before, you'll enter straight into the MBA and start taking your core courses.

Confused? We'll help you out! When you enroll, your success advisor will help you choose your pathway.

Yes, all HARDE courses are credit bearing.

No. If you have work experience, that's great, but you don't need it. HARDE's programs are practical, which means you'll gain on-the-job skills while you learn.

If you do have work experience, we won't be able to offer credit just yet. We want everyone to start their program on a level playing field – that includes taking the same core courses and building the same foundational skills.

At the present time, Harde Business School is not setup to accept transfer credits.

Uh-oh! While we can't provide specific advice here, email info@hardeverse.org and we'll tell you what to do. Include a screenshot if you can!

Hmm, that's no good to hear. The solution depends on why you can't finish. We've put together a step by step guide to help you.

If you're missing documents, that's fine: exit the application and return later to upload. Everything will be there for you.

If you're having tech problems, email us at info@hardeverse.org - we'll try to sort it out for you or give you another way to apply.

No stress! You don't have to upload everything right now. Come back and try again later – we've saved your application.

You can! We accept new learners on the first of each month. So even though you missed one deadline, there's another start date around the corner.

We're sorry you're having trouble. Make sure you're copying and pasting the code exactly as it appears in your email – no extra spaces or punctuation allowed!

If it still doesn't work, send us an email at info@hardeverse.org. We'll check what's going on.

You might be able to. Email info@hardeverse.org to talk about your options.

You can't check – but you'll get an answer within seven business days. How's that for fast!

Once you've pressed submit, you can go back and upload any documents you were missing, but unfortunately you can't edit anything else. Make sure you double-check your application before you press submit.

Once you've applied, we'll send you an email within seven days with your admissions decision. Good luck!

Absolutely! We hope HARDE is a better fit for you this time around and we'd love you to apply again. Please note, you'll need to pay the $20 application fee again.

Yes, we do. We hold regular events and seminars worldwide where you can turn up and chat with local industry leaders, entrepreneurs and learners just like you. Some of these events are exclusive to learners (you'll need to enroll to experience all we have to offer!).

The online learning environment contains everything you need to learn at HARDE. It's where you'll take classes, chat with peers and faculty, submit assignments, and track your grades. It's also where you'll manage your enrollment, add courses, and pay your tuition.

The first thing you'll see when you log in is your dashboard: all the courses you're enrolled in, and easy links for everything else. Click around and explore: it's interactive so you can get the best results.

Overwhelmed? Don't be! You'll get a full tour of the LMS during orientation week. You're in safe hands with us.

We're 100% online, so we don't have a campus! Our learners are our priority, which means we let you invest in your future – not a costly campus. (Affordability is our biggest mission!)

Yes, there is! Before your first month, you'll have a whole week where you can log in to the online platform at no extra cost, explore where you'll take courses, and connect with your success advisor and faculty.

Orientation is designed to make you feel confident and comfortable before your first course.

We'll send you an email with more information about a week before you're set to start. Get ready! Can I enroll in new courses if I'm still finishing courses? Short answer – no.

Before you enroll in new courses, you'll need to meet the requirements of the ones you're already doing.

Once you've met all the requirements, and passed your final assessment, you can enroll in new courses, and start on the first of the month. Can I take more than one course at once? Not at first. You'll start by taking one course at a time, so you can get used to the structure and workload, and get a feel for working online.

Then, if you're maintaining good grades, you can take more than one course if you want to. Speak to your success advisor to see if this is the right option for you. How is each course structured? Each course contains six modules that build on each other. You'll complete them in order, and show you've mastered the content.

When you enroll in a course, you'll be able to see all six modules in your dashboard right away, so you can start planning ahead.

Every module teaches business skills you'll use. Practice your skills as you go with practical assignments. Then, at the end of the whole course, tie your learning together with a final assessment.

The feedback you receive will be valuable for upcoming modules and courses to build on your knowledge as you go.

You have eight weeks to complete each course. HARDE is 100% online, which means you can log in when it suits you.While you're learning, your personal Success Advisor will help you stay on track.

You'll show off your knowledge at a few points in each course:

At the end of each module, you'll get an assessment, designed to help you practice the skills you learned in that module. You'll need to submit that assessment before you move on to the next module. For assessments, you'll get your results in up to five days.

At the end of each course (so, every six modules), you'll have an assignment to complete. Think of it as your final project, designed to tie all your knowledge together. You'll need to submit that assignment before you can start your next course. For assignments, you'll get your results in up to two days.

You'll also encounter quizzes and puzzles along the way, which help you check-in on how much you're learning. These aren't assessed, but they're a fun way to see how much you know – and what you need to revisit.

The feedback you get on each assessment and assignment is really valuable as you move through the program. Learn, apply and watch your skills grow!

They're not your typical faculty members; they're here to teach and build lifelong relationships with you. They're your coaches, mentors, and inspirations, and will ensure you cross your own personal finish line.

