The effects of working while studying in higher education: Final report

Abstract

The final report describes students’ employment from the perspectives of both higher education institution staff and students. Additionally, it examines the relationship between employment, financial aid, and academic performance, as well as reforms related to income limits for financial aid and housing assistance.

According to interview results, students’ employment is well accounted for in polytechnics, whereas at universities, the structures supporting employment are more clearly the responsibility of the teaching staff. Employment is viewed positively, but combining studies and work can delay graduation and affect the well-being of both students and staff.

Based on registry data analysis, employment during holiday months has a positive correlation with graduation and earnings. The connection with employment during the semester is not as clear. The 2022 increase in financial aid income limits is observed to have increased work effort, but the reform has not immediately impacted academic progress. The transition of students to general housing aid in 2017 did not increase employment and had no short-term effect on students’ studies or the likelihood of graduation.

Publication Information

Isotalo, E., Kalin, S., Karhunen, H., Tuomala, J., Tynjälä, P., & Virtanen, A. (2024), Korkeakouluopiskelijoiden työssäkäynnin vaikutukset: Loppuraportti, Publications of the Government´s analysis, assessment and research activities 2024:8.

• ISSN: 2342-6799
• ISBN: 978-952-383-207-7