Choosing between TAFE and university can feel overwhelming, especially in creative industries where the pathway isn’t always clear-cut. Whether you're looking at Music, Fashion, Film, Performing Arts, Animation or Photography, one question comes up again and again:
Is it really worth paying for a university degree?
The short answer?
Yes, if you want long-term value, stronger career pathways, and higher industry credibility.
Here’s why.
TAFE and university both have a place in the creative industries, but they serve different purposes.
TAFE diplomas focus on teaching basic skills quickly and at a lower cost. They’re hands-on, accessible, and can be a good entry point for people dipping their toes into a field.
University degrees, especially in the creative arts, go further. They teach industry-level skills plus the strategic knowledge required to turn those skills into a sustainable career. At Collarts, that means deep learning, professional portfolios, real-world projects, and industry networks that last well beyond graduation.
A diploma can teach the tools. A degree teaches the tools, the industry, the strategy—and how to get work.
Creative industries have grown more competitive than ever, and qualification levels matter. Employers now look for:
A bachelor degree signals that you have mastered your craft, understand contemporary industry practices, and can operate at a professional level. In 2026, this can make the difference between being hired as an assistant and being hired as a creative professional.
Like Collarts Acting student Grace who has already secured a full-time acting role with Brainstorm Productions next year before graduating!
“Collarts has truly set me up for the future as I was mentored by very talented industry professionals. I now feel confident pursuing a creative career!” says Grace.
It’s true that a diploma often costs less upfront. But studies across creative industries show that degree-qualified practitioners earn more over the course of their careers, especially those who move into leadership, specialised technical roles, or creative direction.
The Australian Government’s Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS) and Longitudinal GOS show that, across all study areas, graduates with bachelor degrees tend to have higher median earnings and stronger earnings growth than non-graduates in the medium term.
This is because a degree:
One of the biggest differences between TAFE and uni in creative industries is the level of industry immersion.
At Collarts, students don’t wait until graduation to start working, they get hands-on experience from week one. That means:
“I found my place in the world at Collarts, it helped me get the skills and the work experience that means I have a career in music, which I love and is a perfect fit.”
With the highest student satisfaction rating in Australia for Creative Arts*, Collarts is built around what creative industries actually demand in 2026:
This means a Collarts degree isn’t just a qualification, it’s a professional launchpad.
If you’re serious about a creative career, university gives you: