diplomas

A diploma is a credential issued by an educational institution indicating completion of a program of study or attainment of prescribed requirements. The term is used in many education systems to describe a wide range of qualifications, from secondary or postsecondary certificates to professional or degree-level programs. In some countries a diploma is a stand-alone qualification shorter than a degree; in others it denotes an award that accompanies a degree or that sits at an intermediate level.

Diplomas may be awarded for secondary education (high school diplomas) and for postsecondary studies. Postsecondary diplomas can be non-degree certificates, diploma programs that yield an associate or similar level, or professional diplomas linked to a specific field such as engineering, business, or health care. The exact status and name of a diploma vary by country and institution.

A typical diploma records the recipient’s name, the awarding institution, the title of the program, dates of issue and completion, and official signatures or seals. It may also indicate program length, level, and a reference to the accompanying transcript or record of coursework. In many systems diplomas are supplemented by a transcript showing courses completed.

Modern diplomas are often issued in both paper and digital formats, with electronic verification and, in some jurisdictions, secure digital credentials. Accreditation and the issuing institution’s standing affect recognition for further study and professional licensure, while counterfeit diplomas pose a risk to employers and schools.

Diplomas are distinct from academic degrees, which confer a higher level of academic qualification; and from certificates, which may recognize shorter or narrower training. In some contexts the term diploma is used interchangeably with degree, so local conventions determine its exact meaning.