Both distance learning and part-time studies are great options for students who are unable to study full-time. However, before you decide which option is best for you, there are key differences between distance learning and part-time studies that you should know about.
Why Choose Distance Learning or Part-Time Studies?
Both distance learning and part-time studies make it possible to work while studying or have time for whatever else it is that you need to do—for example, doing an internship, taking care of someone at home, or volunteering at an NGO.
They also decrease the financial burden of full-time tuition fees, and often give students various payment options to choose from—and many South African institutions offer these routes either exclusively, or alongside full-time study options.
Studying Part-Time
Studying part-time means that you get to study towards a specific qualification with more flexibility regarding study time and fee payments.
Like full-time students, part-time students generally also attend lectures, complete assignments, and write exams – it’s just all spread out over a longer duration with a less rigid schedule.
For example, instead of tackling your way through a 3-year full-time Bachelor degree, certain part-time programmes allow you to complete the same degree over a longer period (4 or 5 years, for example), which gives you more time to dedicate to your other daily commitments and priorities, as well as more time to fund your studies.
At most higher education institutions, part-time courses are offered in the evenings, which is ideal for students who want or need to hold a full-time day job.
The offer available for part-time qualifications, as well as the duration, cost, lecture times, and all that nitty-gritty, is specific to each institution. You will need to enquire about these details at the institution of your choice.
Studying via Distance Learning
Distance Learning, or correspondence learning, is designed for students who wish to study towards a specific qualification in their own time, without the standard procedure of attending lectures and classes. So, with this option, you have even more flexibility than with part-time studies.
With distance learning, you generally submit your assignments online, but most distance higher education institutions also provide the option for you to submit hard copies via postal services (or if you are close by, you can drop them in person).
During distance learning studies, students often (although not always) only have to physically attend the institution when they write exams.
So, in summary:
- With part-time studies, you attend lectures/classes, while distance learning is purely correspondence-based (except for some admin and exams)
- Part-time classes are usually in the evenings or at set times, while distance learning has no set study time
- Both offer a lot of flexibility, but distance is the most flexible
Study via Distance Learning or Part-Time at Damelin
The choice to complete a qualification through part-time studies or distance learning has become increasingly popular. Damelin College and Damelin Correspondence are national pioneers in forming pathways to higher education qualifications through all types of study programmes.
Damelin offers accredited degree and diploma programmes through part-time as well as distance learning programmes. Both options provide students with various payment options, such as paying per module, per semester, or managing payment over monthly payment plans.
Damelin College offers short courses in almost 30 different categories, including Management, IT, Education, and Business Administration.
For distance learning courses, Damelin Correspondence allows students to choose courses from its 6 different schools (Business, Computer, General, High School, Technical, Vocational), which means that you can complete qualifications ranging from Grade 10, 11 and 12, all the way to tertiary qualifications.
Fund Your Distance Learning or Part-Time Studies with Fundi
You’ll need a decent amount of discipline and commitment to take on part-time or distance learning studies, but with the right mindset and the ability to ask for help when needed, you can use this opportunity to jump-start your career.
Don’t wait—start funding your distance learning or part-time studies with Fundi today! Eager to get started? Then be sure to use our Fundi study loan calculator to see if you qualify.
