Part-Time Study In Australia: The Pros And Cons

Undoubtedly, studying abroad in Australia is one of the best decisions you will ever make. However, when searching for a study program that suits your circumstances, you must consider several factors to make the right decision.

You must focus on the type of career you are looking for, whether you need some free time or want to spend more time at the university, your chances of getting a job, and more.

It is also important to note that part-time study may come with a few challenges. So before making any decision, read this post to weigh the pros and cons of studying part-time in Australia.

1. What Is Part-Time Study?

Part-time study spreads a full-time course for a more extended period. When compared to a full-time, part-time study requires fewer hours per week.

It is suitable for people who want to balance study with their work or personal life. Also, part-time courses can be helpful if you want to improve or change your career path.

Part-time study is not an option for international students on a student visa. The visa requires them to get 24 credit points per semester, which is only possible with full-time study.

2. What Does Part-time Study Involve?

Part-time courses mostly require students to attend evening or afternoon classes each week. They are for those students who want to work full-time or part-time jobs while studying. 

Some Australian universities have taken a step ahead by providing a few postgraduate courses through e-learning or distance learning. It allows students to attend classes from home without going to the university. Instead, they receive all the teaching, education, and tuition services from the internet.

Studying for Masters's programs or postgraduate diplomas through part-time study may take around two to three years to complete. You can also do part-time MPhil courses, which will take about four to five years to complete and part-time PhDs, taking up to six years.

Students pursuing a part-time PhD degree might have to juggle their research work and teaching fellowship. Besides, you can also go for a professional doctorate that allows you to choose a professional career instead of an academic career. 

Most students already pursuing a career take up a professional doctorate course.

3. Why Study Part-Time?

If you need more resources or time to study full-time, then part-time study is the best option. You can also take a part-time course to advance your career, personal development, or simply because you want to explore a subject. 

All in all, part-time study is a great way to continue learning while building your career at the same time.

4. What is The Difference Between Full-Time and Part-Time Study?

The significant difference between full-time and part-time study is the number of credit hours a semester. Generally, part-time courses have a minimum of 6 to 11 credits, which means two to three classes per week. In contrast, a full-time course has a minimum of 12 credits or about four classes. 

Therefore, a part-time student spends less time in class than a full-time university student during a semester.

5. Pros of Part-Time Study

• Lifestyle: Combining employment, part-time study, and some free time can significantly change your lifestyle. You will have less academic work, and your routine will be more relaxed than a full-time student's university routine. This will leave you with more flexibility to do whatever you desire. 

• Money: It is one of the most vital factors most students consider when taking a part-time course, as it allows them to work more frequently and earn more money. On the other hand, making money is a massive issue for full-time students because they often have to work on weekends and do night shifts to fit in with their busy schedules. 

• No Break from Your Career: Studying part-time means you can take a break from your professional career. Additionally, it offers the bonus of not relocating for study purposes, especially if you are studying through distance learning. Overall, part-time study helps you avoid university life and lets you focus entirely on the professional world. 

• Variety: There are a variety of people who take up part-time study. They could be a young professional trying to raise a family, a middle-aged person already pursuing a well-established career, or a school dropout working casual shifts at a restaurant.

• No Higher Qualifications Required: You do not need a higher qualification for part-time courses. You can easily enrol on part-time courses. Also, it gives you more time to study and get a qualification without facing any troubles.

• Support: When pursuing part-time study, tutors and lecturers will continuously support you and give you more advice on approaching the course in the best way possible. Furthermore, dealing with less workload will offer you more time to clarify all your problems and seek assistance from the teaching staff.

6. Cons of Part-time Study

• Balance: Dealing with part-time study, work, family, and other responsibilities, can sometimes be hard to handle. This can further result in poor time management, due to which you may fail to meet your course requirements. 

• Duration: Part-time courses take a long time to complete, which may add extra pressure to your current work situation. Also, it can get extremely frustrating when you see other students graduating and you are still working and studying part-time at the university. 

• Availability: Some educational institutions in Australia do not provide part-time study courses. So it is always better to conduct thorough research before choosing a university.

• Lower Success Rate: The success rate for part-time students is lower than for full-time students. Many part-time PhD students still need to make it to the end and finish their course.

• Stress: Due to the added pressure of meeting deadlines, passing exams, and completing assignments, part-time students are stressed. So do not think that if you are a part-time student, you can get away with university life. 

• University Experience: Being a part-time student means you won't experience university life. Also, you won't get to know your fellow students and be friends with them.

7. Final Words 

Being a part-time student takes work, as it takes plenty of commitment, time management skills, and determination. Even though part-time courses allow more flexibility and are less overwhelming, you still have to meet deadlines. 

Therefore, weigh the pros and cons of students working part-time and see what suits your needs.

Useful Links to Explore:  

• English Language Requirements for Australia
• Cultural differences you may experience in Australia
• How to find Part-Time work as a Student in Australia
• Seven Tips for Students on a Budget in Australia
• How to get a Scholarship to Study in Australia
• Driving in Australia as an International Student
• How to change your Course or Institute in Australia
• The Benefits of a Professional Year Program (PYP)
• A Complete Guide to Study in Australia
• Types of Education in Australia 
• What to Study in Australia?