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Part-time student

A part-time student is typically a non-traditional learner pursuing higher education while attending fewer classes than a full-time student, with the exact thresholds varying by country and institution. In the United States, this is defined as enrollment for fewer than 12 semester or quarter credit hours, or fewer than 24 clock hours per week, distinguishing them from full-time students who meet or exceed these thresholds.^[1] This status provides flexibility for balancing academics with commitments like work or family.^[1] In the United States, part-time enrollment is common, particularly at community colleges. Demographically, U.S. part-time undergraduates are disproportionately female, older, and from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups.^[1] Many work while studying, with 74% employed in 2022—often 20 or more hours per week—compared to 41% of full-time students.^[2] Part-time students often face challenges like lower completion rates compared to full-time peers.^[1] Targeted supports, such as advising and accelerated programs, can improve their success.^[1]

Definition and Characteristics

Definition

A part-time student is an individual pursuing higher education with a reduced course load compared to full-time enrollment, typically defined in credit-hour terms across most educational systems. At the undergraduate level, this generally means registering for fewer than 12 semester or quarter credit hours per term, while graduate students are considered part-time if enrolled in fewer than 9 credit hours per term.^[3] These thresholds ensure that part-time status reflects a commitment below the minimum required for full-time classification, which aligns with institutional policies on tuition, financial aid eligibility, and academic progress.^[4] Variations in the definition arise from differences in measuring enrollment intensity relative to a full-time equivalent (FTE), where part-time is commonly any load less than 1.0 FTE—equivalent to the standard full-time schedule.^[5] For instance, in systems using proportional calculations, a student at 60% of a full-time course might be recorded as 0.6 FTE, allowing flexibility for working professionals or those with other responsibilities.^[5] Such approaches emphasize the relative scale of engagement rather than absolute credits, accommodating diverse institutional and regional standards. The core distinction from full-time status lies in the overall time commitment, with part-time enrollment involving fewer hours dedicated to coursework, classes, and independent study. Standard guidelines recommend about three hours of total engagement per credit hour per week, so a typical part-time undergraduate load of 6 credits equates to roughly 18 hours weekly, in contrast to 36 hours or more for a full-time schedule of 12 credits.^[6] This reduced intensity often incorporates non-traditional elements, such as modular course structures that break programs into self-contained units, enabling part-time students to progress flexibly over longer durations without adhering to a rigid semester timeline.^[7]

Enrollment Demographics

Part-time students constitute a significant portion of the higher education population worldwide, often combining studies with other commitments. Globally, data from UNESCO indicates that total higher education enrollment reached 264 million students as of 2023, though precise part-time breakdowns remain challenging due to varying definitions across regions; however, in developed economies represented by the OECD, nearly one-fifth (19%) of 18-24-year-olds and 10% of 25-29-year-olds balance education with employment, underscoring the scale of part-time participation.^[8]^[9] Demographically, part-time enrollment is more prevalent among adults aged 25 and older, who often pursue education alongside professional or personal obligations; for instance, in the United States, adults over 25 represent a key segment of part-time undergraduates, with non-traditional learners in this age group comprising a majority of such enrollments. Working professionals dominate this cohort, with about 75% of adult learners employed while studying as of 2025, reflecting the necessity of financial support or career advancement.^[10] Parents and caregivers also feature prominently, particularly those navigating family responsibilities that limit full-time study options.^[11] Post-2020 trends show a shift toward younger part-time enrollees, as more students under 25 opt for flexible schedules to balance work-study demands amid economic recovery. Gender disparities persist, with women exhibiting higher part-time rates due to disproportionate family responsibilities, influencing their educational pathways. Ethnic disparities are evident in regions like North America, where underrepresented minorities, including Black and Hispanic students, show higher representation in community colleges and non-traditional programs, where part-time enrollment is common.^[12]

