More people combining higher education with jobs
The number of people returning to higher education for a career switch or upgrade has increased by 20% in seven years’ time
Law and nursing most popular
Such students pursue higher education studies while also working full-time jobs and are entitled to certain accommodations such as adjusted exam periods and curricula.
According to the figures, most of these work students are people in their 30s who have already obtained prior degrees. Law, nursing and midwifery are the most popular subjects with work students.
The education department disclosed the figures following a parliamentary question from MP Koen Daniëls (N-VA), who welcomed the rising enrolment figures in an interview with De Morgen. “This shows that Flemings continue to want to pursue studies, even when they already have jobs.”
The figures also indicate that the number of credits work students take is decreasing – from 45 credits in the 2010-2011 academic year to 34 credits last year, roughly half what a full-time student would take.
Photo courtesy Vlor
