Is University Really a Waste of Time?
For years, the idea of going to university has been seen as the default path to success. But with rising tuition fees, competitive job markets and new types of opportunities emerging, many young people — especially young Muslims — are asking whether the traditional degree route still makes sense.
So, is university really a waste of time?
The honest answer: it depends on your goals, your industry and the way you use the experience.
Let’s break it down.
1. University is not a waste of time if your career genuinely requires a degree
Some industries require formal qualifications, no matter how talented you are. If you want to enter fields such as:
Medicine
Law
Engineering
Teaching
Psychology
Dentistry
Architecture
These professions expect accredited qualifications and structured training.
If your dream career is on this list, university is not optional — it is an investment.
2. But for many careers, a degree adds very little value
Today, you can enter fields such as:
Tech (software, data, cybersecurity)
Digital marketing
Business and start-ups
Creative roles
Content creation
Design (UX/UI)
Project management
Without a degree at all.
Instead, employers increasingly look for:
Portfolio work
Experience
Soft skills
Certifications
Initiative
Apprenticeships, internships, bootcamps, online courses and hands-on projects often carry more weight than a traditional academic route.
3. The cost vs value equation is changing
University is expensive, and many graduates leave with:
£40k–£60k in student debt
No clear direction
Limited industry experience
The feeling that they have lost time
But the issue is not university itself — it is doing a degree without a plan.
University becomes a waste of time when students choose:
A random course because they feel pressured
A subject with low job demand
A degree they think they “should” do
A path with no effort to build experience
A degree alone is no longer enough. The value comes from what you build around your degree.
4. The benefits of university that people forget
Even if your career does not require a degree, university still offers:
A structured environment to explore your interests
You may discover new fields, career paths or passions.
A powerful network
Societies, internships, lecturers and alumni groups can open doors for years.
Time to grow up and gain independence
For many young Muslims, it is a chance to meet new communities and build confidence.
Access to exclusive opportunities
Some companies only recruit graduates for certain roles, even if the role does not technically require a degree.
University is not just classes — it is the whole ecosystem around it.
5. When university is a waste of time
University becomes a poor investment when you:
Pick a course without purpose
Have no idea what career you want and do not explore
Do not seek work experience
Study a degree with low employability and no backup plan
Spend three years studying but not building skills
6. When university is definitely worth it
University is a smart move when:
Your chosen career requires it
You enjoy structured academic learning
You want access to campus experiences, internships and networking
You build experience alongside your studies
It helps your personal and professional development
7. So, what is the real answer?
University is only a waste of time if:
You go without purpose
You choose the wrong degree
You avoid building experience
You rely entirely on the qualification
But when approached with intention and planning, it can be one of the best investments you make.
8. What young Muslims should consider
Ask yourself:
Does my chosen career require a degree?
Can I enter this field through an apprenticeship or experience-based route?
Am I choosing this degree because I want it or because of pressure?
Will this investment lead to realistic opportunities?
What environment helps me thrive?
Your path does not have to look like everyone else's. It only needs to be intentional.
Conclusion: University is not a waste of time — but it is no longer the only route
The world has changed, and the way we approach education must change with it.
University is the right path for some.
For others, it is an unnecessary detour.
The key is knowing yourself, your goals and the opportunities available.