They come from all walks of life but they are connected by the same mission: to provide you the opportunity to achieve your dreams with high-quality, affordable, online education. Support is a huge part of what you'll get when learning at HARDE.

At HARDE, you'll never be alone. There's always someone here to coach you through your program, and mentor you through your career. So, who's who?

For your first few months, your personal success advisor will help you settle in, design personalized study plans, and help you shape your career.

You'll also have 24/7 access to the whole success team. Get your questions answered, exactly when you need them. (Great for late sleepers.)

Contact your faculty any time to ask about course content, get feedback on assignments, and more.

You'll also work with a network of other learners in 25+ countries across the world. Chat with them and support each other.

I'm struggling with my coursework; can I contact someone?

We're sorry to hear! Your faculty are always on hand to answer questions about coursework. Here's how you can contact them:

Visit them in office hours (drop in sessions where you can talk to faculty, three times a week)

Send an email or chat to them online

Set up a video call

Chat in the discussion forums that appear in most courses (your questions could help other learners, too!).

Feel like you don't have enough hours in the day? Your success advisor can help you with time management.

You learn relevant job skills to help you from day one at work. HARDE's curriculum was co-developed by our faculty and industry leaders, to make sure you're always learning the most up to date topics.

You'll learn the most up to date business skills that you can use at work now and in the future.

• Entrepreneurship
• Business Management
• Leadership and Teamwork
• Corporate Sustainability
• Management
• Innovation and Change
• Finance

Create connections in a holistic, innovative, and interdisciplinary manner to think unconventionally, question the status quo, and imagine new scenarios

Apply tools and skills needed to collect, analyze, interpret, and present data effectively in order to make decisions.

Create written and oral messages by tailoring its content and means of delivery to the needs of the target audience.

Use cultural and emotional intelligence practices to promote more effective communication and personal relationships.

Create a continuous learning and self-improvement plan in response to the demands of a situation or conditions.

Apply customer-centric knowledge and competencies to meet and exceed the needs and expectations of internal and external stakeholders

Just like in business, you'll be expected to complete some tasks as part of a group. You'll probably be in different timezones, and follow different schedules – so this will require some coordination (just like in the workplace).

Work together and assign tasks, chat about your goals and learn from everyone else. Connect with your team online, via instant messenger, Slack or email. Hold video calls and keep in touch.

What are the benefits of group work? Gain skills in leadership, teamwork and collaboration. Do tasks that play to your strengths, and get a glimpse into ways of working around the world.

If you’re taking your BBA or MBA, you might have seen the capstone in your list of courses. This is the final course in your MBA degree, and it’s designed to tie all the skills you’ve learned together.

It’s a major project – and it will form part of your portfolio when you apply for jobs.

You can! Chat to your success advisor to find out how. (Please note you won't be able to start a new course until you've submitted your assignment, so keep this in mind when you're applying for an extension.)

Submit your assignments in your online learner environment. You'll see a tab for submission straight after each module and course you're enrolled in. This tab has details about the assignment, and a button where you can upload your completed document.

For assessments at the end of each module, you'll get your grades in five days.

For assignments at the end of each course, you'll get your grades within two days.

We use the latest tools and technology to ensure you get fast and relevant feedback from your faculty. You'll get relevant, constructive feedback with everything you submit, and you'll be able to apply your feedback to the next task you do.

A specialization is a course that teaches you specific skills in an advanced topic of business. Specializations cover the topics the world is talking about, right now. Personalize your degree with one of five MBA specializations, or one of eight BBA specializations.

If you don’t take a specialization, you’ll select four elective courses that you think best match your goals. Think of specializations as building layers of knowledge in one field or area and electives as freeing you up to create pockets of knowledge.

Very flexible! You'll have eight weeks to finish each course, and in that time you can learn exactly when it suits you. Log in before work or on the train home, or complete a module after the kids have gone to bed. There are no fixed times so you really can learn when you want to. And, because you can learn on any device, your learning can be as mobile as you are.

To get the most out of your learning, we recommend at least 20 hours a week. That's enough time to learn and practice skills, and you'll move through your program at a steady rate.

If you have more time to spare, even better! There's no limit to how fast you can go when your grades are good. Spend more hours per week learning and you'll move through courses even quicker. I'm having trouble balancing work, study and family. Who can I turn to for support?

Life is busy – we get it! If you feel like you're juggling too many things at once, talk to your success advisor. They'll help you create a study plan and manage your time, so you can get back on track. Find out more about how to balance your time.

We'll send you your HARDE username when you enroll. If you lose it, have a look through your emails, chat to your success advisor, or send a message to info@harde.ng

That's easy! Head to https://hardeverse.org/, press login, and enter your username and password to get started.

We're sorry to hear! Have you updated your password recently? If you still can't log in, email your success advisor or info@harde.ng

How long will you be without a device? If you won't have one for a while, it may be worth putting your course on hold: we don't want you to get behind on your work! Chat to your success advisor to find out how.

