What counts as part time
Generally, your college or university determines whether you count as a part-time or full-time student, rather than the number of hours you study or attend lectures.
1Reg 1(b)(i), definition of ‘full-time student’, JSA Regs The rules are the same as for IS (see
here).
However, if you are under age 20 and in relevant education, there is a 12-hour rule (see
here). Your course is full time if it is more than 12 hours a week of classes and supervised study in term time.
If you are aged
19 or over (and not a 19 year old in ‘relevant education’) at an FE college but not on a higher education course, there is a 16-hour rule for courses funded, or partly funded, by the government. A part-time course is up to 16 hours a week of guided learning.
2Reg 1(b)(iii), definition of ‘full-time student’, JSA Regs This is set out in a learning agreement provided by your college.
Examples
Shona is 20 and attending an FE college, studying for A levels. She has 10 hours a week of classes and 10 hours a week of timetabled independent study. She is classed as a part-time student.
Keira is 24 and at an FE college on a NVQ level 2 course. She has classes for 18 hours a week and three hours of timetabled study. She is classed as a full-time student.
Russell is 18 and studying for a BTEC. He has 15 hours of classes a week. He is classed as full time.
Saleem is 19 and studying for a degree. He has 15 hours of lectures a week. The university regards his course as full time. He is classed as a full-time student for JSA.