What counts as part time
You are regarded as a part-time student if you are not a full-time student. If you are under 20 and in relevant education, see
here for who counts as full time. If you are in advanced education at any age or you are 19 or over and in non-advanced education (and not a 19 year old in relevant education), see
here for who counts as full time.
If you are at an FE college studying a non-advanced course (see
Chapter 1), the DWP may ask you for a learning agreement to show that the course is part time – ie, no more than 16 classroom hours. Your college can provide you with this.
DWP guidance says that students on Open University courses are part time.
1Vol 6, para 30132 DMGExample
Betty is a carer for her disabled mother and has been getting IS on this basis for two years. She starts studying at college 12 hours a week towards an NVQ. She continues to be eligible for IS.