If you don't have regular access to a device, HARDE might not be for you. Before you apply, check you'll be able to access a computer, smartphone or tablet when you need to study.

This happens to all of us at times! Remember that HARDE is all about flexible learning. With no fixed times, even if your internet drops out, you can log on another time. You'll have up to eight weeks to finish each course – this should give you plenty of time to finish.

One more thing! You can also access your courses from your smartphone or tablet – so even if you can't connect on your desktop, you can still keep learning!

We're here for you!

If you're enrolled in an MBA, you may not have studied business before. But that doesn't mean you'll fall behind.

Before you start your MBA, you can take four Foundation Courses, which are designed to build your knowledge of business before you launch into the MBA itself. This makes sure you're on an even platform with other learners, even those who have taken a Bachelor of Business previously.

During your program, you'll have access to a wide system of support: your success advisor, faculty and peers. You'll never be alone: we're here to answer any questions you have, and help fill the gaps in your knowledge.

Don't want to commit to a full degree? Learn the skills you need in a fraction of the time with a course or certificate.

Courses let you learn one specific area of business, at a level that suits you (intermediate or advanced).

Certificates are built as a series of courses so you'll gain a collection of skills you can use. Finish a certificate in 3-6 months (the time it takes depends on how many courses you take).

Yes, all HARDE courses and certificates are credit bearing.

With some courses, you'll get a badge you can add to your LinkedIn profile. Show off to your network!

Most importantly: you'll have learned new skills you can apply at work, or in future jobs. That's worth celebrating! What do I get with a certificate?

As well as an official diploma, you'll get a series of badges you can add to your LinkedIn profile.

As well as this, you'll get a series of skills you can use at work (or at jobs in the future).

Harde Business School is an approved Centre, licensed by OTHM Qualifications, an OFQUAL (Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) regulated awarding Body, domiciled in England and a full Member of the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB).

Where is HARDE licensed?

Harde Business School is a licensed, degree-granting institution of higher education. We’re licensed National Board for Technical Education

We can't answer that for sure: every employer has different ideas about what qualifications they'll recognize. What we do know is that HARDE will teach you job skills that are in demand right now.

Our advice: start building relationships with employers you like now! We can help you contact them so you can build your study plan to suit.

HARDE is currently working on securing an NUC accreditation and may accomplish by the time you complete your program with us, although we can't commit to that right now.

Please see here and here photos of our visits with the NUC Executive Secretary and the Chairman of the Board. here.

Yes, we do. We hold regular events and seminars worldwide where you can turn up and chat with local industry leaders, entrepreneurs and learners just like you. Some of these events are exclusive to learners (you'll need to enroll to experience all we have to offer!).

We're happy you want to show off your skills! With some courses, you'll get a badge that we created just for this! You'll receive an email with instructions. And add your digital badge to your profile and show it off to your network

Want to shout about HARDE? If you're a current learner or alumni, don't forget to add Harde Business School to the education section of your LinkedIn profile.

No, at HARDE you get badges when you finish milestone courses. These are the courses that provide most value for employers.

If you’re completing an MBA, you’ll be able to earn up to nine badges:

Financial Decision Making
Global Business
Accounting and Financial Reporting
Technology & Operations Management
Introduction to Intrapreneurship and Innovation
Corporate Sustainability
Data Sciences for Decision Making
Cybersecurity Leadership
Doing Business in Africa

It’s great you want to show the world what you can do! You can share your badge in a number of ways:

Send your network a link to the page with your badge. It will show your name, the skills you’ve mastered and that you’ve earned the badge at Harde Business School

Add the design to your resume under your qualifications section

To display your badge on your Linkedin profile, please follow the steps from this guide.

Do I have to pay for a badge?

No way! There’s no cost and it’s one of the many ways HARDE prepares you to succeed in your career.

Show the world what you know! A digital badge is recognition of professional skills that can be shared on your social and networking sites – yes, LinkedIn – as well as your resume.

You always have that choice!

Our badges are there to help you advance in your career - but you control how and where you share them.

You have to maintain a certain grade to receive a badge. For courses that form part of our AAS in Business or BSc. degrees it has to be C or higher, while for MBA courses - B or higher.

To be eligible for graduation, you'll need to have met all the requirements of your degree. That means you've submitted all your assignments, and finished your courses in the required timeframe.

If you think you're ready to graduate, talk to your success advisor. They'll point you in the right direction! What does the final certificate look like? Does it mention that I've studied online?

Take a look to see an example of a certificate! It won't mention that you studied online, but you should be proud of your online qualification!

Yes! We know that graduation is a time to celebrate your success with your friends, family and loved ones. Graduate at a ceremony close to home, or travel to the UK.

The job skills you learn at HARDE will prepare you to apply for jobs, or advance in the job you already have. While we can't say what job you'll get for certain, we're here to help you reach your goals.