Part-time study is becoming more popular in Ontario colleges, in part because it offers flexible training options for people looking to upskill, reskill or pursue postsecondary education (PSE) for the first time. In 2022-23, Ontario colleges had the most part-time students (31%), compared to Canadian colleges (26%) and universities in Ontario (14%) and Canada-wide (20%). In addition to a reduced courseload, part-time college study often provides more options for how and when students learn.
For example, some programming is self-paced, online or offered on evenings and weekends. Many part-time learners are mature and balance work and family responsibilities, so this flexibility is essential. Interviews with Ontario college representatives revealed that part-time study is an issue of access, and many learners could not pursue PSE otherwise. Part-time study offers a more accessible entrance or return to PSE, and more Ontarians are opting for it. Recent college application data from the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) shows that the number of part-time applications continues to increase.
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