Part-time and dual studies
The ideal combination of work and study
You want to start your career right after graduating from high school? Or would you prefer to complete a degree course? With a part-time studies you can combine work and study.
Benefits of a part-time or dual study programme
Part-time study programmes open up exciting prospects for those who want to pursue an academic education in parallel with their career. Here, especially universities of applied sciences score with practice-oriented study programmes and a good network to the industry.
How we support your part-time study programme
Those who study part-time or dual need a high level of motivation, because the requirements are high. We support you with these organisational measures:
- Optimised timetable design with little idle time and variety in the offer
- Preview of attendance times and examination dates several months in advance (only changed in exceptional cases)
- Examination dates immediately after the end of the course, if possible, to avoid compressed examination situations at the end of the semester
- The availability of electronic media (lecture notes, eBooks, articles in specialised databases) is very high and is constantly being expanded.
Difference between part-time and dual study
In a part-time study programme, classes typically take place on Friday afternoons and Saturdays, either in person or in blocks, depending on the course. Ideally, reducing your work hours to 50-70% is recommended, but this depends on your work environment, family situation, and personal resilience.
In a dual study programme, theory and practice phases alternate monthly. A key advantage of this study model is the close integration of theoretical knowledge and practical application: The practical component is firmly embedded in the study programme. You do not work alongside your studies; instead, practical work is an integral part of your studies.
FAQs
Contact hours at the university, e-learning units, self-organized learning at home, and group and project work alternate. Contact hours take place in blocks on pre-defined weekdays.
This varies depending on the degree programme (and the amount of contact hours). Depending on the work environment, family situation and personal resilience, a reduction in the workload is recommended. 50 to 70 percent employment is ideal.
It is advisable to clarify individual options with the company before the start of studies: e.g. a temporary reduction in the workload, vacation commitments for block weeks, time off for exams, etc.
In project work and in scientific papers, topics from one's own professional environment can be worked on. In turn, you can apply and deepen what you have learned at work. Students also benefit from each other's experiences, and valuable networks are created.
The support of the:the partner:in is an important prerequisite for the success of part-time studies. Daily routines often have to be reorganized. Here, you should consider what is in store for the family and whether the necessary support is available even before you start your studies.
It is possible to gain access to the study program via additional examinations. The prerequisite is that the previous professional path must be related to the intended studies.
Part-time studies require a high level of discipline, consistent time management, and a love of learning.
The Public Employment Service Austria (AMS) offers support measures (www.ams.at -educational part-time, educational leave). The Chamber of Commerce has an educational support database (https://bildungsfoerderung.bic.at/).
Employed students who are subject to payroll taxes can claim expenses related to their studies (technical literature, lecture notes, computers, special supplementary courses, work materials, travel expenses, tuition fees) as income-related expenses for tax purposes.