Media Design School New Zealand
Overview
Media Design School New Zealand is among the higher education institutions in the country that have become the most well-known in terms of creative technologies, design and digital arts. It is situated in Auckland and is known to produce graduates who are industry leaders in fields like animation, game development, film and interactive media.
The school has since gained a great reputation of practical and project-based learning worldwide since its inception in 1998. Students not only do industry briefs and projects with the real world, but they also seriously work with professionals in ensuring that they not only have the technical knowledge but also an impressive portfolio to present, consideringthe effective Cost of study Programs.
Media Design School New Zealand has a very multicultural environment with a total population of over 1,300 students (of which more than 500 are international students representing 40+ countries). Such diversity will enrich the academic experience and enable students to acquire cross-cultural teamwork skills, which are important in the contemporary creative industries in the glob,e along with stellar Placements, Cost of Education, and Vibrant Campus Life.
Media Design School, ranked as one of the leading animation and design schools in the world, is a perfect choice for students interested in design, creativity, and technology.
Highlights
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Total International Students: 500+ from 40+ countries
- Programs Offered: 30+ undergraduate and postgraduate programs
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
- Scholarships: Up to 40% tuition fee waivers
- Placement Percentage: 90% graduate employability rate
Rankings
Media Design School New Zealand is a school that is well known in terms of its creative technology and digital arts education. It is also constantly rated as one of the leading animation, design and game development institutions in the world.
The value of its programs is evident in its strong industry ties and its proven track record of success with its graduates. The rankings of the school are indicative of its adherence to creativity, innovation, and equipping students with future careers in the digital sectors of the world.
| Ranking Agency | Rank |
|---|---|
| The Rookies World School Rankings 2024 | Top 10 globally for Animation & Game Design |
| Animation Career Review 2024 | Top 25 International Animation Schools |
| QS Subject Ranking (Art & Design) 2024 | Top 150 worldwide |
Intakes
Media Design School New Zealand has various intakes throughout the year to provide students with the choice of starting their academic program at a time that offers the most convenient options. This is advisable at early stages so as to have time to secure visa and accommodation.
February Intake: The primary entrance, which provides undergraduate and postgraduate programs in their entirety.
July Intake: An intermediate alternative to students who wish to begin in the second semester.
November Intake: Smaller intake, most of which are offered on select postgraduate and professional courses.
Courses & Fees
Media Design School offers a very diverse selection of courses in New Zealand that fit the creative technology industries. Programs are designed to provide practical learning, foster industry partnerships, and create a professional portfolio.
The cost of the fees is competitive, and by design, the programs are set in such a way that the graduates will be well equipped to work in the rapidly evolving industries such as animation, VFX, and game development.
| Program | Duration | Tuition Fees (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Design | 1.5 – 2 Years | NZD 32,000 – 35,000 per year |
| Master of Creative Technologies | 2 Years | NZD 33,000 – 36,000 per year |
| Master of Animation | 2 Years | NZD 34,000 – 37,000 per year |
| Master of Software Engineering (Game Dev) | 2 Years | NZD 34,000 – 38,000 per year |
| Bachelor of Media Design | 3 Years | NZD 28,000 – 30,000 per year |
| Bachelor of Creative Technologies | 3 Years | NZD 28,000 – 31,000 per year |
| Bachelor of Software Engineering (Game Dev) | 3 Years | NZD 29,000 – 32,000 per year |
Cost of Studying at Media Design School New Zealand
The education at Media Design School New Zealand brings together a high standard of education and the chance to reside in Auckland, which is the place of technological advances and creativity. Tuition fees differ according to a program, however, a student must also expect living costs, including accommodation, food and transport.
Auckland has a high standard of livin,g including modern facilities, good transportation system, and a wide range of culture. International students are able to experience a good student life and at the same tim,e control their expenditures through proper budgeting.
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate Tuition Fees | NZD 32,000 – 38,000 per year |
| Undergraduate Tuition Fees | NZD 28,000 – 32,000 per year |
| Accommodation | NZD 1,000 – 1,700 per month (≈ NZD 12,000 – 20,000 per year) |
| Food & Groceries | NZD 500 – 800 per month (≈ NZD 6,000 – 9,600 per year) |
| Transport | NZD 150 – 250 per month (≈ NZD 1,800 – 3,000 per year) |
| General Expenses | NZD 300 – 500 per month (≈ NZD 3,600 – 6,000 per year) |
Scholarships
Media Design School New Zealand offers several scholarships that aim to promote creativity and support talented learners. These awards assist in the decrease in tuition fees and reward academic performance, leadership and innovation.
