A higher diploma is an academic award by a university, college, other tertiary institutions, or post-secondary institutions. The award is at the same level as an associate degree or diploma/advanced diploma qualifications framework Level 4, but below the standard of a bachelor's degree.

Most colleges require that you earn a certain number of credits before you can graduate. Credits are a recognition of the academic work you've done—the classes you've taken and passed. You'll usually need 120 credits to get a bachelor's degree. Many colleges offer credit for AP scores.