Benefits and Challenges

Benefits

Part-time study provides significant flexibility in scheduling, enabling students to integrate education with full-time employment, family responsibilities, or other commitments by typically enrolling in a lower course load of 6 to 9 credits per semester.^[13] This approach allows learners to pace their academic progress according to their availability, often studying evenings or weekends, which is particularly valuable for many working part-time undergraduates.^[1] Online and hybrid modalities further enhance this flexibility by offering asynchronous access to materials, accommodating unpredictable schedules without requiring on-campus attendance.^[14] Financially, part-time enrollment permits students to maintain income from ongoing employment, avoiding the need to reduce work hours or incur debt from full-time study.^[15] Additionally, many employers provide tuition assistance programs that support part-time students, with nearly half of U.S. organizations offering such benefits to help cover educational costs and align learning with career goals.^[16] This can include reimbursements up to $5,250 annually under tax-free provisions, making higher education more accessible for employed adults.^[17] By spreading coursework over an extended period, part-time study reduces the risk of stress and burnout compared to intensive full-time programs, allowing time for recovery and application of learning in real-world contexts.^[15] For instance, students can incorporate internships or personal development activities into their routines, fostering a more sustainable path to degree completion that builds confidence and prevents overload.^[18] In the long term, part-time graduates often experience higher retention of workforce-relevant skills, as their studies directly inform current roles and enhance employability.^[18] Surveys indicate that these learners gain new skills and greater workplace responsibilities even during their studies, leading to improved pay and better work-life integration upon completion.^[19] This integration supports ongoing professional growth and adaptability in dynamic job markets.^[14]

Challenges

Part-time students often face extended timelines for degree completion due to their reduced credit loads, which typically range from 6 to 9 credits per semester compared to 12 or more for full-time students. This results in bachelor's degrees that are designed for four years of full-time study taking an average of six years or longer for part-time enrollees, with some cohorts requiring up to 10 years, particularly among older or working adult learners.^[20]^[21]^[22] Higher attrition and lower persistence rates further compound these delays, as part-time students are more likely to drop out or pause enrollment due to competing demands. For instance, among fall 2023 entrants, first-year persistence to the following spring was only 67.4% for part-time students, compared to 92.1% for full-time peers, reflecting broader patterns where just 19% of part-time community college starters complete a degree within six years versus 36% of full-time students.^[23]^[13] Reduced engagement with campus life exacerbates these issues, as part-time students spend less time on campus and thus have limited access to resources such as advising, tutoring, and extracurricular activities. This often leads to social isolation, with fewer opportunities for peer interactions that foster a sense of belonging essential for retention. Additionally, challenges in group work arise from scheduling conflicts with employment or family obligations, hindering collaborative learning experiences.^[13] Financial strains persist despite the income maintenance from part-time work, as prolonged enrollment extends tuition payments over more years and incurs ongoing fees without proportional aid increases. Opportunity costs mount from foregone full-time earnings or career advancement, while costs beyond tuition—such as transportation ($6,300 annually as of 2020) and food ($6,200 annually as of 2020)—contribute to insecurity, even among those working full-time (43% of older part-time students as of 2016).^[22]

