Duration of study
The duration of study or study time is the length of time that students need to work on the desired diploma or licentiate. The length of study is influenced by economic, personal and structural factors .
Factors influencing the duration of study
Individual factors : the financial situation of the students has a major influence here. The need to earn money significantly extends the duration of your studies (see also working student ). Furthermore, raising children plays an important role, especially for female students. Individual characteristics that shorten the study period relate primarily to the student's success: above-average grades in the Matura / Abitur are an indicator of a shorter study period. The social origin of the student has only a minor influence on the length of study. Since there are considerable differences between Austria, Switzerland and Germany on this point, it can be assumed that the educational policy influence is considerable on this point .
Macroeconomic factors (such as the situation on the labor market ) can have the effect of both extending and shortening studies. Some students see the poor labor market as a motivation to postpone their degree or to pursue further training immediately after graduation. Others, on the other hand, see a short study period as a competitive advantage in the labor market and as a measure to increase lifetime income and to extend working life . The two effects seem to more or less cancel each other out.
Institutional factors such as curricula, study regulations , examination organization, but also the availability of teaching staff and the number of students in a degree program have a decisive influence on the average length of study at a university or faculty. The equipment of a department and the support and advice offer (together with teaching and study advice) for the students are also an important factor influencing the duration of their studies. The availability of childcare has also proven to be an important factor influencing the length of study for female graduates. For a short study time, especially in connection with the new tiered bachelor and master degree programs , good study advice and study planning is very important.
