Full-time or part-time study

We pride ourselves on the flexible approach to study load we are able to offer you over our three study periods or trimesters. Our online students are primarily adults over 30 and form a community that share the same challenges, priorities and commitments. Offering the ability to seamlessly transition between full-time and part-time study is one way we are helping busy adults like yourself become future fit and better able to respond to a rapidly changing world.

What is study load?

‘Study load’ refers to the number of units you choose to study in any given study period.

  • Full-time students - If you are studying full-time, you will typically enrol in eight units over the three trimesters each year.
  • Part-time students - In part-time study, you can choose to study just one or two units each trimester.

Because of the flexibility offered by UNE, you can move from part-time to full-time in response to the variable demands on your time.

Reasons why you might want to choose part-time study

You might want to enrol in part-time study of only one or two units each trimester if:

  • You are working full-time.
  • You have family or carer responsibilities.
  • You have commitments to volunteer and community activities.
  • You haven’t studied for a while and want to ease yourself into it.

Things to consider before changing study load

If you have any plans to change the number of units you are studying (your study load) it is always a good idea to consult with the Unit or Course Coordinators to ensure your study pattern will meet the course requirements for graduation. Should you need to make changes to your enrolment in units, do so before the census date to avoid academic and financial penalty and possibly risk paying for a unit you have no plans to complete.

There are other important dates on the UNE Principal Dates page and on the Australian Government's Study Assist website that may also assist in your planning.

Student Centrelink benefits and study load

In most circumstances, you will need to study full-time if you are in receipt of student benefits from Centrelink (i.e. Austudy or Youth Allowance) or to be eligible for some other student benefits. Some student benefits (e.g. some ABSTUDY allowances) may be available to eligible students studying part-time. We recommend checking the Services Australia website for the most up-to-date information regarding Centrelink benefits and study loads.

How to change your study load

If you wish to change your course to either a part-time or full-time study load, you will need to inform the University to adjust your unit enrolment accordingly. For more information, see our askUNE answer on changing study loads.