What is the difference between an Associate Degree and a Higher Diploma?

Both are two-year sub-degree programmes, but they differ in focus. An Associate Degree (AD) is more academically oriented and is designed to articulate into university degree programmes. A Higher Diploma (HD) is more vocational and career-focused, often offered by VTC institutions. Both can lead to university articulation, but AD graduates generally have more options for articulating into Year 2 or Year 3 of a degree programme.