Studying part-time: What is possible?

The educational model of "studying on the side" is becoming increasingly popular. More and more prospective students who are already in employment and want to qualify for higher-level jobs are opting for an academic education. Distance learning courses, which are now almost 100 percent completed online, are particularly popular.

On this page we summarize the most important information on the subject of "studying part-time" for you. You can obtain free study advice by calling +49 (0)7533 919 23 - 86 or by e-mail (studium@allensbach-hochschule.de). Kontaktieren Sie uns noch heute!

Who are part-time study programs aimed at?

As the name suggests, part-time degree courses are designed for people who are in employment and want to continue their education. Studying part-time is an educational option that leads to an academic degree (e.g. the Bachelor in Business Administration) within reach, even though the prospective student cannot take time off for regular full-time study - whether for financial or other reasons.

The reasons why people embark on part-time studies vary. Some want to gain further qualifications in their specialist field, others are looking for an academic balance to their practical work in the company. Still others hope to gain better opportunities through their degree, advance their career.

The age structure of distance learning students differs significantly from that of students at face-to-face universities. While more than 91 percent of the latter group are 29 years old or younger (source: Statista), the figure for distance learning students is between 40 and 50 percent. In other words, around half of distance learning students are 30 years or older. Experience shows that a completed online degree can still be a useful argument in salary negotiations even at the age of 40 or 50.

Studying on the side: Numbers you should know

The "part-time study" model is very much in vogue. According to current figures, in Germany alone there are over 400,000 people, who complete a distance learning course or take part in so-called distance learning. This refers to non-academic educational opportunities, such as language courses.

If the latter group is disregarded, this still leaves around 200,000 peoplewho study part-time or complete a distance learning course without working at the same time. The number of educational institutions is increasing from year to year: according to our research, there are now around 390 universities and private-sector companies that offer academic part-time courses. Prospective students can choose from around 1,700 courses leading to a Bachelor's or Master's degree. MBA conclude.

For people who are considering studying part-time, the drop-out rates are also of interest. In the area of distance learning courses, these are 30 to 70 percent. The Fernuni Hagen, the only state university in Germany, last published relevant figures in 2010. According to this seven out of ten students complete their academic education early.

At private educational institutions such as Allensbach University, drop-out rates are much lower. At our distance learning university, the success rate is Well over 90 percent. One reason for this is certainly that the course can be completed at any time. Students determine their own pace of learning and can even extend the semesters by up to 50 percent free of charge.

Studying part-time: The question of costs

The question of costs is not necessarily the top priority for most people who want to study part-time. The reason is obvious: unlike students of a younger age, who normally have no education and live off their parents' allowances and/or various part-time jobs, those in employment can continue to receive their usual salary and can therefore continue to study. cover all costs.

Funding within the framework of the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) is possible for distance learning students, but only to a limited extent. Here are some of the key requirements and conditions to be observed when applying:

• Only first degree programs are funded (exception: Master's degree programs)
• The entitlement expires at the beginning of the 30th year of life (Master: 35 years)
• The income earned is offset against the BAföG entitlement
• Every distance learning student receives BAföG for a maximum of 12 months

To put it in a nutshell: If you are working and studying part-time, you generally have to cover the costs. carry yourself. People whose income is so low that they are entitled to BAföG despite their salary being taken into account are an exception - for example, if they have a job with 15 or fewer hours per week. However, only very few people in employment fall into this group.

Studying part-time: Time management is the key

Working people who have a full-time job often have little time for other things. Due to the workload, private life sometimes falls by the wayside - in practical terms, this can hardly be avoided. Those who also study on the side have to put themselves under even more strain. Not everyone is cut out to cope with such a double burden for years on end. On the other hand, the high success rates show, that full-time employees also achieve their goal - albeit a little later.

If you work 20 to 30 hours a week and study on the side, the situation is different. Part-time students can use the time quotas that other distance learning students need to fulfill their professional obligations, engage with the learning material. It is no wonder that holders of part-time jobs often achieve the desired qualification more quickly than full-time employees.

There is another group that we have not yet mentioned: Women who have a Child and want to continue their education or return to work after giving birth. These women also study part-time, but under different conditions. While other distance learners work in their companies, young mothers look after their children - an activity that is comparable to a full-time job in terms of the effort involved.

A good Time management is essential if you want to successfully complete the "part-time study" project. Young mothers have the advantage that they can study from any location and make use of their free time. When the child is looked after and asleep, they can sit down at the computer and absorb the learning material. Working people have to learn to deal with the double workload. This requires a certain amount of time to get used to, but is entirely feasible, as the high number of graduates proves.

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You would like to Study part-time and are looking for a suitable distance learning university? At Allensbach University you will find ideal conditions. You can study online, independent of time and place and can also choose your own specialization. We offer the Bachelor Business Administration with various specializations as well as four Master's degree courses (e.g. Business Pedagogics and Finance). You can obtain advice by calling the number below or by e-mail. Wir freuen uns auf Ihre Kontaktaufnahme!