Recent Trends

Post-Pandemic Developments

The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions to part-time higher education enrollment in 2020-2021, with many regions experiencing sharp declines due to economic uncertainty, campus closures, and shifts to remote learning that not all working students could accommodate. In the United States, for instance, public two-year institutions—which often serve a high proportion of part-time students—saw a 10.1% drop in overall enrollment from fall 2019 to fall 2020,^[24] contributing to broader retention challenges for part-time learners, particularly in community colleges where rates fell by 3.5 percentage points.^[25] Globally, similar patterns emerged, with international part-time enrollment, a key segment for working adults, declining by up to 15% in major host countries like the UK and US during the initial pandemic year. These drops, ranging from 10-30% in affected sectors across regions, reflected heightened financial pressures on students balancing employment and studies. By 2023, enrollment began recovering through the adoption of hybrid learning models, which blended in-person and online elements to better suit part-time schedules. Hybrid program participation grew by 51% in the US between 2017 and 2023, countering overall enrollment stagnation and enabling institutions to regain students who had paused studies during peak disruptions. This recovery was uneven but marked a shift toward more flexible formats that supported re-engagement, particularly in community colleges and adult education programs where part-time students predominate. Remote learning expansions during and after the pandemic enhanced accessibility for part-time students, particularly working adults and international learners facing travel restrictions or time constraints. Online modalities reduced geographical and scheduling barriers, allowing greater participation from employed individuals who previously struggled with traditional campus attendance; surveys indicated high satisfaction (over 88%) among part-time adult students with these formats for their flexibility. For international students, this meant continued access without relocation, mitigating isolation from global mobility halts. Policy responses further aided recovery, including extended work permissions for international part-time students to support financial stability. In Germany, regulations updated in March 2024 confirmed permission for non-EU students to work up to 20 hours per week during semesters, while increasing annual day limits to 140 full or 280 half days (from 120/240), easing economic strains exacerbated by the pandemic.^[26] In Europe and Central Asia, automatic re-enrollment mechanisms were widely implemented to prevent dropouts, allowing students to resume studies without reapplication hurdles amid disruptions. These measures helped sustain part-time pathways for vulnerable groups. Long-term, the pandemic prompted flexible programs to mitigate learning losses from interrupted education, with institutions prioritizing modular and asynchronous courses to help part-time students catch up without full-time commitment. Such initiatives addressed gaps in skill acquisition for working learners, fostering resilience in higher education systems. However, ongoing challenges included over 40 U.S. college closures announced by 2025, often affecting smaller institutions reliant on part-time enrollment and reducing access in underserved areas. Into 2025, new challenges emerged for international part-time enrollment, with a 17% decline in new international student enrollments in the US for fall 2025, attributed to immigration policy changes, affecting working adult learners globally.^[27]

Online and Hybrid Learning

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online learning platforms, with global enrollments in massive open online courses (MOOCs) more than doubling in 2020 and rising by an additional 32% in 2021 to reach 189 million learners, many of whom were part-time adults seeking asynchronous access to fit irregular schedules.^[28] In Asia, platforms like Thailand's ThaiMOOC expanded to 1.8 million students by 2024, offering self-paced video-based courses and micro-credentials that allow working professionals to study flexibly without fixed timetables.^[29] Similarly, in Europe, open universities such as the UK's Open University enhanced platforms like Moodle and FutureLearn for asynchronous tuition and continuous assessment, enabling part-time enrollment to continue uninterrupted during lockdowns.^[30] By fall 2021, 61% of U.S. undergraduates—often including part-time students—were enrolled in at least one distance education course, reflecting broader international trends in accessible online formats.^[31] Hybrid learning models, which blend virtual and in-person elements, have further supported part-time students by offering customizable participation options, with hybrid enrollments growing 51% from 2017 to 2023 to reach 5.4 million students, bucking overall higher education declines.^[32] This growth is particularly pronounced among non-traditional learners, including full-time working adults, where 55% of undergraduate and 61% of graduate prospects preferred hybrid formats in 2024 surveys, allowing integration of online modules with occasional on-campus sessions to accommodate employment demands.^[32] Institutions like Spain's Universitat Oberta de Catalunya have leveraged hybrid approaches on their Virtual Campus to serve 82% employed students across 142 countries, emphasizing modular progression that aligns with part-time pacing.^[30] These formats enhance global reach for part-time students through franchise and validation programs, where universities partner with international institutions to deliver accredited online degrees without requiring physical relocation, thus enabling access for those constrained by travel or visas.^[33] For instance, Germany's FernUniversität in Hagen has expanded virtual mobility via DAAD IVAC projects and MOOC platforms like offene.fernuni, providing micro-credentials to diverse international learners.^[30] Complementing this, AI-driven personalization tools, such as adaptive dashboards and 24/7 chatbots, tailor content and offer real-time support outside traditional hours, reducing cognitive overload for part-time students balancing multiple responsibilities and improving retention through early intervention for disengagement.^[34] Despite these advancements, digital divides pose significant challenges, with 826 million students worldwide lacking household computers and 706 million without home internet, disproportionately affecting part-time learners in developing regions like sub-Saharan Africa where 89% lack device access.^[35] However, online and hybrid models address part-time needs through modular courses, which break programs into bite-sized, self-paced units—like those on Indonesia's SPADA platform—allowing learners to progress incrementally around work or family commitments while mitigating access barriers via mobile-compatible asynchronous delivery.^[29]

