Empowering Future Leaders Through Innovative Education
Why Choose Media Design School?
Animation Institution in NZ with Global Top-20 Recognition
Ranked #16 worldwide and #1 in New Zealand by Animation Career Review 2025, MDS pioneered 3D animation education in the Southern Hemisphere in 1998. Alumni contribute to Avatar, The Lord of the Rings, and blockbusters at Weta FX, DreamWorks, and LucasFilm Singapore.
Unprecedented 30% Scholarships for International Students
From May 2025, international students receive a 30% tuition reduction across all programmes. For example, the Bachelor of Information Technology drops to just NZ$17,420/year, and creative programmes reduce to NZ$23,450/year. This saves you up to NZ$35,000 (₹17.5 lakhs) over three years, making MDS highly competitive compared to institutions charging double.
NZQA Category 1 Status Confirms Exemplary Performance
MDS holds "Highly Confident" status from NZQA—the highest tier available in New Zealand. This independent verification confirms the school’s exceptional track record, highlighted by a sustained 93% graduate employment rate within 6 months.
Located Inside New Zealand's Innovation Precinct
MDS is the only education provider located in Wynyard Quarter—New Zealand’s designated innovation hub housing IBM and major tech startups. You will study in a NZ$50M, 6-star Green Star facility, networking daily with employers, attending industry talks, and stepping directly into a pipeline of over 50 surrounding studios.
Three-Year Post-Study Work Visa & Residency Pathway
Bachelor graduates receive a 3-year open work visa, allowing you to work for any employer in any industry. With New Zealand's skilled migrant pathway requiring just 2 years of work experience (reduced from 3 as of August 2026), MDS graduates have a highly realistic, lucrative route to permanent residency.
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Course Highlights
Foundation Programmes (20 Weeks - 1 Year)
|
Programme |
Duration |
Fees/Year |
Intakes |
Key Feature |
|
NZ Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4) |
20 weeks |
NZ$13,572 |
Feb, Apr, Jul, Sep, Nov |
Pathway to bachelor degrees; NZQF Level 2 equivalent entry |
|
NZ Certificate in Digital Media and Design |
20 weeks |
NZ$13,572 |
Feb, Apr, Jul, Sep, Nov |
HTML/CSS web design, multimedia, portfolio |
|
Digital Creativity Foundation |
1 year |
NZ$23,165 |
Feb, Jul, Nov |
Eligible for 30% scholarship; taste all disciplines before specializing |
Bachelor's Degrees (3 Years, NZQF Level 7)
|
Programme |
Duration |
Fees/Year (After 30% Scholarship) |
Intakes |
Key Feature |
|
Bachelor of Art & Design (3D Animation & VFX) |
3 years |
NZ$23,450 |
Feb, Jul, Nov |
#1 Animation NZ; Industry-level short film |
|
Bachelor of Media Design |
3 years |
NZ$23,450 |
Feb, Jul |
Real client briefs from Year 1 |
|
Bachelor of Creative Technologies (Game Art) |
3 years |
NZ$23,450 |
Feb, Jul, Nov |
Create a 2D game in Week 1; PlayStation Partner |
|
Bachelor of Software Engineering (Game Prog.) |
3 years |
NZ$24,885 |
Feb, Jul |
C++ industry standard; Critical shortage sector |
|
Bachelor of Software Engineering (AI) |
3 years |
NZ$24,885 |
Feb, Jul |
IBM co-designed curriculum; Computer vision, ML |
|
Bachelor of Information Technology |
3 years |
NZ$17,420 |
Feb, Jul |
Most affordable tech programme; Full-stack dev |
Graduate Diplomas (1 Year, NZQF Level 7)
|
Programme |
Duration |
Fees/Year (After 30% Scholarship) |
Intakes |
Key Feature |
|
Grad Dip Creative Technologies (3D Animation & VFX) |
1 year |
NZ$24,885 |
Feb, Jul |
Rapid upskilling; Industry production portfolio |
|
Grad Dip Creative Technologies (Game Art) |
1 year |
NZ$24,885 |
Feb, Jul |
Real game projects; Gaming studio pipeline |
