Media Design School
Auckland, 🇳🇿 New Zealand Private
#21 National
#21 National
1,300 students 38% international Urban $21k - $32k/yr
About Media Design School
Media Design School (MDS) in Auckland, New Zealand, is a renowned private tertiary institution specializing in creative technologies, design, and digital arts. Established in 1998, MDS has consistently focused on providing industry-aligned education, making it a leading institution in its field globally. It is recognized for producing graduates who excel in animation, game development, film, and interactive media.
MDS offers a diverse range of programs, including 3D Animation & VFX, Game Art, Game Programming, Graphic Design, Interactive UX/UI, Artificial Intelligence, and Creative Advertising. The school's teaching approach simulates a real-world industry environment, utilizing state-of-the-art software and technology from day one. MDS was the first in New Zealand to offer dedicated programs in 3D Animation and Game Development, and Bachelor's degrees in Cloud Computing and AI. It also holds exclusive partnerships, such as being the only school in New Zealand partnered with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe's PlayStation First Academic Development Programme.
Media Design School boasts a multicultural environment with over 500 international students from more than 40 countries, enriching the academic experience and fostering cross-cultural teamwork. The school offers English-taught programs and provides support services for international students, including assistance with visa applications and finding accommodation. MDS also offers scholarships, including tuition fee waivers of up to 40% for creativity, leadership, and academic excellence.
The MDS campus is located in Auckland's vibrant Wynyard Quarter, within the Innovation Precinct, offering students networking and collaboration opportunities within New Zealand's tech industry. Auckland provides a dynamic city life, and the campus itself features customized design studios, classrooms, and photo studios equipped with cutting-edge technology. Public transportation, including buses, trains, and ferries, is readily accessible, with Britomart being a central hub for connections across the city.
MDS graduates are highly sought after, with a reported employability rate of 90%. The school maintains strong industry connections, collaborating with professionals to ensure its curriculum aligns with current industry standards. Notable employers of MDS alumni include leading design, advertising, game, animation, film, television, and production studios globally. MDS also fosters a startup culture through its MDS Studios program, which nurtures students in starting their own production companies and bringing their creative ideas to market.
Academics
MDS offers a diverse range of programs, including 3D Animation & VFX, Game Art, Game Programming, Graphic Design, Interactive UX/UI, Artificial Intelligence, and Creative Advertising. The school's teaching approach simulates a real-world industry environment, utilizing state-of-the-art software and technology from day one. MDS was the first in New Zealand to offer dedicated programs in 3D Animation and Game Development, and Bachelor's degrees in Cloud Computing and AI. It also holds exclusive partnerships, such as being the only school in New Zealand partnered with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe's PlayStation First Academic Development Programme.
International Students
Media Design School boasts a multicultural environment with over 500 international students from more than 40 countries, enriching the academic experience and fostering cross-cultural teamwork. The school offers English-taught programs and provides support services for international students, including assistance with visa applications and finding accommodation. MDS also offers scholarships, including tuition fee waivers of up to 40% for creativity, leadership, and academic excellence.
Campus & Location
The MDS campus is located in Auckland's vibrant Wynyard Quarter, within the Innovation Precinct, offering students networking and collaboration opportunities within New Zealand's tech industry. Auckland provides a dynamic city life, and the campus itself features customized design studios, classrooms, and photo studios equipped with cutting-edge technology. Public transportation, including buses, trains, and ferries, is readily accessible, with Britomart being a central hub for connections across the city.
Career Outcomes
MDS graduates are highly sought after, with a reported employability rate of 90%. The school maintains strong industry connections, collaborating with professionals to ensure its curriculum aligns with current industry standards. Notable employers of MDS alumni include leading design, advertising, game, animation, film, television, and production studios globally. MDS also fosters a startup culture through its MDS Studios program, which nurtures students in starting their own production companies and bringing their creative ideas to market.
Highlights
- Top ranked creative school in Oceania
- Industry partnerships with global tech giants
- Highly awarded student work internationally
- Specialized digital and creative arts degrees
- Located in Auckland's innovation precinct
- Strong focus on practical portfolio development
Subject Areas
3D AnimationGame ArtGraphic DesignMotion GraphicsInteractive Design
Student Life & Support
Visa Support Campus Housing Work on Campus Work Placements Disability Support Scholarships Available
Photos








Offers programs in:
Arts & Design Business & Management Computer Science
Bachelor Programs (8)
Bachelor of Art and Design (3D Animation and Visual Effects)
Animation and VFX
Digital Arts & Animation
36 months English Full-time
$31,000/yr
Bachelor of Software Engineering (Artificial Intelligence)
STEM
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence
36 months English Full-time
$31,000/yr
Bachelor of Digital Transformation
Business Technology
Business Administration
36 months English Full-time
$29,000/yr
Bachelor of Software Engineering (Cloud Computing)
STEM
Cloud Computing
Networks & Systems
36 months English Full-time
$31,000/yr
Graduate Diploma of Creative Technologies
Creative Technologies
12 months English Full-time
$28,000/yr
Bachelor of Creative Technologies (Game Art)
Game Development
Game Development
36 months English Full-time
$31,000/yr
Bachelor of Media Design
Graphic Design
Digital Design
36 months English Full-time
$31,000/yr
Bachelor of Software Engineering (Game Programming)
STEM
Software Engineering
Software Development
36 months English Full-time
$31,000/yr
Master Programs (2)
Master of Design
Design Strategy
Digital Design
12 months English Full-time
$35,000/yr
Master of Software Engineering
STEM
Software Engineering
Software Development
12 months English Full-time
$35,000/yr
6+ IELTS
80+ TOEFL
Acceptance Rate Open (60%+)
Intakes Fall, Spring
Tuition (per year) $21k - $32k/yr
Housing (monthly) ~$1000
Teaching Language English
Student : Faculty 15:1
Accreditation
New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
Ready to apply to Media Design School?
Abroadly helps you manage applications, track deadlines, and get matched to programs.
More Universities in Auckland
View all →
#1
Aid
University of Auckland
Auckland, 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Public $25k - $40k/yr
#7
Aid
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
Auckland, 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Public $21k - $33k/yr
#8
Aid
Unitec Institute of Technology
Auckland, 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Public $17.5k - $27.5k/yr
#12
Aid
Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT)
Auckland, 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Public $18k - $28k/yr
#19
Aid
AIS - Auckland Institute of Studies
Auckland, 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Private $17k - $27k/yr
#27
Aid
Yoobee Colleges
Auckland, 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Private $17k - $28k/yr
#30
Aid
Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design
Auckland, 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Private $19k - $31k/yr
Aid
New Zealand Management Academies (NZMA)
Auckland, 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Private $15k - $24k/yr Need help applying?
AI-powered tools to manage applications, track deadlines, and get matched.