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