Work-Life Balance:

Published: 3 September 2025

Picture this: you're excelling in your current role, but deep down, you know that to truly advance your career, you would need to enhance your qualifications. Yet the thought of stepping away from your job, your income, and your responsibilities feels impossible. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

In Singapore's fast-paced and competitive job market, continuous learning isn't just beneficial — it's essential for staying relevant and advancing professionally. The demand for skilled professionals with formal qualifications continues to grow across industries, making a university Degree increasingly valuable for career progression and salary enhancement.

Here's where pursuing a part-time Degree becomes a game-changer. When weighing a part-time Degree vs a full-time one, the part-time route allows you to enhance your qualifications without sacrificing your current lifestyle or income. Private education institutions like Kaplan have transformed this landscape, offering unprecedented flexibility through evening classes, weekend sessions, online learning, and customisable schedules that truly fit around your life.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about embarking on a part-time Degree journey in Singapore, from understanding your options to making it work practically.

The Part-Time Degree Landscape in Singapore

Singapore's part-time Degree landscape offers diverse opportunities across public and private education institutions, with private education providers such as Kaplan leading the way in flexible learning options for working professionals. 

Through partnerships with renowned international Universities from Australia, the UK, and Ireland, you can earn globally recognised qualifications right here in Singapore with the same academic rigour as studying at the home campus. Kaplan collaborates with prestigious University partners, such as Murdoch University, , Monash University and University of Portsmouth, to deliver programmes that maintain international standards while being tailored to the local context.

The credibility of part-time qualifications has also evolved significantly, with employers increasingly recognising the dedication and time management skills demonstrated by professionals who pursue part-time studies. These qualifications carry the same weight as their full-time counterparts, opening doors to career advancement and professional growth.

Study Modes and Scheduling

Part-time Degree programmes in Singapore accommodate working professionals through several flexible options designed to fit around your existing commitments. Evening and weekend classes offer the traditional structured format, typically running from 7pm onwards on weekdays or during weekends, allowing you to maintain full-time employment whilst building valuable face-to-face networks with like-minded professionals. For those seeking greater convenience, digital options, including online and blended learning, enable access to programme materials anywhere, whether at home, during office lunch breaks, or whilst commuting, by seamlessly combining self-paced elements with scheduled interactive sessions.

Private education institutions like Kaplan take flexibility even further by providing customisable learning paths through modular approaches or seasonal intensives, both truly adapting to your work commitments or offer flexibility to opt for more modules to manage life’s demands. Additionally, accelerated pathways through credit recognition make studies highly efficient — Diploma graduates from Kaplan or Polytechnics can often enrol directly to second-year University programmes, reducing the duration to get a private Degree whilst recognising existing expertise.

Choosing the Right Programme for Your Goals

Before diving into specific part-time Degree options, assess your current career trajectory and five to ten-year vision. Are you looking to advance within your current industry or considering a strategic career pivot? For those with diverse interests or seeking to enhance their versatility, you might even consider a Double Major to combine complementary fields. Understanding this can help you select a programme that serves your professional ambitions.

Industry-relevant programmes are particularly valuable in Singapore's dynamic economy. Consider growth sectors — data science, finance, healthcare, and technology and business — and how different Degree specialisations can position you advantageously. Fields supporting the nation's Smart Nation initiatives, financial hub status, and regional business centre role offer robust career pathways for qualified professionals.

When evaluating your options, keep in mind that most part-time Degree programmes in Singapore range from two to four years, depending on your field of study, prior qualifications, and study intensity. This timeline consideration makes it crucial to select programmes that allow you to adjust your study load based on work demands, taking fewer modules during busy periods and accelerating when your schedule permits.

Making It Work: Practical Strategies for Success

Successfully pursuing a part-time Degree while managing work and personal responsibilities requires a strategic approach across multiple areas. The key lies in developing systems that support your educational goals without compromising your existing commitments or well-being.

Time Management and Study Strategies

Creating sustainable study routines around work commitments requires strategic planning and realistic expectations. Start by identifying your most productive hours — are you a morning person who can study before work, or do you focus better in the evenings? Build your part-time study schedule around these natural energy peaks to maximise efficiency.

Leveraging technology can also significantly streamline your learning process. Use mobile apps to review materials during commutes, set up digital calendars to block study time, and utilise cloud storage to access course materials from any device. Many part-time Degree programmes offer mobile-optimised platforms that allow you to make progress even during short breaks throughout your day.

