Media Design School (MDS)

Founded in 1998 and based in Auckland, Media Design School (MDS) is New Zealand’s premier specialist institution for creative technology education. It is now part of Strayer University, bringing a global edge to its curriculum while maintaining its unique focus on practical, industry-ready creative skills. MDS offers world-class, NZQA-approved undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in areas such as 3D animation, VFX, game art, UX/UI design, creative advertising, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing.

Why Choose Media Design School?

Global reputation: Ranked among the Top 20 animation schools worldwide (Animation Career Review 2025), and consistently New Zealand’s #1 for creative tech education.

Award-winning graduates: MDS alumni work with industry leaders like W?t? FX, Dreamworks, and Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Cutting-edge campus: A purpose-built, 5-Star Green rated facility opens in Auckland’s Innovation Precinct — offering studio-style classrooms and networking opportunities.

Strong industry partnerships: MDS is the only New Zealand member of the PlayStation First Academic Development Programme and an official Adobe Creative Campus.

Hands-on learning: Early exposure to real-world projects and mandatory industry placements enhance job readiness.

Career pathways: MDS graduates are involved in around 25% of New Zealand’s local creative tech workforce, and the school has one of the country’s highest industry-employment rates for graduates.

Industry Connections and Ranking

• Ranked #12 globally in animation studies (Animation Career Review 2023) and #1 in New Zealand.

• NZQA grants MDS a Category 1 provider status — the highest quality rating.

• SideFX certified the school in 2022, joining studios like Warner?Bros. and Dreamworks.

Campus & Location

10 Madden Street, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland, New Zealand. Located in the heart of Auckland’s creative and innovation district, MDS is part of the thriving tech cluster alongside global creative companies — giving students networking, internship, and employment opportunities right outside campus doors.

Courses & Study Levels

Foundation level:

• NZ Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4)

• NZ Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4)

Undergraduate degrees:

• Bachelor of Art & Design (3D Animation & VFX)

• Bachelor of Creative Technologies (Game Art)

• Bachelor of Information Technology

• Bachelor of Software Engineering (Game Programming / AI)

• Bachelor of Media Design (Graphic, Motion, Interactive)

Postgraduate qualifications:

• Graduate Diploma of Creative Technologies

• Postgraduate Certificate in Design (Level 8)

• Postgraduate Diploma in Design

• Master of Design (Level 9)

Class start dates: February (main intake) and July (limited programs).

Mode of Learning

MDS follows a flexible learning model:

• Onsite: Traditional, full-time learning with studio-based workshops and group projects.

• Blended: Some courses combine online lectures with lab work.

• E-learning: Select modules and micro-credentials are delivered fully online — ideal for remote students.

Number of Programs Offered

MDS offers 20+ programmes spanning foundation, bachelor's, and postgraduate levels in various creative disciplines such as:

• Animation, VFX, AI & cloud computing

• Game development and design

• Graphic design and motion graphics

• Creative advertising and UX design

Highlights & Milestones

• #1 animation school in NZ and Top 20 globally (Animation Career Review 2025).

• Over 25 years of industry-aligned creative education.

• PlayStation First Academic Partner — Students can develop games for PlayStation.

• Adobe Creative Campus status, ensuring free access to Creative Cloud and AI tools.

• New campus in Auckland’s Innovation Precinct designed for sustainability and collaboration.

• Recent research grants for cutting-edge projects in blockchain and tech.

Scholarship

Purpose and Approach

MDS is deeply committed to making education in digital design and creative technology accessible and affordable for international students. This commitment is reflected in a wide-ranging scholarship program that rewards talent, creativity, leadership, and academic achievement across different levels — from undergraduate to postgraduate studies — including dedicated grants for technology and gaming-focused qualifications.

Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students

International students can apply for scholarships if they are entering one of MDS’ core undergraduate degree programmes such as Bachelor of Media Design, Bachelor of Creative Technologies, Bachelor of Art & Design (3D Animation & VFX), or Bachelor of Software Engineering. These scholarships are usually merit-based and designed to reward students with strong academic records and creative portfolios.

• Value: Up to NZD 5,000 towards first-year tuition or up to 50 % of tuition fees, depending on merit and portfolio strength.

• Requirements:

  • Must be a new international student enrolling in a full-time undergraduate programme.

  • Provide evidence of academic excellence (transcripts or grade certificates).

  • Submit a creative portfolio (mandatory for animation, game art, and media programmes).

  • Meet English language requirements such as IELTS 6.0 (academic) or equivalent.

• Additional Info: Specialised merit scholarships are available for students enrolling in programmes like Creative Advertising or Women in Technology, and students of Mori or Pacific Islander descent may also qualify under respective categories.

Postgraduate Scholarships for International Students

MDS offers financial support for students pursuing post-graduate degrees such as the Master of Design or the Graduate Diploma of Creative Technologies. These scholarships are designed for students seeking deeper specialization or career advancement in creative fields such as game development, visual effects, interactive design, and motion graphics.

• Value: Typically up to NZD 5,000 for a postgraduate degree or a 25–30% tuition reduction for the first year of study.

• Eligibility:

  • Must hold a Bachelor’s degree related to design, arts, software engineering, or creative technologies.

  • Demonstrate academic merit and potential to contribute to the field.

  • Provide a portfolio and/or evidence of professional experience in the area of study.

• Duration: Generally applied to the first year of postgraduate studies.

New Tuition Reductions for Creative and Tech Studies

From May 2025, MDS has introduced new tuition reductions specifically for international students pursuing technology-heavy and creative programmes. These include degrees like:

• Bachelor of Information Technology

• Bachelor of Software Engineering (AI and Game Programming)

• Bachelor of Art & Design and Bachelor of Media Design

Alumni Scholarship – International

• Available to MDS graduates who pursue postgraduate studies.

• Provides a 25–30 % tuition reduction for one year of postgraduate study based on academic track record, leadership, and impact during undergraduate years.

General Scholarship Requirements

To apply for any scholarship at Media Design School, international students must meet the following:

• Admission Offer: You must first be accepted into an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate programme.

• Academic Excellence: Solid track record in secondary or tertiary education (transcripts required).

• English Proficiency: IELTS 6.0 (academic) or equivalent.

• Portfolio: Required for creative disciplines like animation, VFX, game art, etc. Adobe Creative Cloud Unity

• Application: Complete the scholarship application form available on the MDS website. Applications are usually submitted after your admission offer is confirmed.

• Interview: Some merit-based scholarships may require an interview or an additional assessment.

Extra Financial Support Options

MDS also collaborates with external organisations and trusts to help students access additional funding opportunities. They encourage students to explore external scholarship providers to complement their MDS funding.

Deadlines and Application Tips

• Applications for scholarships are typically open year-round, but it is recommended you apply early alongside your course application, especially before major intake start dates (February / May / August).

• Portfolio-driven programmes (like animation or game design) deadlines may be earlier due to evaluation requirements.