Distinguishing a credible arts institution requires looking beyond marketing claims to substance: qualified faculty with active professional practice, industry-standard facilities, graduate employment outcomes, and curriculum that evolves with market demands. TUT Arts Campus should be evaluated on whether instructors are practising artists, whether studios are equipped for contemporary work, whether partnerships with cultural institutions provide real internship and exhibition opportunities, and how alumni are positioned for careers in creative industries. Strong arts programmes combine technical rigour with conceptual development, offer exposure to different media and disciplines, and maintain connections to Pretoria's cultural infrastructure—galleries, performance venues, and creative enterprises. Prospective students benefit from examining course content against their artistic goals, understanding how the institution supports portfolio development and professional transition, and confirming that facilities and equipment align with what employers actually expect. Reputation built on student success, not advertising alone, indicates a programme worth investigating.