Break large assignments into smaller, manageable tasks and celebrate completing each module or semester. Remember that part-time studies are a marathon, not a sprint — consistent, steady progress will get you to graduation whilst maintaining your sanity and work performance.

Financial Planning and Support

Understanding programme costs and payment options is essential for making informed decisions about your part-time Degree. Most private education institutions offer flexible payment plans that allow you to spread costs across the duration of your studies, making the financial commitment more manageable alongside your regular expenses.

Singapore also offers various grants, subsidies, and employer-sponsored programmes for continuing education. SkillsFuture credits can often be applied to part-time Degree courses, and many employers have professional development budgets that may cover part or all of your tuition fees. Some organisations even offer study leave or flexible working arrangements to support employees pursuing further education.

Whilst the upfront investment of a part-time Degree may seem substantial, the long-term career advancement and salary increase potential typically far outweigh the initial costs. Calculate not just the direct benefits like promotion opportunities, but also the intangible value of enhanced professional credibility and expanded career options.

Building Your Support Network

Open communication with your employer about your educational goals can often lead to unexpected support. Many managers appreciate employees who take initiative in their professional development and may offer flexible working arrangements, financial assistance, or even adjust their responsibilities to accommodate your studies.

Managing family and personal commitments requires honest conversations with loved ones about your goals and the temporary adjustments that are necessary. Create clear boundaries around study time whilst ensuring you maintain quality time with family and friends. Remember that pursuing your part-time studies ultimately benefits your entire family through improved career prospects and financial security.

Utilising institutional support services can make the difference between struggling alone and thriving with guidance. At Kaplan, comprehensive student support extends well beyond traditional academic assistance through our unique culture of support that prepares you holistically. 

You'll be guided by certified professionals who serve as mentors rather than conventional teachers, offering academic advice and life coaching when needed. Our dedicated Student Services team provides personalised guidance throughout your journey, with plenty of one-on-one time with educators to address academic challenges as well as advice on balancing work, study, and personal commitments.

Kaplan's comprehensive suite of support includes career guidance and employability services, industry visits, masterclasses, and networking opportunities that connect you with professionals and peers. This multi-faceted approach ensures you're never navigating your studies alone.

Staying Motivated Throughout Your Journey

Maintaining motivation throughout a part-time Degree can be one of the most challenging aspects of balancing work, life, and studies. Unlike full-time students who are immersed in an academic environment, part-time learners often study in isolation, making it easy to lose momentum when faced with competing priorities and fatigue from daily responsibilities.

To combat this challenge, setting clear, specific objectives beyond just "getting a Degree" helps maintain motivation during challenging periods. Whether it's qualifying for a particular promotion, changing industries, or starting your own business, keep your ultimate goals visible and regularly remind yourself why you started this journey.

Another powerful motivational strategy is leveraging one of the unique advantages of part-time study — the ability to immediately apply new knowledge to your current work. Look for opportunities to implement concepts you're learning, propose solutions based on your studies, or volunteer for projects that align with your coursework. This practical application not only reinforces learning but also demonstrates your growing expertise to colleagues and supervisors.

Equally important is building meaningful relationships with classmates and faculty, which creates a support network that extends throughout your career. Your part-time studies cohort consists of motivated professionals from diverse industries — these connections often prove invaluable for future career moves, business partnerships, or simply ongoing professional support and advice.

Your Next Steps: Getting Started

The decision to pursue a part-time Degree whilst balancing work and life is significant, but the framework for success is clear. Consider your career aspirations, evaluate your capacity for commitment, and choose a programme that aligns with both your professional goals and personal circumstances.

Begin by researching specific programmes that match your interests and career trajectory. Look beyond just the qualification itself — examine the curriculum structure, delivery methods, and support services that will determine your success throughout the journey. Consider how different programmes accommodate the realities of working life and which institutions demonstrate genuine understanding of part-time students' needs.

With over 300 different Degree options*, Kaplan offers something for every career aspiration and professional goal. With flexible study modes, industry-relevant offerings, and a proven track record of supporting students through successful completion, Kaplan makes it possible to achieve your educational goals without compromising your current responsibilities.

Ready to take the next step? Download our programme brochure to explore the full range of part-time Degree options available, or contact our education consultants for personalised guidance on choosing the right programme for your unique situation.

Your future career advancement starts with a single decision — make today the day you begin that journey.

*Based on full-time and part-time study modes across programmes offered at Kaplan.