Part-time studies

Part-time studies allow you to complete your degree over a longer period with a reduced workload each semester. You typically follow about half of the courses and earn half of the ECTS credits per semester compared to full-time students.

Part-time student status does not mean that the studies are easier, less demanding, or fully remote. The same academic standards, course content, and assessments apply as for full-time students — you simply progress at a slower pace that better fits your personal or professional situation.

It is also important to note that part-time studies do not imply distance learning. Unless your programme explicitly offers online or hybrid formats, you are still required to attend classes, practical sessions, and examinations on campus. Attendance requirements, participation expectations, and teaching methods remain the same as for full-time students.

By law, any student enrolled in a full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s programme has the right to request part-time student status (Règlement des études, Art. 16; Loi du 27 juin 2018, Art. 35(2)). This means that all students following a full-time programme may apply to complete their studies with a reduced workload, provided that the nature or organisation of the programme does not prevent part-time study (for example, in programmes with mandatory full-time internships or tightly sequenced courses).

However, some programmes at the University of Luxembourg are already organised on a part-time basis — typically with a workload of about 30 ECTS per academic year. For these programmes, it is not possible to request an additional part-time status, as the study plan already represents a reduced workload and an extended duration.

Applicants or enrolled students in a full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s programme may request part-time student status, except for third-country nationals whose residence permit is linked to student status (Art. 16(6) of the Règlement des études).

However, non-EU students who hold a Luxembourg long-term residence permit that is not linked to student status (e.g. family member, private life, or salaried worker permits) are also eligible to pursue their studies on a part-time basis.

• New applicants

  When submitting your online admission application, select the part-time option and upload the relevant part-time study request form as part of your application file.

• Current students

  You may request a change to part-time status during re-enrolment for the upcoming semester. However, your request will only be processed if the official part-time application form has been completed and approved in advance, and before tuition fees are paid and enrolment for the upcoming semester is validated.

  Before re-enrolling, you must:

  • Complete the official form (“Form to request part-time student status”).
  • Have the form signed and approved by your Study Programme Director.

  The change of status becomes effective only once the approved form has been received and validated by the University administration (SEVE).

The request for part-time student status must be submitted before enrolment or re-enrolment is validated.
Once the certificate of enrolment (CI) has been issued, it is no longer possible to change to part-time status.

Yes. You can switch between full-time and part-time during your studies — but only at re-enrolment (not mid-semester). The change affects your study duration and workload, so always discuss it with your Study Programme Director or Administrator before applying.

Your maximum study duration is extended when you study part-time.
If you study part-time throughout your degree, the maximum permitted duration is roughly double that of full-time studies.

If you switch between full-time and part-time, the duration is calculated proportionally according to how many semesters you studied part-time.

As a part-time student, you must enrol in courses worth at least 30 ECTS and no more than 40 ECTS per year. Your yearly workload is approximately half of the regular (full-time) load.

No. The content, evaluation, and standards of courses remain the same. You complete the same modules and assessments as full-time students, only spread out over more semesters.

Within the limits of your programme’s study plan and course availability, yes. You may decide the order in which to complete your modules. However, some courses might only be offered once a year, so plan carefully with your programme team.

Progress is evaluated at the end of each study year. For part-time students, one study year corresponds to two enrolment years.

You must obtain:

• At least 50% of the required credits by the end of your first enrolment year (e.g. 15 ECTS out of 30).
• 100% of the required credits (i.e. 30 ECTS in total) by the end of your second enrolment year in order to progress unconditionally.

No. You are still required to complete any mandatory mobility period abroad. During your mobility semester, you are automatically enrolled as a full-time student, unless an exemption is granted.

For students receiving state financial aid (mengStudien), switching from full-time to part-time status currently has no impact on the granting of financial aid under the existing legal framework.

Eligibility for other scholarships offered by the University of Luxembourg may depend on your enrolment status. Students are therefore advised to check the specific eligibility criteria on the University’s website (see Financial support – Scholarships), as some scholarships — such as the Guillaume Dupaix Scholarship — are open only to full-time students.

You have the same number of exam attempts as full-time students (usually four per course, or two for fundamental courses).

Failing a mandatory or fundamental course within the allowed attempts means you cannot complete your programme.

In general, no. Part-time students retain the same rights and access to university facilities, support services, and student representation as full-time students.

Please note, however, that eligibility for university housing is subject to specific enrolment conditions. University housing is reserved for students enrolled full-time in a full-time degree programme. As a result, students enrolled part-time in a full-time programme, as well as students enrolled in a part-time Master’s programme, are not eligible for university housing.

Before requesting part-time student status, speak to your Study Programme Director and/or Study Programme Administrator. They can explain how the change will affect your course plan, graduation timeline, and academic progression.