29 November 2025
Undertaking paid work while study can lower higher education outcomes
HEPI and the University of Lancashire have published a new report looking at the extent to which undertaking paid work while studying has become part of the higher education experience for students.
Surveying over 1,000 students from four universities, the report found that 66% of students work to cover living costs and 20% work to help pay tuition fees. Most work is undertaken in low paid roles that offer flexibility – such as health and social care, retail and hospitality. 38% are on zero-hours or casual contracts.
Undertaking paid work adds to term-time workload and 43% state that work makes stress, anxiety and depression worse. The survey also found that those who work less than 20 hours a week were 20% more likely to achieve ‘good’ honours in their course. Those who have good paid employment are also more likely to achieve higher results.
Read the Student Working Lives report.
Surveying over 1,000 students from four universities, the report found that 66% of students work to cover living costs and 20% work to help pay tuition fees. Most work is undertaken in low paid roles that offer flexibility – such as health and social care, retail and hospitality. 38% are on zero-hours or casual contracts.
Undertaking paid work adds to term-time workload and 43% state that work makes stress, anxiety and depression worse. The survey also found that those who work less than 20 hours a week were 20% more likely to achieve ‘good’ honours in their course. Those who have good paid employment are also more likely to achieve higher results.
Read the Student Working Lives report.
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