Diploma holders in relevant engineering or technology fields are often eligible for lateral entry into the B.Sc. Aeronautical Science program, typically starting in the second year of the course. This lateral entry option allows diploma graduates to leverage their existing knowledge and technical expertise to fast-track their studies. However, the eligibility for lateral entry depends on the specific institution's policies, and candidates must ensure their diploma is recognized and equivalent to the first-year coursework of the B.Sc. program. Additionally, diploma holders may need to pass certain bridging exams or assessments to qualify for lateral entry.