Higher diploma

A higher diploma is an academic award offered in various countries, including Iraq, Libya, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, Ireland, and Oman. In Iraq, it is a one-year program after completing a bachelor's degree, requiring a pass mark of 50-59% in the same discipline. The program includes two terms of coursework followed by a thesis.

In Libya, the Higher Diploma was introduced in the 1980s as a practical-focused qualification requiring 120 to 140 academic credits. In the United Kingdom, it is a Level 2 qualification under the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), equivalent to higher tier GCSE grades (A*-C). It serves as a foundation for further studies like A-Levels and typically includes four subjects: Maths, English, ICT, and a specialized subject.

In Singapore and Hong Kong, the higher diploma is an academic award at the same level as an associate degree, below bachelor's degrees but above lower-level diplomas. In Ireland, the Higher Diploma (Ard-Dioplóma) replaced the graduate diploma in 2012, offering reorientation courses while also introducing postgraduate diplomas for professional pathways.

In Oman, the Higher Diploma is a one-year course with 30 credit hours.