Weekend and evening courses in Australia for working students is one of those topics that doesn’t get enough attention. Most advice assumes you’re studying full time, but many international students need to work. Weekend and evening courses can help you balance work and study, but they’re not always easy to find or suitable for everyone.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve worked part time throughout my degree, and I’ve watched friends balance work and study in various ways. Some found weekend and evening courses helpful. Others found them too demanding. The difference was their situation and whether the courses suited their needs.
So here’s everything I know about weekend and evening courses in Australia for working students, based on what actually works.
What Are Weekend and Evening Courses Actually?
Let me start with the basics, because I got confused about this at first.
Weekend courses are courses that run on weekends, usually Saturdays and sometimes Sundays. They’re designed for people who work during the week.
Evening courses are courses that run in the evenings, usually after 5pm or 6pm. They’re designed for people who work during the day.
Both types of courses are usually part time, which means you study fewer subjects per semester and take longer to complete your qualification.
But here’s what nobody tells you: weekend and evening courses aren’t always available. Not all universities and TAFE institutes offer them. You need to check what’s available at the institutions you’re interested in.
Who Should Consider Weekend and Evening Courses?
This is important, because these courses aren’t for everyone.
Weekend and evening courses are good if: you need to work full time or close to full time, you have family commitments during the day, you prefer studying outside normal hours, or you want to balance work and study.
Weekend and evening courses might not be good if: you can study during the day, you prefer full time study, you want to finish quickly, or you find it hard to study after work.
But here’s what I’ve learned: these courses can work well if they suit your situation. But they’re not easier than daytime courses. They’re just scheduled differently.
Availability: Where Can You Find Them?
This is the practical part, and here’s where to look.
TAFE institutes often offer weekend and evening courses. They’re designed for working students, so they’re more likely to have flexible scheduling.
Some universities offer weekend and evening courses, especially for postgraduate programs. But they’re less common for undergraduate programs.
Private colleges often offer flexible scheduling, including weekend and evening options. They’re more flexible than universities, so they’re more likely to offer these options.
But here’s what to watch for: availability varies. Not all courses are available in weekend or evening formats. You might need to be flexible about which courses you take or which institution you choose.
How They Work: The Practical Details
This is important, because understanding how they work helps you decide if they’re right for you.
Weekend courses usually run for longer sessions. Instead of two hour classes during the week, you might have four to six hour sessions on weekends. This can be intense, but it means fewer trips to campus.
Evening courses usually run for normal length sessions, just later in the day. You might have classes from 6pm to 8pm or similar. This means you can work during the day and study in the evening.
Both types are usually part time, which means you study fewer subjects per semester. This takes longer, but it’s more manageable when you’re working.
But here’s what I’ve learned: these courses can be demanding. Studying after work or on weekends can be tiring. You need to be disciplined and manage your time well.
Pros and Cons: The Real Picture
Let me be honest about both sides, because there are real trade offs.
Pros: you can work more hours, you can balance work and study, you can maintain income while studying, and you can study at times that suit you.
Cons: it takes longer to finish, it can be tiring studying after work or on weekends, you have less free time, and you might miss out on campus life and networking.
But here’s what I’ve learned: the pros and cons depend on your situation. If you need to work, the pros might outweigh the cons. If you don’t need to work, the cons might outweigh the pros.
How to Balance Work and Study
This is the real challenge, and here’s what works.
Be realistic about how much you can do. Don’t take on too many subjects or too much work. Find a balance that works for you.
Plan your time carefully. Know when assignments are due, when exams are, and plan your work schedule around your study commitments.
Take care of yourself. Studying and working is demanding. Make sure you eat well, sleep enough, and take breaks when you need them.
Use your breaks wisely. During semester breaks, you can work more hours. Use this time to earn money and take a break from study.
But here’s what to watch for: balancing work and study is hard. Don’t take on too much. It’s better to study part time and work part time than to burn out trying to do both full time.
I’ve written about how many hours Masters students can work in Australia if you want more detail on work rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are weekend and evening courses cheaper?
Not necessarily. The fees are usually the same as daytime courses. But you might save on living costs if you can work more hours. The main advantage is flexibility, not cost.
Can I work full time while doing weekend or evening courses?
Yes, but it’s challenging. Weekend and evening courses are designed for working students, but working full time and studying is still demanding. Be realistic about what you can handle.
How long do weekend and evening courses take?
Usually longer than full time courses. Since you’re studying part time, it takes longer to complete your qualification. A three year degree might take four to five years part time.
Are weekend and evening courses easier?
Not necessarily. They’re the same content, just scheduled differently. They might actually be harder because you’re studying after work or on weekends when you’re tired.
Can I switch from weekend/evening to daytime courses?
Usually yes, but check with your institution. Some institutions are flexible about switching. Others have restrictions. Check before you commit.
Do weekend and evening courses have the same recognition?
Yes, usually. The qualification is the same whether you study during the day, evening, or weekends. Employers usually don’t care when you studied, just that you have the qualification.
Final Thoughts
Weekend and evening courses in Australia can be good options for working students who need flexibility. They let you balance work and study, which can help you cover costs and maintain income. But they’re not easier than daytime courses, and they take longer to complete.
Don’t choose weekend or evening courses just because they sound flexible. Choose them because they suit your situation and you can handle the demands. If you can study during the day, that might be easier.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Balance matters. Don’t take on too much. Find a balance between work and study that works for you, whether that’s weekend courses, evening courses, or something else.
If you’re still planning your study journey, check out my guides on how to choose the right Australian university and work rights for international students. And if you’re considering weekend or evening courses, check what’s available at the institutions you’re interested in, and be realistic about what you can handle. These courses can work, but they’re not for everyone.
