The National Diploma (NDip) (Irish: Dioplóma Náisiúnta) is a three year ab initio specialised higher education qualification in a technology discipline offered by an Institute of Technology or other HETAC designated institution in the Republic of Ireland.

Alternatively a National Diploma may be offered as a one year post National Certificate type course. The diploma will generally exempt a student from the first two years of a four year university honours bachelor's degree in the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland universities consider the standard equivalent to the BTEC Higher National Diploma, this is also the position adopted by most British universities that have large entrance from the Republic. Many of the courses are in business, engineering and science. Most entrants are school leavers presenting the Leaving Certificate or the National Certificate and many will continue their studies to Bachelor's degree level.

The National Diploma, in Ireland, was awarded first in 1973 at several Regional Technical Colleges. The National Diploma will be replaced by the ordinary batchelors degree, this was decided by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland recently, the diploma will not be awarded after June 2006.

Common National Diplomas

See also

• Education in the Republic of Ireland