International students have exclusive and diverse scholarships which encourage a global diversity and acknowledge creativity. The earlier the application, the more likely to get funding since scholarships are scarce.
| Scholarship | Value / Waiver | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Excellence Scholarship | 20% – 40% tuition waiver | For students with outstanding academic results |
| International Student Scholarship | NZD 5,000 – 10,000 | For new international students |
| Creative Talent Award | Up to 30% tuition waiver | Recognizes exceptional creative portfolios |
| Women in Technology Scholarship | Up to 25% tuition waiver | For female students in technology programs |
| Alumni Scholarship | 20% tuition waiver | For Media Design School graduates continuing postgraduate studies |
Admissions
Media Design School New Zealand has a student friendly and worldwide admissions process. The school focuses heavily on creativity and utility and therefore portfolios and personal statements commonly become essential in the admissions with regard to academic performance.
- Requirements: Recognized bachelor’s degree, preferably in design, technology, or a related field. Some programs may require a portfolio or industry experience.
- English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0) / TOEFL iBT 90 / PTE Academic 58+.
- Documents: Academic transcripts, CV, passport copy, English test results, personal statement, and portfolio (where applicable).
- Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent with strong grades. Some programs require submission of a creative portfolio.
- English Proficiency: IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 80 / PTE Academic 50+.
- Documents: High school transcripts, passport copy, English proficiency test scores, personal statement, and portfolio (if required).
Accommodation
Media Design School New Zealand assists students to get secure and cozy accommodation. There are on-campus and nearby housing facilities so that students can comfortably study in New Zealand.
On-Campus
The school has partnered student residences, which consist of furnished rooms, high-speed internet, utilities and study and recreational facilities. These rooms are near the campus making them easily accessible.
Off-Campus Accommodation
Academic rentals are also used by students in Auckland, both shared and single flats as well as studios. The average cost is NZD 1,000 to 1,700 a month, depending on the location and facilities.
Placements
Media Design School New Zealand boasts one of the best employability histories with its graduates being in high demand in other sectors such as animation, gaming, film, and interactive media. The emphasis on practical projects, industry partnerships and internships by the school makes graduates work-ready.
Career Services offers continual advice on CV writing, portfolio building, interview skills and networking activities. Some of these graduates have proceeded to be employed in major studios and technology companies in New Zealand and abroad.
Top Recruiters
- Weta Digital
- PikPok Games
- Grinding Gear Games
- Datacom
- Method Studios
- Fireproof Games
- Flux Animation Studio
- IBM
- Deloitte Digital
- Animal Logic
Student Essential Services
Media Design School New Zealand promises students a full spectrum of services that will facilitate academic success, creativity and wellbeing. These services help students settle in, excel academically, and form meaningful relationships.
Student Affairs & Support: Assists students in their transition into university life, provides guidance and orientation, student activities, and well-being.
Student Success Centre: Gives advice on academic writing, research skills, and creative project support, which assists students to realizing academic excellence.
Careers & Internships: Helps students plan their careers, construct their portfolios, secure internships, and establish industry contacts.
Counselling & Accessibility: Provides confidential counselling and inclusiveness through the provision of special needs or disability.
Health & Safety: Gives access to medical care, health insurance and emergency services to make sure that students stay safe and healthy.
Clubs & Recreation: Promotes involvement in creative club, student societies and leisure activities to embrace team work and innovation.
Learning Resources: Prepares students with up-to-date computer laboratories, design studios, libraries and digital research and practice.
Visa & Housing Assistance: Gives international students information on visas, renewals, and accommodation services so that they can have a hassle-free relocation process.
Events & Cultural Activities
Conduct workshops, cultural events and networking activities that embrace diversity and promote cross-cultural interaction.
Location of Media Design School New Zealand
Frequently Asked Questions
Applications are accepted for February, July, and November intakes. Students are advised to apply 3–6 months in advance for visas and housing.
Undergraduates need a high school diploma, while postgraduates require a bachelor’s degree. Some courses may also require a creative portfolio.
The school accepts IELTS, TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic. Generally, IELTS 6.0 is required for undergraduates and 6.5 for postgraduates.
Yes, Media Design School offers partnered student residences and assists students in finding affordable off-campus housing in Auckland.
Yes, scholarships worth up to 40% tuition fee waivers are available, including awards for creativity, leadership, and academic excellence.
Graduates secure roles in animation, gaming, VFX, and design industries, with a 90% employability rate and connections to top global studios.
International students choose MDS for its global rankings, creative-focused programs, industry links, multicultural community, and high employability.
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