Part-Time Employment Emerges as Standard for University Students Worldwide

Across higher education institutions, part-time work has shifted from an occasional supplement to a core element of student life. Incoming undergraduates increasingly plan their finances around earnings from jobs taken during term time, reflecting broader pressures from living costs and support systems that have not kept pace with inflation and other expenses.

Recent surveys highlight this trend. In the United Kingdom, the fifth annual Unite Student Applicant Index found that 87 percent of incoming UK-based students expect to work while studying, with only 22 percent confident they will have sufficient funds to cover university costs. This marks a slight dip from 89 percent the previous year but underscores an entrenched pattern where paid employment is viewed as normal alongside academic commitments.

Key Data on Student Employment Rates

National statistics paint a consistent picture of high workforce participation. In the US, National Center for Education Statistics data indicate that around 40 percent of full-time undergraduates and 74 percent of part-time undergraduates were employed in recent available figures. Broader analyses from sources like Trellis Strategies place overall undergraduate employment near 70 to 80 percent when including both on- and off-campus roles.

In the UK, the Advance HE and Higher Education Policy Institute Student Academic Experience Survey for 2025 reported that 68 percent of full-time undergraduates engaged in term-time paid work, up sharply from 56 percent in 2024 and 42 percent in 2020. Average hours worked stood at 13.1 per week in related findings, contributing to a decline in independent study time to 11.6 hours weekly.

California-specific data from the state's Cradle-to-Career system shows roughly half of students at University of California, California State University, and community colleges holding jobs, with community college students often earning higher median annual amounts.

Financial Worries Driving the Shift

Money concerns rank among the top stressors for current and prospective students. The Blackbullion 2026 Student Money and Wellbeing Report, based on responses from over 2,000 UK university students, revealed that 88 percent express worry about finances—the highest level in six years of tracking. Nearly two-thirds link these concerns directly to impacts on mental health.

Similar patterns appear in US surveys. The National Endowment for Financial Education polling showed widespread financial stress among adults, while student-specific studies indicate more than half of undergraduates struggle to cover unexpected expenses of a few hundred dollars and report that financial instability interferes with academic focus.

Applicants in the Unite survey cited employment income as more reliable than grants or loans for covering living costs, with UK domestic students particularly likely to combine earnings and maintenance support.

Effects on Academic Performance and Campus Life

Balancing work and study carries measurable trade-offs. Research consistently links higher weekly hours—particularly above 15 to 20—to reduced time for coursework, lower engagement in campus activities, and elevated dropout risks. Students working full time or near-full time often attend part-time, further extending degree completion timelines.

Study hours have declined notably in the UK context, with independent study dropping 26 percent over five years amid rising employment. This shift affects not only grades but also opportunities for research, internships aligned with majors, and social integration that supports long-term success.

University administrators note that while some work experience builds employability skills, excessive hours can undermine the very degree outcomes students seek. Institutions are responding with expanded on-campus job programs, flexible scheduling, and financial literacy resources to mitigate negative effects.

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Perspectives from Students, Institutions, and Policymakers

Student voices emphasize pragmatism. Many describe part-time roles as essential for independence and covering basics like rent and food, especially where maintenance loans lag behind actual costs. Mental health tolls are frequently mentioned, with 42 percent in the Unite survey reporting financial issues affecting wellbeing.

Higher education leaders highlight the need for systemic adjustments. Unite Students chief executive Joe Lister pointed to maintenance support failing to match living cost increases as a key driver. Hepi chief executive Nick Hillman observed that applicants arrive increasingly prepared for these realities yet still face significant wellbeing challenges.

Employers in sectors like retail, hospitality, and campus services value the reliability of student workers, though they also compete with academic calendars. Policymakers in multiple countries continue debating adjustments to loan structures, grants, and work-study programs to better support this population.

Regional Variations and International Comparisons

Patterns differ by country and institution type. UK data show particularly sharp recent increases in term-time employment. US figures remain high but stable over the past decade, with part-time students far more likely to work than full-time peers. In Australia, international students face additional restrictions and pressures around work hours, sometimes described as a looming challenge for support systems.

Community colleges and regional universities often see higher employment rates than selective research institutions, reflecting differences in student demographics, including greater shares of financially independent or older learners. International students frequently rely more on family support or savings compared with domestic peers who turn to local jobs.

University Responses and Support Initiatives

Many institutions have expanded dedicated resources. On-campus employment offices, emergency grants, and partnerships with financial education platforms help students manage budgets and locate suitable roles. Some universities cap recommended work hours or integrate career services with academic advising to align jobs with long-term goals.

Examples include enhanced work-integrated learning opportunities, where part-time positions relate directly to fields of study, and targeted aid for students reporting acute financial hardship. These efforts aim to preserve academic progress while acknowledging economic realities.

Longer-Term Implications for Higher Education

The normalization of part-time work signals evolving expectations around the student experience. Value-for-money perceptions remain mixed, with two-thirds of UK applicants in one survey viewing higher education as a worthwhile investment despite public skepticism in broader polls. Retention and completion rates could face pressure if supports do not adapt.

Future trends point toward greater integration of employment and study, including more flexible degree structures, stackable credentials, and employer-university collaborations. Institutions that proactively address financial pressures may gain advantages in recruitment and student satisfaction metrics.

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Actionable Steps for Current and Prospective Students

Students can benefit from early financial planning, including realistic budgeting that factors in both income and expenses. Exploring on-campus or major-related positions often yields better schedule compatibility and skill development. Utilizing university financial aid offices, scholarship databases, and free literacy tools provides additional buffers.

Monitoring total weekly commitments—aiming to stay under thresholds shown to affect academics—helps maintain balance. Building emergency savings and understanding loan terms further reduces stress during enrollment.

Outlook and Recommendations for the Sector

Higher education faces ongoing adaptation to student financial landscapes. Sustained dialogue among universities, governments, and employers will be essential to refine support mechanisms. Tracking longitudinal data from surveys like those from Hepi, Advance HE, and Blackbullion will inform targeted interventions.

By recognizing part-time work as the prevailing norm rather than an exception, the sector can develop more responsive policies that support both immediate needs and long-term student success.