By Country

Australia

In Australia, part-time students in higher education are typically defined as those enrolled in less than 75% of a standard full-time study load, equivalent to fewer than 0.75 Equivalent Full-Time Student Load (EFTSL) per year or less than three courses per semester.^[36]^[37] This definition applies across most universities and vocational providers, allowing flexibility for students balancing work, family, or other commitments. Part-time enrollment has historically focused on mature-age learners (aged 25 and over) and those in regional or remote areas, who comprise a larger proportion of this cohort compared to metropolitan students—31% of regional/remote students are aged 26 or older, versus 22.2% in urban settings.^[38]^[39] Government policies support part-time study through the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS-HELP), a loan program available to eligible domestic students in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs), regardless of enrollment intensity. HECS-HELP enables deferral of student contributions for part-time units, paid directly to the provider, with repayments tied to income via the tax system, thereby facilitating access in both university and vocational education and training (VET) sectors that emphasize flexible delivery modes.^[40]^[41] This support aligns with broader efforts to accommodate diverse learners, including through flexible scheduling in VET courses that integrate part-time options for workforce upskilling. Enrollment trends show a significant decline in part-time higher education students over time. In 2008, approximately 23% of bachelor-degree students were part-time, reflecting a higher share amid expanding access initiatives. By 2022, this had shifted dramatically, with only about 11,000 part-time students compared to roughly 4 million full-time enrollments, driven by policy changes favoring full-time domestic participation and international student growth. For international students on subclass 500 visas, permissible work hours were standardized at 48 hours per fortnight during term time from July 2023 onward, remaining at this level through 2025 to balance study and employment without altering part-time enrollment patterns directly.^[42]^[43]^[44] Post-2023, expansions in online part-time options have addressed workforce shortages in sectors like health, education, and technology, with institutions offering microcredentials and flexible VET pathways to enable mature-age and regional learners to upskill without relocating. These developments, supported by government incentives for priority qualifications, have increased access to hybrid models, particularly in response to skills gaps identified in national labor market analyses, contributing to post-pandemic stabilization in part-time participation.^[45]^[46]^[47]

