well, equivalent or not doesnt matter.. what ts wants to know is whether can he/she enter uni straight after his/her high school dip.

easiest answer being has ts taken SAT? if yes then entering uni shouldnt be a prob.

if ts is well equipped an thinks that pre-u is not needed then ts should just the pre-u exam without attending class to prove he/she is well qualified enough.

alternatively ts can enter a low tier college and get a dip. first then transfer to a proper uni