What is a diploma?

You’ve just graduated high school (or maybe you’re about to) and you’re contemplating your next move. Maybe you’re interested in tertiary studies, but you’re not sure exactly which path to take. A diploma could be right for you. 

Covering a range of different educational levels, diploma qualifications can give you the skills and knowledge needed to kick-start a career. But with so many different types of diplomas out there, it can be hard to know which is best for you.

In this guide, we outline the types of diplomas you can get in Australia, explore the benefits of getting one, and explain the difference between a diploma and a bachelor’s degree. 

What is a diploma?

A diploma is a formal document acknowledging your successful completion of a course of study. Diploma courses teach you theoretical and practical skills in a specific area, and award you a nationally recognised qualification once you graduate. Diplomas are similar to degrees in that they provide in-depth technical knowledge and cover a vast range of fields of expertise: music, technology, accounts, administration, hospitality, dental science and the list goes on.

The value of a diploma

Is a diploma good? Yes! For many, a diploma is the starting point of a long and fulfilling career. A diploma can get you a role in the disability services sector (one of the happiest in Australia), in building and construction, accounting, HR and many other industries. It may also serve as a stepping stone to a university degree. The value of a diploma depends on how important the qualification is to the career path you wish to follow. 

It’s a stepping stone for your career

No matter your chosen industry, a diploma can help you reach your career goals. It can give you the essential skills and knowledge you need to enter the workforce. Once completed, your diploma can also open up pathways to further study. 

Any type of tertiary qualification on your resumé can help you stand out to employers. Just having a diploma shows that you can apply yourself to challenging tasks, and that you have a good level of interpersonal and communication skills, which are qualities valued by all employers.

It can be more affordable than a degree

A diploma course can be more cost-effective than other higher education programs. The average cost of a diploma is $4,000 to $6,000 per year, while a university degree can cost upwards of $20,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on the field of study.

The types of diplomas

There are different types of diplomas you can get, depending on the career path you want to take. Each type is beneficial in its own way, whether it’s opening up more career opportunities or giving you the specific skills you need to progress to the next level in your education or career.

The types of diplomas in Australia are:

• High school diploma: more commonly known as a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, this diploma is formal recognition of your completion of high school or senior college.
• Diploma: a diploma is typically a one-year course that qualifies you to enter a skilled profession. These courses are generally more practical than academic. 
• Advanced diploma: an advanced diploma requires additional coursework to provide a deeper level of study.
• Undergraduate diploma: an undergraduate diploma offered by a university is a course that prepares you for academic uni studies rather than teaching you practical skills.
• Graduate diploma: a ‘grad dip’ is a 12-month postgraduate course for people who already have a bachelor’s degree and need additional studies to get into their chosen profession. Popular graduate diplomas in Australia include education, psychology, architecture and hospitality management. 
• Vocational diploma: vocational diplomas in Australia provide technical skills training for a wide range of trades and industries.
•  Online diplomas: an online diploma course allows you to study remotely, through virtual classes, with many allowing you to study at your own pace. 

Is a diploma a degree? 

Is a diploma an undergraduate degree? No, an undergraduate degree is a bachelor’s degree – a 3- or 4-year university course. Within the Australian Qualifications Framework, a diploma is two levels below an undergraduate degree, while a graduate diploma is one level above. A diploma can also be used as a stepping stone to a bachelor degree.

The difference between diploma and bachelor’s degree goes beyond the level of qualification. A diploma course is typically only one to two years, while a bachelor’s degree takes up to four years of study. The material covered in a diploma course tends to be more foundational, while a bachelor’s degree gives you more specialised knowledge. A bachelor’s degree is usually more expensive. 

While a diploma provides national recognition of the completion of a course, it may not be recognised internationally. On the other hand, a bachelor degree is recognised globally as part of the ratification of the Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education. 

Here’s a breakdown of the differences. 

Duration

• Diploma: 1-2 years of full-time study

• Bachelor’s: 3-4 years of full-time study

Academic focus

• Diploma: practical skills and specific vocational training

• Bachelor’s: cademic study with a mix of general education and specialisation

Admission requirements

• Diploma: Completion of high school or equivalent

• Bachelor’s: Completion of high school with academic prerequisites

Cost

• Diploma: $4,000–$6,000 per year

• Bachelor’s: $20,000 to $100,000+ per year

Career opportunities 

• Diploma: entry-level positions in trades and professions

• Bachelor’s: wide range of career opportunities, including those that require in-depth knowledge

Further education

• Diploma: can lead to higher education, including bachelor degrees

• Bachelor’s: can lead to postgraduate studies (graduate diploma or masters)

Global recognition

• Diploma: depends on institution, industry and country

• Bachelor’s: recognised internationally

Flexibility

• Diploma: typically more flexibility, with after-hours studies sometimes available 

• Bachelor’s: part- or full-time offered, can usually defer a year

What can you do with a diploma?

Should you do a diploma? If you’re looking to get some foundational knowledge or explore trade careers, then yes, a diploma is definitely worth studying. Many jobs, like enrolled nurse (EN), don’t require the time and cost commitment of a bachelor’s degree, so it makes sense to get a diploma instead. A diploma can also be useful if you don’t have a high school certificate and you want to enrol in a university degree. 

If you’re in a highly competitive industry, a diploma course can give you extra skills and make you stand out, particularly in more specialised areas. For example, if you work in office administration, getting a diploma in paralegal services can open up a career in the legal sector. 

How to get a diploma

As with any course, there are prerequisites you need to meet before you can enrol in a diploma course. Diploma prerequisites can include:

• English language fluency
• Having a portfolio to demonstrate interest in an area
• Completion of year 11 or 12
• Completion of a prior diploma
• Being over the age of 18 or approved if under the age of 18

You may also need to achieve specific grades in high school English or maths. Some courses (like advanced diploma courses) may also require you to take an exam or complete a project to showcase your skill set. 

Internships are a great way to help you gain relevant experience before or while completing your diploma. This approach gives you hands-on, real-life experience to practise the skills you learn in the course. 

How long do diplomas take? 

The average diploma takes between one to two years to complete, depending on the course and whether you’re undertaking full-time or part-time study. For example, you will be able to complete a diploma course quicker by undertaking full-time study, but this may not allow you time to work or fulfil other commitments. Some diploma courses may not be available part time, depending on the institution.

Beyond the diploma

Once you have a diploma, there are many paths you can take. You might do an internship, traineeship or apprenticeship to work and study at the same time, you could get an entry-level job in your field, or you could choose to do further study. 

If you do decide to study more after a diploma, how many years for a degree after that? Generally speaking, a bachelor’s degree will require an additional three years of study. You also have the option to do an advanced diploma or refine your skills with an industry-specific certificate. Whatever studies you take after your diploma, you can expect to unlock more career opportunities and earning potential. 

A diploma is ideal if you’re looking to stand out from other job applications, kick-start your career or find pathways into university without completing high school. There are many diploma courses to choose from, covering a vast range of industries. Wherever you want to go, and whatever level of education you have, there’s a diploma course to help you reach your career aspirations.