Canada

In Canada, the definition of a part-time student varies by institution and province, often tied to a percentage of the full course load. For instance, at the University of British Columbia (UBC), full-time status requires at least 24 credits over the Winter Session, equivalent to 80% of the standard 30-credit load, so part-time enrollment is considered less than 24 credits annually.^[48] ^[49] Other universities, such as York University and the University of Calgary, typically define part-time as fewer than 9 credits per academic term, representing less than 60% of a full load.^[50] ^[51] This variability allows flexibility for working adults or those with other commitments but can affect eligibility for certain supports.^[52] Funding for part-time students is provided through federal and provincial mechanisms, primarily assessed based on family income, number of dependents, and study intensity (typically 20-59% of full load). The Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Studies offers up to CAD 2,520 per academic year to eligible students with demonstrated financial need, while the Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students with Dependants provides up to CAD 2,688 annually until the end of the 2025-2026 school year for those with children under 12 or older dependents with disabilities.^[53] ^[54] Provincial programs complement these, with loans available up to CAD 10,000 per year not exceeding assessed need.^[55] As of 2023/24, approximately 421,000 part-time students were enrolled in Canadian universities, representing a significant portion of postsecondary participation, particularly among adult learners balancing work and education.^[56] Post-pandemic recovery has emphasized targeted support for Indigenous and adult learners, including through the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP), which funds tuition, books, and living costs for First Nations part-time students to address access gaps exposed by COVID-19 disruptions.^[57] Provincial policies further differentiate support; for example, Ontario's Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) offers part-time funding for students taking 20-59% of a full course load, with flexibility to decline loans and additional grants for Indigenous applicants.^[58] ^[59] Recent expansions in online and hybrid formats have supported increased part-time retention as of 2025.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, part-time students often enroll as "occasional students," a category allowing short-term, non-degree participation in specific modules without committing to a full programme of study. This flexible arrangement is typically approved by academic staff and suits learners seeking targeted skill development or professional credits, with fees charged pro rata based on credits taken, such as £2,381 per 30-credit module at institutions like Kingston University.^[60]^[61] Part-time enrollment in UK higher education experienced a significant decline of approximately 30% in undergraduate entrants between 2011 and 2016, largely attributed to changes in funding availability following the 2012 reforms. By 2023/24, however, numbers had begun recovering, with around 198,000 part-time first-degree undergraduates, 85,000 in other undergraduate qualifications, and 220,000 in postgraduate taught programmes, reflecting a stabilization driven by policy adjustments to support adult learners.^[62]^[63] Funding for part-time students underwent major adjustments after the 2012 higher education reforms, which raised full-time tuition fee caps to £9,000 while shifting support from grants to loans; part-time learners became eligible for tuition fee loans covering up to 30% course intensity (e.g., £2,700 annually for a quarter-time course) and maintenance loans for those studying at 25-59% intensity. The Open University plays a central role in promoting lifelong learning through its distance-based part-time model, serving over 200,000 students annually with modular courses funded via these loans, enabling working adults to accumulate credits flexibly over time.^[64]^[65] Post-Brexit, EU part-time student mobility to the UK decreased sharply, with new EU enrollments falling 57% from 2020/21 to 2023/24 due to higher fees, visa requirements, and loss of Erasmus+ access, prompting a relative increase in domestic adult participation to fill gaps in part-time cohorts.^[66]^[62] As of 2025, growth in digital credentials and employer-sponsored part-time study has further bolstered recovery.

United States

In the United States, a part-time undergraduate student is generally defined as one enrolled in fewer than 12 credit hours per semester at a postsecondary institution.^[67] In fall 2024, approximately 5.7 million undergraduates were enrolled part-time, compared to 9.6 million full-time students, representing about 37% of total undergraduate enrollment across degree-granting institutions.^[68] This distinction affects eligibility for various supports, as full-time status often unlocks maximum benefits in areas like financial aid and academic advising. Part-time undergraduate enrollment grew by approximately 18% from 5.5 million in fall 2004 to 6.5 million in fall 2014; however, it declined to 5.9 million by fall 2021 and stabilized around 5.7 million in fall 2024, reflecting post-pandemic shifts toward hybrid learning.^[69] Federal financial aid for part-time students includes prorated portions of key programs such as Pell Grants and Direct Loans, calculated based on enrollment intensity relative to full-time status.^[70] For instance, half-time students (typically 6-11 credits) may receive 50% of the full Pell Grant award, while less than half-time enrollment (1-5 credits) qualifies for 25% or a minimum amount if eligible, with the maximum Pell award for 2025-2026 set at $7,395 for full-time recipients.^[70] Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans are similarly prorated, reducing annual borrowing limits proportionally—for example, a dependent undergraduate at half-time status might access up to $1,500 in subsidized loans instead of the full $3,500.^[71] In addition to federal options, many states offer targeted aid for part-time learners, such as New York's Part-Time TAP grant, which provides up to $2,000 annually for students taking 3-11 credits at participating institutions.^[72] By 2020, 74% of part-time undergraduates were employed, often balancing work with studies to meet financial needs or advance careers, compared to 40% of full-time students.^[73] Community colleges, which serve as a primary entry point for many part-time learners, enrolled about 66% of their students part-time in recent years, reflecting their emphasis on accessible, modular programs tailored to non-traditional students such as parents and mid-career professionals.^[74] As of 2025, ongoing college closures—at least 20 institutions in 2024 alone, with more anticipated—have heightened challenges for part-time access, particularly for adult learners re-entering higher education.^[75] These closures, often affecting smaller private nonprofits, disrupt credit transfers and program continuity, exacerbating barriers for the 74% of part-time students who rely on employment and may lack resources to relocate or restart elsewhere.^[75] Efforts to mitigate impacts include state policies for teach-out agreements, but displaced adult learners face elevated risks of dropping out without completing credentials.^[75] Expansions in online part-time programs have helped offset some access issues as of 2025.

