General education programs generally have the goal of providing students with a solid grounding in life skills and global knowledge. Students who complete this program often look for entry-level work or continue their education in a specific subject.

Many students earn associate degrees during their first few years of higher education. Since they usually require about two years of study, these degrees can act either as job qualifications or as precursors to more advanced degrees.

Part-time learning allows one to obtain a degree or qualification even if one cannot attend school on a full-time basis. One can learn at one's own pace, gradually accumulating credits that count towards a final qualification.