- In some countries, a diploma is the highest level of qualification that can be obtained from a higher education institution. This is the case in countries such as the United Kingdom, where a diploma is typically a three-year undergraduate program. Diplomas in these countries are equivalent to bachelor's degrees.
- In other countries, a diploma is a vocational qualification that is awarded after successful completion of a course of study in a specific field. These diplomas are not usually considered to be equivalent to degrees, although they may allow the holder to practice in a particular profession. Examples of vocational diplomas include the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) diploma in the United States and the Diploma in Nursing (RN) in Canada.
- In some cases, a diploma may be offered as a bridge program between a degree and a higher level of qualification. This is commonly called "bridging programs." For example, some universities offer postgraduate diplomas that allow students to upgrade their undergraduate degrees to master's degrees. These diplomas are typically equivalent to undergraduate degrees in terms of academic level, but they are not considered to be full master's degrees.
Therefore, whether or not a diploma is equivalent to a degree depends on the specific diploma and the institution that awards it. It is important to carefully research the specific diploma that you are considering to understand its level of qualification and how it is recognized in your country.