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Funds available ; Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Studies. Up to $2,520 per academic year ; Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students with Dependants. Up to ...
[54]
Council of Ministers of Education, Canada
According to Universities Canada, in 2019, there were 1,090,000 full-time university students, as well as 266,000 part-time students. In 2018, Canadian ...
[55]
Post-Secondary Student Support Program
Jan 30, 2025 · Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) provides financial assistance to First Nations students who are enrolled in eligible post-secondary programs.Missing: pandemic | Show results with:pandemic
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[PDF] 2025-26 OSAP Application for Part-Time Students
Aug 19, 2025 · Who can use this application? You can use this application if you are: • Taking between 20% and 59% of a full course load;.
[57]
Learn about OSAP
### Part-Time OSAP Eligibility and Flexibility
[58]
[PDF] Cardiff University
1.2 If you wish to apply to study as an occasional student (that is you do not want to follow a defined programme of study, but a selection of modules specific ...Missing: higher | Show results with:higher
[59]
Part-time tuition fees | Kingston University London
For example, if you are studying two modules worth 30 credits each and the equivalent full-time course fee is £9,535, your fee would be 2 x £2,381 = £4,762. ...
[60]
[PDF] Higher education student numbers - UK Parliament
Mar 25, 2025 · Growth in the student population since 2020 has been driven by increases in overseas students on postgraduate taught courses,. Over the 15 years ...
[61]
UK, 2023/24 - Student numbers and characteristics - HESA
Mar 20, 2025 · The total number of HE student enrolments for 2023/24 stood at 2,904,425, a decrease of 1% from 2,937,155 in 2022/23. Entrant enrolments ...
[62]
HE in England from 2012: Funding and finance - Commons Library
Apr 3, 2017 · The Government raised the cap on tuition fees for new student to £9000 in 2012/13 and cut most ongoing direct public funding for tuition in ...
[63]
The Open University: Online Learning Courses and Adult Education
The Open University offers flexible full-time and part-time study, supported distance and open learning for undergraduate and postgraduate courses and ...Courses · Supported distance learning · Postgraduate study · Open UniversityMissing: lifelong | Show results with:lifelong
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EU students in the UK after Brexit - Migration Observatory
Jun 17, 2025 · The number of EU students enrolling in a new course in British universities fell sharply after Brexit, declining by 57% between 2020/21 and 2023 ...
[65]
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Student: What's the Difference?
Jul 14, 2025 · A full-time student spends most of their week in class or studying, while part-time students spend less time on classes during the week. This ...
[66]
COE - Undergraduate Enrollment
### Latest Data on Undergraduate Enrollment (Fall 2021)
[67]
Federal Pell Grants | Federal Student Aid
Federal Pell Grants are usually awarded to undergraduates. The amount depends on financial need, cost of attendance at the college/career school, and more.
[68]
Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans - Federal Student Aid
The $65,500 subsidized aggregate loan limit for graduate or professional students includes subsidized loans that a graduate or professional student may have ...Federal Versus Private Loans · PLUS Loans · Interest Rates and FeesMissing: proration | Show results with:proration
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Aid for Part-Time Study - HESC.ny.gov
Up to $2,000 per year. Available to students taking three to eleven credits per semester. Must apply through your participating college.
[70]
Total undergraduate fall enrollment in degree-granting postsecondary institutions, by attendance status, sex of student, and control and level of institution: Selected years, 1970 through 2031
### Undergraduate Fall Enrollment by Attendance Status (2004 and 2014)
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Fast Facts - AACC - American Association of Community Colleges
Full-time Students Employed Full Time Full-time Students Employed Part Time 59% 23% Part-time Students Employed Full Time Part-time Students Employed Part Time
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College Closures Will Happen – States Need to Act Now to Protect ...
May 16, 2025 · At least 20 colleges closed in 2024, a number that could increase in the coming years because of proposed cuts to Pell Grants and loans.