There's no universal rule. Some institutions offer advanced standing or credit transfer for diploma holders, allowing them to bypass the first two years of a bachelor's degree. Others may not offer any such pathway, requiring students to start from the first year.
To find out if direct entry into the third year is possible, you need to:
* Check the university's website: Look for information on admissions requirements, credit transfer policies, and articulation agreements between the diploma program and the degree program you're interested in.
* Contact the university's admissions office: They can provide definitive information on whether your diploma qualifies for advanced standing and what the specific requirements are.
* Review the course syllabi: Compare the curriculum of your diploma program with the first two years of the bachelor's degree program to see how much overlap exists.
In short, it's highly program and institution-specific, and you must proactively research your options.