Media Design School (MDS)

The Media Design School (MDS) is a specialised private tertiary institution in New Zealand focused on:

• Digital Design
• Animation & VFX
• Game Development
• Creative Technologies
• Established: 1998
• Type: Private Training Establishment (PTE)
• Location: Auckland, New Zealand
• Partner: Affiliated with Torrens University Australia

MDS is known for:

• Industry-driven creative education
• Strong focus on portfolio + employability
• Hands-on, studio-based learning

 

University Ranking & Recognition

• Not ranked in QS/THE global rankings (because it is a private college)

However, strong global recognition:

• #1 Animation School in New Zealand
• Top 20 Animation Schools Worldwide (Animation Career Review 2025)

 

Types of Courses (Study Levels)

Study Levels:

• Foundation Certificate (Level 4)
• Bachelor’s Degree (Level 7)
• Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma (Level 8)
• Master’s Degree (Level 9)

Major Study Areas:

1. Game Development

• Game Art
• Game Programming

2. Animation & VFX (Top Strength)

• 3D Animation
• Visual Effects

3. Design & Media

• Graphic Design
• Motion Design
• Interactive (UX/UI)

4. Technology

• Artificial Intelligence
• Cloud Computing
• Information Technology

5. Creative Advertising

• Award-winning program in Australasia

 

Key Highlights (Why Choose MDS?)

1. Global Leader in Animation & VFX

• Top 20 worldwide
• #1 in New Zealand

2. Industry-Focused Learning

• Real projects + live briefs
• Portfolio-driven education

3. Strong Industry Connections

• Partnerships with:
  • Sony PlayStation
  • Unity Technologies

4. Adobe Creative Campus

• First in New Zealand
• Access to premium creative tools

5. High Employability

• Graduates hired by:
  • Film studios
  • Game companies
  • Creative agencies

6. Location Advantage

• Study in Auckland’s tech hub

 

Latest Updates (2025–2026)

Key Developments:

• Continued Top 20 global ranking in animation (2025)
• New programs in:
  • AI
  • Digital transformation

Academic Update:

• Fast-track degree options (2.5 years) launched in 2026

Industry Engagement:

• On-campus industry interviews
• Increased work-integrated learning opportunities

 

Final Counsellor Summary

MDS is BEST for:

Students interested in:

• Animation / VFX
• Game development
• Creative tech

Students who want:

• Portfolio-based careers
• Industry exposure

Scholarship

1. International Tuition Reduction / 30% Scholarship (NEW – 2025+)

This is the most important and latest scholarship initiative.

Benefits:

• Up to 30% tuition fee reduction
• Applies to:
  • Creative programs
  • Technology degrees
• May cover:
  • First year OR full programme (short courses)

Eligible Programs:

• Bachelor of Media Design
• Bachelor of Art & Design (3D Animation & VFX)
• Game Art / Creative Technologies
• Graduate Diploma / Postgraduate Diploma
• Master of Design

Eligibility:

• Must be an international student
• Enrolled in eligible programme
• Meet academic + English entry requirements

Key Advantage:

• One of the largest scholarships for international students at MDS currently

 

2. Technology Programme Fee Reduction (Up to 30%)

Benefits:

• Reduced tuition fees (up to 30%)

Applicable Courses:

• Bachelor of Information Technology
• Bachelor of Software Engineering (AI)
• Game Programming

Purpose:

• Encourage students in:
  • AI
  • Software development
  • Game programming

 

2. Alumni Scholarship (International)

Benefits:

• 25%–30% tuition fee reduction (1 year)

Eligibility:

• Must be:
  • MDS graduate
  • Progressing to another programme (usually postgraduate)

Key Condition:

• Based on:
  • Academic performance
  • Engagement during previous study

 

3. Unity® Games Scholarship

Benefits:

• NZD $3,000 toward Year 1 fees

Eligibility:

• Open to all students (including international)
• Must enrol in game development programmes

Best For:

Students interested in:

• Game programming
• Game design

 

4. Matthew Hogarth Memorial Scholarship

Benefits:

• 100% tuition fees for 1 year

Eligibility:

• Students progressing to:
  • Year 2 or Year 3
• Typically in:
  • Game Development programmes

 

5. Other Scholarships (Limited / Conditional)

Undergraduate & Postgraduate Scholarships

• May offer:
  • Partial tuition (up to ~25–50%)
• Based on:
  • Academic excellence
  • Portfolio strength

Research / Summer Scholarships

• Short-term funding for:
  • VR / AI / game development research
• Requires:
  • Strong technical skills
  • Portfolio + CV

 

6. External Scholarships (Highly Recommended)

MDS encourages students to apply for:

• Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
• Commonwealth Scholarships
• Private/global funding

 

General Eligibility Criteria (All MDS Scholarships)

Academic Requirements

• Strong academic performance
• Relevant qualification

Portfolio Requirement (VERY IMPORTANT)

For creative programs:

• Portfolio showcasing:
  • Design work
  • Animation
  • Coding / projects

Admission Requirements

• Offer of Place from MDS
• English proficiency:
  • IELTS / PTE equivalent

Documents Required

• Passport
• Academic transcripts
• CV
• Portfolio (mandatory for many courses)
• Statement of Purpose (recommended)

 

Latest Updates (2025–2026)

Major Changes:

• Introduction of 30% scholarships for international students

Expansion of:

• Creative programme funding
• Technology programme fee reductions

Increased focus on:

• AI
• Game development
• Creative industries

 

Counsellor Insight (Very Important)

Strength of MDS:

• Strong new funding initiatives (2025+)
• Scholarships aligned with:
  • Creative industries
  • Tech careers

Best Strategy to Win Scholarship:

• Build a strong portfolio (top priority)
• Apply early (limited seats)
• Target:
  • Creative programs (30% scholarship)
  • Tech programs (fee reduction)
• Show clear career vision in SOP

 

Final Summary

MDS Scholarships – Key Takeaways:

• Up to 30% tuition reduction (main scholarship)
• Alumni scholarship (25–30%)
• Unity scholarship (NZD $3,000)
• Rare full scholarship (progression-based)
• Portfolio plays a critical role in selection

 

Final Verdict (Expert Advice)

Media Design School (MDS) is:

• Moderate scholarship provider (not high, not low)

Best for:

• Creative students (animation, VFX, design)
• Tech students (AI, game dev)

Ideal if you:

• Have a strong portfolio
• Can manage partial funding + part-time work

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