Impact of working while studying on university students’ academic performance in Egypt during the COVID-19 pandemic and transition to online learning

Abstract

In the context of online education, which has been growing as a common approach, this paper examines the impact of working while studying on university students’ academic performance, namely Cumulative GPA (CGPA), as a rising trend in Egypt, especially after the pandemic and the shift into online learning. The research followed an exploratory survey method, namely a quantitative approach, with a sample of 361 students randomly selected using the convenience sampling method from a total of 3326 students, both working and non-working, from years 2 to 4 across the four schools at Nile University - Cairo, Egypt. The study examines a cause-and-effect relationship between working students and their CGPA. Literature points out that with online education becoming a conventional mode, there has been an increase in “working while studying” in Egypt, which requires further investigation. Thus, this paper bridges this empirical gap as the first study of its kind by studying the case of Nile University working students and the effect of working while studying on their academic performance and their ability to strike a work-life balance. The study revealed a slightly negative relationship between working while studying and students’ CGPA compared to non-working, as well as a negative effect on their work-life balance. The findings imply that a new mindset in the pedagogical system is needed, combining new assessment methods and modes of delivery to accommodate the rising trend. The study has its own limitations, focusing on Egypt and specifically Nile University students.