|
Grad Dip Creative Technologies (Interactive Design) |
1 year |
NZ$24,885 |
Feb, Jul |
UX/UI specialization; Emerging tech applications |
|
Grad Dip Creative Technologies (Game Programming) |
1 year |
NZ$24,885 |
Feb, Jul |
C++ game architecture; Multiplayer systems |
|
Grad Dip Creative Advertising |
1 year |
NZ$24,850 |
Feb |
Campaign creation; Auckland agency partnerships |
Postgraduate Programmes (Level 8-9)
|
Programme |
Duration |
Fees (After 30% Scholarship) |
Intakes |
Key Feature |
|
Postgraduate Diploma in Design |
7 months |
NZ$20,160–22,400 |
Multiple |
Weekend classes allow full-time work |
|
Master of Design |
10-12 months |
NZ$22,400–25,200 |
Feb, Jul |
Personalized research project; Industry mentoring |
Popular Study Areas
3D Animation & Visual Effects
Game Development & Programming
Game Art & Design
AI & Machine Learning
Graphic & Motion Design
Interactive & UX Design
Information Technology
Entry Requirements
Foundation Programmes (Level 4):
- Academic: NCEA Level 2 or international equivalent (e.g., Cambridge O-Levels, IGCSE).
- English: Estimated IELTS 5.0–5.5.
- Age: Minimum 16 years.
Bachelor's Degrees (Level 7):
- Academic: NCEA University Entrance or equivalent (IB 24+ points, Indian HSC/CBSE 65%+).
- English: IELTS 6.0 (minimum band 5.5) OR TOEFL iBT 74, PTE Academic 59.
- Note: Tech programmes require equivalent Maths credits; creative programmes require a portfolio submission.
Graduate Diplomas (Level 7):
- Academic: Bachelor's degree in any discipline OR 4+ years of relevant professional experience (ideal for career changers).
- English: IELTS 6.0 (minimum band 5.5).
- Note: A portfolio demonstrating creative or technical skills is required.
Postgraduate Programmes (Level 8-9):
- Academic: Bachelor's degree in any discipline (for Master of Design).
- English: IELTS 6.5 (minimum band 6.0).
- Note: Requires a portfolio and a written research proposal outlining your creative project.
Not sure where to start? Our team of experts can provide free end-to-end assistance.
Scholarships at Media Design School
Technology Programme Scholarship (2025)
30% tuition reduction
Creative Programmes Scholarship (2025)
30% tuition reduction
Alumni Scholarship – International
30% tuition reduction (1 yr PG)
Not sure where to start? Our team of experts can provide free end-to-end assistance.
Student Support Services
Academic Support
Benefit from peer tutoring, drop-in writing support, technical help for programming students, and recorded lectures via the MyLearn portal.
International Services
Features a dedicated international coordinator, a 3-5 day orientation week, a buddy mentor programme, and visa/immigration guidance.
Career Services
Offers tailored mock interviews (studio pitches), portfolio review sessions with practitioners, and direct networking events with guest speakers from top studios.
Wellbeing
Provides free confidential counselling, on-campus first aid, and a 24/7 emergency support line.
Disability & Accessibility
Offers confidential assessments, exam adjustments, and assistive technology (screen readers, note-takers).
Student Life
Engage with 30+ clubs (gaming, film, design), international student associations, and relax in the Level 9 student hub.
Not sure where to start? Our team of experts can provide free end-to-end assistance.
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About PFEC Global
Beginning in 2006, PFEC Global's expertise in student migration consultancy evolved from a single Melbourne office to a multinational presence, spanning Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India. We proudly represent international educational institutions, turning students' dreams into reality.
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