This article draws on a larger study of the dynamics of work and study among adult students in public higher education institutions in South Africa. This study found that over 50% of all students in the higher education system in the country are over 23 years of age, and 80% of them are at undergraduate level. The focus of this particular article is a case study at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), which has a long history of making provision for working adult students. It focuses on the extent to which adult students are engaged in work, and the influence that this might have on their studies. In a context where broadening the social base of higher education is a national imperative, and the majority of students are driven through economic necessity to work, the dynamics between students and their workplaces become an important matter. The improvement of throughput rates is a national concern. The issue that we address is whether adult students' success could be enhanced if there was greater knowledge and understanding of the relationships between students and their work. Our findings are suggestive of both the implications for institutions and the potential benefits for students. The findings also identify areas for further research.