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Hi Debjit,
Diplomas are similar to certificates, and they're often awarded through community or technical schools. For instance, a diploma of nursing is offered as an alternative to an associate's degree or bachelor's degree. This diploma program is only offered at hospitals with specialty programs that provide training.
With a diploma qualification the academic emphasis is placed on a more practical approach to learning. Diploma studies are offered on a full-time and/or part-time basis but are generally offered over a three-year period. "In-service" training or "Industry" training is normally part of the Diploma qualifications and varies from programme to programme, but can be anything from six months to a year. For example, Building; Engineering; Radiography. There is also a specialist B.Tech (Bachelor of Technology) option that builds onto a Diploma and places it on the same NQF level as a Bachelor's degree.
With a degree qualification the emphasis is placed on an academic approach to a specified field of study or profession, such as law, pharmacy, architecture. Degree programmes are offered on a full-time or part-time basis and are offered over three to four years, depending on the type of degree programme. Certain programmes require industry training of about six to eight weeks.
All the best.