At a time when tertiary creative courses are being cut and less students are enrolling in the courses that are left, Melbourne-based Australian College of the Arts, Collarts, announced today the acquisition of the Sydney Film School and Sydney Actors School, making the beloved Sydney arts institutions part of a national college devoted to the creative arts.
The Australian College of the Arts, known as Collarts, Australia’s leading creative higher education institution, has today announced the acquisition of International Screen Academy, the parent organisation of the Sydney Actors School and Sydney Film School, based at Waterloo Studios. The acquisition is effective immediately.
The acquisition brings together complementary strengths across creative education. Collarts is nationally recognised for its contemporary, industry- led programs across music, design, digital media, film, theatre, fashion, photography and entertainment management disciplines, while both Sydney Schools have built a strong reputation for excellence in screen, film, and performance education through its two flagship brands.
Recent research published in the Australian Journal of Education revealed that fewer students in high school and university are choosing to study the creative arts, and dozens of tertiary courses have been slashed.
According to Collarts’ CEO, Sam Jacob, Collarts is bucking this trend “because we recognise the long-term strengths of the creative economy and we are expanding in response to strong demand in the creative and digital industries,” they said.
“Collarts has had 130% growth in enrolment between 2018 and 2023, compared to two-thirds of universities that have declined over the past five years. The acquisition marks a significant milestone for Collarts’ expansion into Sydney’s screen and performance student markets, with design, fashion and music disciplines to follow in the months. Last year we launched Collarts Online, and this year we launched postgraduate courses and head to NSW, strengthening our position as a national leader in creative education.”
Joe Ware, CEO of International Screen Academy, said the acquisition positions the organisation for its next phase of growth.
“Joining Collarts creates exciting opportunities for our students and staff. We share a strong belief in industry-led education and creative excellence. Being part of the Collarts group allows us to build on the reputation of Sydney Actors School and Sydney Film School and open new pathways for our students and industry partners through collaboration, growth, and innovation.”
The acquisition will see Collarts expand its Sydney campus offering to include a broader range of creative disciplines. In addition to Acting and Film, programs delivered from Waterloo Studios will include Digital and Social Media, Graphic and Digital Design, Animation, Music Production, Fashion and Interior Design, providing students with industry-facing training across a wide range of creative practices.
Reuben Virdi, a current student at Sydney Actors School, said:
“The merge with Collarts opens up the opportunity for me to rediscover my passion with other forms of performing arts, enhance my qualification for acting to work my way towards further study and watch a school that I have found so much joy in expand and grow stronger.”
Sydney Film School is widely regarded for its rigorous, production-focused approach and deep industry connections within film and screen, while Sydney Actors School is recognised for producing highly skilled performers with strong professional outcomes across screen, stage, and emerging media.
As a leading independent tertiary provider in the creative industries, Collarts delivers industry-aligned degrees designed to prepare students for sustainable, real-world careers. Its courses span film, animation, performance, music, fashion, design, communications and arts and culture management, combining practical project-based learning with direct engagement from experienced industry practitioners.
Collarts and International Screen Academy will work closely over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition, with a clear focus on continuity and quality for students, staff, and industry partners.
Tania Ewing
Collarts – The Australian College of Arts
Tel: +61 408378422