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

Abstract

This interim report describes the effects of the working while studying in higher education from the perspectives of higher education institutes, research literature, and registry data. Based on preliminary findings, it appears that the student employment has not been systematically examined or documented by higher education institutions.

Theoretical research literature considers student employment to be beneficial if it complements the knowledge and skills learned in higher education without taking too much time away from studies. Student employment can be detrimental if it does not add value to the studies and delays graduation. According to empirical research literature, employment during studies slows down study progress and the benefits of employment are short-term, only visible in the job market immediately after graduation.

Employment during the studies is common, but work is more likely during vacations during the first years of education. Students are overrepresented in the lowest income brackets at the beginning of their studies. Graduation is reflected in a sharp increase in annual earnings. Students who exceed the income limits for student aid have lower student credit accumulation. Those who have received student aid for 9 months do not seem to be bunching below the income limit threshold based on the monthly data from 2021 and 2022.

Publication Information

Isotalo, E., Karhunen, H., Tuomala, J., Saarinen, T., & Virtanen, A. (2023), Korkeakouluopiskelijoiden työssäkäynnin vaikutukset: Väliraportti, Publications of the Government’s analysis, assessment and research activities 2023:34.

• ISSN: 2342-6799 (Online)
• ISBN: 978-952-383-110-0 (Online)