Should I Study Full-Time or Part-Time?

What study load is ideal for you? 

So, you’re going to university, but you aren’t sure what the best study option is for you. 

As we know, lots of things can get in the way during life, so it can be difficult deciding whether studying full-time or part-time is the best for you. 

Both full-time and part-time study have their pros and cons, so we’ve broken it down for to help you decide what study load is the best for you. 

What is full-time and part-time study? 

Full-time study is usually when you are enrolled in four units each semester. 

Part-time study is when you are enrolled in less than 4 units per semester, usually 1 or 2. 

Pros of studying full-time 

The most obvious benefit of studying full-time is the ability to complete your degree quicker. 

Typically, full-time undergraduate courses take about three to four years to complete, Which means not only can you get your degree faster, but you can begin pursuing your dream career sooner than those studying part-time. 

While it is an option to complete internships and part time/casual work in your preferred field while you study, completing your studies full-time will allow you to start applying for full-time employment earlier. 

As a full-time, student, you also get the benefit of fully immersing yourself into university life. 

You’ll also benefit from increased one-on-one interaction with tutors and professors which can lead to better feedback, guidance and support. 

It’s also a great opportunity to meet new people, socialise and join different university events and clubs.  

Cons of studying full-time 

However, there are some cons to studying full-time that may affect you. 

One of the most common reasons someone may choose to study part-time over full-time is so they can better manage their financial responsibilities, whether supporting themselves or others. 

With a full-time university workload, you may still be able to work part-time or on a casual basis, but it might not be enough to support you and your lifestyle. 

Not everyone can afford to study full-time and that is ok 🫶 

With full-time study also comes a heavier workload, which for some students lead to extra stress. 

In a lot of cases, the amount of work, study and life that happens can become  overwhelming. When this happens it’s important to acknowledge these challenges and do what you can to make the load easier for you. 

It is always okay to step down from full-time study to part-time. 

Full-time study also often requires you to spend a lot more time on campus doing more practical work or physically attending lectures. 

If you’re someone who lives further away from campus, or you prefer to study independently, physically making it to class on such a regular basis can get quite tough. 

Pros of studying part-time 

In contrast, the most obvious benefit to studying part-time is the extra time and freedom you have on your hands. 

This is an awesome advantage if you’re wanting or needing to work more hours, or to pick up a full-time job. 

Studying part-time allows you to spend more time with your family and friends. 

A part-time workload is generally a lot less intense compared to a full-time workload. As mentioned before, if you struggle with stress or managing lots of different responsibilities at once, part-time study is a great way to ease into that feeling while working towards your goals. 

While online study is often an option, you may have some practical classes that require you to physically be on campus to learn. Part-time studies can be super beneficial if you live quite a distance away from campus and aren’t too keen on making the trek too frequently. 

 Cons of studying part-time 

As you would expect, the biggest downside to studying on a part-time basis is the extended time required to complete your degree. 

Most full-time workloads consist of four units per semester, usually taking no longer than four years to complete. 

With the units halved on a part-time study load, it could take you double the time to complete your degree. 

With this can often come a small case of FOMO (fear of missing out). 

Watching all your full-time peers finish their studies, graduate and move on to employment can be a bit of a downer if you’re still at uni. 

The drawback that isn’t often considered is whether part-time options are even available at your university. 

Some universities may not offer part-time study or not offer certain units to part-time students. So before you decide, make sure to do your research on what options are available. 

Take the time to consider your university's options and the kind of workload you can take on so that you can have the best experience and make the most out of your studies. 

Go with what you think is best for you and your future 🙌🏻 

A previous version of this article was published August 14, 2020