{
  "id": 158376,
  "title": "35% of Australian uni students are part-time. But higher ed is still geared towards full-timers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/05/35-of-australian-uni-students-are-part-time-but-higher-ed-is-still",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-05T02:33:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Conversation AU",
    "slug": "the-conversation-au",
    "url": "https://theconversation.com/35-of-australian-uni-students-are-part-time-but-higher-ed-is-still-geared-towards-full-timers-288283"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A significant portion of Australian university students, 35%, are part-time learners, yet the higher education system continues to cater primarily to full-time students. This disparity in support systems leads to challenges for part-time students, who often have demanding jobs, caring responsibilities, and face higher dropout rates compared to their full-time counterparts. Universities have not adapted to accommodate the unique needs of part-time students, resulting in difficulties in time allocation, fitting classes around other commitments, and connecting with peers.\n\nThe report highlights that part-time students are six percentage points less likely to pass and complete their degrees, and experience a 15 percentage point lower retention rate than full-time students. Part-time students express a desire for more engagement from lecturers, flexibility in course materials, and understanding of their unique circumstances. Many suggest implementing a no-questions-asked extension policy for assignments, offering part-time opportunities for mandatory practical placements, and providing better guidance on suitable study patterns. Additionally, financial support for part-time students should be improved, as they currently pay taxes on scholarships and do not receive student public transport discounts. To better support part-time students, universities must start designing their systems to cater to their needs more effectively.",
  "summary": "Part-time students are more than twice as likely to drop out of university than their full-time peers. How can unis better support this vulnerable group?",
  "key_points": [
    "35% of Australian uni students are part-time learners",
    "Higher education system geared towards full-timers",
    "Part-time students face higher dropout rates and challenges"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}