The National Diploma (NDip) (Irish: Dioplóma Náisiúnta) was 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 Ireland.
The diploma generally exempted a student from the first two or three years of a four-year university Honours Bachelor's Degree in Ireland.
Northern Ireland universities considered the standard equivalent to the BTEC Higher National Diploma, this was also the position adopted by most British universities that have large entrance from the Republic.
The National Diploma in Ireland was first awarded in 1973 by several Regional Technical Colleges.
This was decided by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland recently.