A licentiate (abbreviated Lic.) is an academic degree awarded in many countries, by a variety of types of educational (usually tertiary) institutions, after a variety of courses of study. It can represent completion of study at different educational levels, but in many contexts is seen as broadly similar to a diploma; it is commonly for postgraduate studies shorter than a masters program.
The Licentiate (Pontifical Degree) is also a postgraduate degree preparatory to a doctoral degree when issued by pontifical universities and certain other universities in Europe, Latin America, and Asia.