Study Part-time
A degree that fits your life – clearly structured and academically rigorous across 12 part-time study programs at FH Kufstein Tirol.
Looking to advance academically while maintaining flexibility?
At the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol, you can combine your studies, career, and personal life in a way that is structured and predictable.
Our 12 part-time bachelor’s and master’s programs are specifically designed for working professionals. Concentrated class schedules on Fridays and Saturdays create a clear structure and make it easier to balance studies with professional and personal commitments.
WHAT IS A PART-TIME DEGREE PROGRAM?
At FH Kufstein Tirol, studying part-time means:
- A clearly organized schedule with fixed class days
- Practice-oriented coursework directly connected to professional life
- Learning alongside experienced professionals
- Personalized support in small study groups
- Strong connections with companies in Tyrol and beyond
Study flexibly – without Employer Commitment
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Employment is possible, but not required. What matters is the structured and flexible study format — not an employment contract.
- Relevant professional experience may be recognized. In the part-time bachelor’s program, 200 hours of internship are generally required if no qualifying professional experience can be credited.
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Unlike a dual study model, there is no contractual obligation to a partner company. You decide how to combine your studies with your career or a professional transition.
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The part-time bachelor’s or master’s degree is fully equivalent to a full-time program in terms of content, scope, and duration — leading to a recognized university degree.
Program structure at a glance
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Standard duration:
6 (bachelor's) or 4 (master's) semesters
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International study trip:
1-2 weeks, depending on the degree program
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Class schedule:
Primarily Fridays and Saturdays, approx. 15 hours per week of classes, approx. 15 hours per week of independent study
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Assessment methods:
Written exams, project work, and academic papers
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Employment requirement:
No employment contract required
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Degree awarded:
Equivalent to a full-time degree
Advantages
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Structured and Predictable Schedule:
Friday–Saturday format: A consistent weekly structure instead of changing schedules — offering maximum planning reliability.
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Small groups & personal attention:
Small cohorts enable close interaction with faculty and individualized academic support.
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Strategic Location in the Tyrol–Bavaria Border Region:
Direct proximity to Bavaria and Germany with excellent transport connections and accessibility.
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An Established Part-Time Model:
Part-time study programs have been firmly established at FH Kufstein Tirol for many years and are consistently structured around the needs of working professionals.
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Strong Regional Advantage:
Study in one of western Austria’s most economically dynamic regions, offering high quality of life and strong industry connections.
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Compact Campus Structure:
Short walking distances and modern infrastructure in the center of Kufstein ensure an efficient study experience — especially valuable after a workday.
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Transparent and Predictable Costs:
Academic advancement without high program fees: part-time programs are financed through the regular tuition contribution, with no additional participation or program fees.
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Admission Without a Traditional School-Leaving Certificate:
Under certain conditions, the part-time bachelor’s program can also be started without a traditional school-leaving certificate (such as the Austrian Matura or German Abitur), for example with relevant professional qualifications and an additional entrance examination.
Who is a part-Time study program designed for?
- Working professionals with growth ambitions
If you aim to take on greater responsibility, lead projects, or specialize further, a part-time degree prepares you for the next career step. - Experienced professionals without an academic degree
If you have professional experience and wish to formalize and deepen your expertise academically.
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Career changers
If you want to transition into a new field without giving up your current income. - Ambitious specialists
If you seek to exchange ideas with other experienced professionals and further develop your expertise, a part-time bachelor’s or master’s program combines professional networking with focused academic advancement. - Individuals with personal responsibilities
If you have family or partnership commitments and need a study model that integrates reliably into your everyday life.
The structured Friday–Saturday format creates clarity and enables a predictable balance between studies, career, and private life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does studying part-time mean?
Part-time study allows you to work alongside your degree. However, employment is not mandatory.
Classes are primarily scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays. In certain phases of the program, additional block-format sessions may be scheduled. This structured format supports a reliable balance between studies, professional responsibilities, and family life.
Can I study alongside a 40-hour full-time job?
Yes. A part-time study program is structured to be compatible with full-time employment. Classes are typically scheduled in compact formats, primarily on Fridays and Saturdays.
However, combining a 40-hour work week with academic studies requires strong time management and realistic planning. In addition to the course sessions, students should expect to dedicate approximately 15 hours per week to self-study.
Whether studying alongside a full-time job is feasible depends on individual circumstances, including professional responsibilities, family commitments, and personal organization skills. Some students temporarily reduce their working hours, while others maintain full-time employment throughout the program.
Careful planning and a clear prioritization of time are essential for successfully balancing work and study.
How much time does a part-time study program require?
A part-time study program is organized in a concentrated format. Classes are primarily held on Fridays and Saturdays and comprise approximately 15 hours per week.
In addition, around 15 hours per week should be planned for independent study, project work, and exam preparation. The total weekly workload therefore typically amounts to approximately 25 to 30 hours.
In terms of academic content, scope, and program duration, the part-time program is equivalent to a full-time degree and leads to a fully recognized academic qualification.
The actual time commitment may vary depending on the program, examination phases, and individual study organization. Careful planning is therefore essential to balance studies, work, and personal commitments effectively.
Do I have to work while studying part-time?
No, there is no obligation to work or to be active in the industry. The course offers you the opportunity for further development, even if you are working in another profession or are not currently working.
Unlike a dual study program, there is no binding contract with a company. Many students also use the course during parental leave or for professional reorientation.
How many internship hours are required in a part-time study program?
In the part-time bachelor’s program, approximately 200 hours of internship are generally required.
Depending on the study regulations, relevant professional experience may be recognized.
For comparison, the full-time bachelor’s program typically includes 500 internship hours.
There is no mandatory internship in the master’s programs, as they build upon a previously completed undergraduate degree.
Can I start a part-time study program without a school-leaving certificate?
Yes, under certain conditions it is possible to begin a part-time bachelor’s program at FH Kufstein Tirol without a traditional school-leaving certificate, such as the Austrian Matura or the German Abitur.
Applicants with relevant professional qualifications may be admitted through alternative entry routes. This typically requires a field-related professional background as well as an additional entrance examination.
This option is particularly suitable for experienced professionals from Austria and Germany who wish to deepen their expertise on an academic level and obtain a fully recognized university degree.
What is the difference between a part-time study program and a dual study program?
A part-time study program is organized in a way that allows students to combine their studies with professional or personal commitments. Classes are typically scheduled in compact formats, such as weekends or block sessions. Employment is possible but not mandatory, and there is no contractual obligation with a specific company.
A dual study program, in contrast, is structurally linked to a partner company. Students usually sign an employment contract and alternate between academic phases at the university and mandatory practical phases within the company.
The key difference lies in the level of company integration:
- Part-time study offers academic flexibility without a required employment contract.
- A dual study program combines university education with a formal company partnership.
Does FH Kufstein Tirol offer dual study programs?
No. FH Kufstein Tirol does not currently offer dual study programs that require a formal employment contract with a partner company.
Prospective students can choose between full-time and part-time study formats. The part-time study model is designed to allow a flexible combination of academic studies and professional commitments, without a contractual obligation to a specific company.
What is a study trip?
The study trip is a one-week international excursion as part of the respective degree program. The destination is selected in alignment with the academic focus of the program and provides international insights into professional practice and industry contexts. Planning and organization are carried out independently by the students.