Media Design School was founded in 1998 in Auckland, New Zealand, in response to global industry demand for highly trained graduates in the fields of digital design and creative technology. They offer courses in artificial intelligence, game art, game programming, creative advertising, graphic design, motion design, interactive design, AR/VR, and 3D animation and visual effects.

Media Design School were the first tertiary institution in the southern hemisphere to offer a dedicated programme of study for 3D animation using industry-standard computer graphics software. They were also the first school in New Zealand to provide a specialised games course for aspirational game developers. Ever since, the faculty and students have cemented Media Design School's reputation as New Zealand's most awarded tertiary provider for digital and creative technology qualifications by creating work that is consistently regarded among the very best in the world.

Recent accolades include the 2019 Ad Stars, where twelve MDS AdSchool ideas were shortlisted the 2019 Best Awards, where their students took home a gold, three silvers and a bronze and the 2019 Palm Springs International Animation Festival, where student film Kino Ratten (2019) won the Jury Award for Best Animated Short.

As creative technology changes and adapts, so too have Media Design School's courses. In October 2016, Media Design School became the first tertiary provider in New Zealand to offer a qualification with a dedicated stream focusing on two of the world's biggest emerging technologies: virtual reality and augmented reality (VR/AR). In 2019 they continued to build their strong reputation as education futurists by launching NZ's first bachelor's degree in the rapidly expanding field of artificial intelligence. The school's teaching style is also very much directed by current industry trends, ensuring the future prospects of graduates.

As part of the Media Design School's ongoing effort to feed the industry with outstanding, future-proofed graduates, it has a dedicated Industry Advisory Panel to help tailor its programmes that respond to the rapidly changing jobscape. As such, the school is currently accepting expressions of interest for two new, in-demand disciplines in its Bachelor of Software Engineering: Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing.

Media Design School has also recently created some exciting new partnerships with top accommodation providers in Auckland. Students can get in touch with the school to find out more.

The school is the most awarded tertiary institution in New Zealand for digital and creative technology qualifications, providing a number of courses in Game Programming, Game Art, Graphic Design, Motion Graphics, Creative Advertising, Interactive Design, as well as 3D Animation and Visual Effects.

From 2020, Media Design School offers many of its study options online providing students remote learning opportunities. Media Design School has now moved into a state-of-the-art, purpose built property based in the heart of Wynyard Quarter, Auckland. It is the only education provider in New Zealand's Innovation Precinct, and offers students a learning experience and environment at the epicentre of the country's tech industry, with exciting collaboration and networking opportunities right on its doorstep.

As part of Media Design School's ongoing effort to feed the industry with outstanding, future-proofed graduates, it has a dedicated industry advisory panel to help tailor its programmes that respond to the rapidly changing jobscape. The school is currently accepting applications for a new, in-demand discipline in its Bachelor of Software Engineering: Artificial Intelligence.

Media Design School has also recently created some exciting new partnerships with top accommodation providers in Auckland. Students can get in touch with the school to find out more.

Media Design School is proud of the inspiring people who are part of the team that makes the school tick. Its award-winning programme leaders, lecturers and tutors come from a diverse array of disciplines and bring their real-world industry experience to the classroom, so that its students leave the school with both world-class technical skills and a thorough understanding of how the industry operates. In the school's most recent student survey, the overwhelming majority of its students placed the quality of its academic staff at the number one position when asked to rank the strengths of the organisation.

In 2016, the school was ranked the top tertiary provider in the world for both Photography and Graphic Design by a panel consisting of world-renowned judges. In the same year it was ranked 1^st in the Asia Pacific for 3D Animation and VFX.

Media Design School's students and faculty have created work that is frequently regarded as among the world's very best. One of the school's latest films, Accidents, Blunders and Calamities (2015), won the award for Best Animated Film at the San Diego Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival 2016.

Media Design School is proud of the inspiring people who are part of the team that makes the school tick. Its award-winning programme leaders, lecturers and tutors come from a diverse array of disciplines and bring their real-world industry experience to the classroom, so that its students leave the school with both world-class technical skills and a thorough understanding of how the industry operates. In the school's most recent student survey, the overwhelming majority of its students placed the quality of its academic staff at the number one position when asked to rank the strengths of the organisation.

The school's award-winning lecturers, programme leaders, and tutors cover a range of digital disciplines and have industry experience and connections. Media Design School's students and faculty have created work that is frequently regarded as among the world's very best. One of the school's latest films, Kino Ratten (2019), won the Jury Award for Best Animated Short at the Palm Springs International Animation Festival and won Best Family Short at the Irvine International Film Festival in 2020.

To study at Media Design School, international students are required to possess a valid visa, and travel and medical insurance to cover them for the period of their study. If the students' first language is not English, they may have to offer satisfactory evidence of their proficiency in the language, in the form of test scores from accredited organisations like IELTS or TOEFL.

For all of Media Design School's qualifications, from diplomas and degrees to graduate diplomas, international students are required to produce a valid IELTS (Academic) certificate with an overall score of 6.0, with no band score lower than 5.5 in every component or equivalent TOEFL scores.

There will be additional entry requirements depending on the course students are interested in applying to. Students can visit the school's website to find out more, or get in touch with one of the accredited agents who will be able to advise and assist them with their applications.

To study at Media Design School, international students are required to possess a valid visa, and travel and medical insurance to cover them for the period of their study (not applicable for online studies).

International students whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency by meeting the required English language requirements through international English proficiency tests approved by the NZQA.

There will be additional entry requirements depending on the course that students are applying to. Students can visit the school's website to find out more on the specific requirements for various courses. Students are also able to get in touch with one of the school's accredited agents who will be able to advise and assist them with information and their applications.

At Media Design School, students' well-being is of top priority. There is a dedicated Student Services Manager who will ensure that they settle into life in New Zealand as quickly as possible, as well as being on hand throughout their studies to ensure their safety and wellbeing, and that they have all of the resources they need to reach their goals. The school's Campus Life team also assists students throughout their studies and makes sure they get the most out of their time there by organising regular social events.

Students learn on industry-standard software and technology which is regularly updated, and the school's IT staff members are based on the campus to assist students with any technical trouble.

The Media Design School Library consists of a small and focused collection of magazines, books and journals, which are designed to support the students' studies and inspire their creative work. Students can come in anytime during open hours of the school to use the computers and browse the library. On-site resources also include copiers, printers, scanners and a wide range of hireable technical equipment.

Students can also use the school's extensive eLibrary for their research needs, which includes access to resources such as the EBSCO Digital Library, the ACM Digital Library and Pluralsight.

At Media Design School, students' well-being is of top priority. There is a dedicated Student Services Manager who will ensure that they settle into life in New Zealand as quickly as possible, as well as being on hand throughout their studies to ensure their safety and well-being, and that they have all of the resources they need to reach their goals. The school's Campus Life team also assists students throughout their studies and makes sure they get the most out of their time there by organising regular social events.

Students learn on industry-standard software and technology which is regularly updated, and the school's IT staff members are based on the campus to assist students with any technical trouble.

The Media Design School Library consists of a small and focused collection of magazines, books and journals, which are designed to support the students' studies and inspire their creative work.

Students can come in anytime during open hours of the school to use the computers and browse the library. On-site resources also include copiers, printers, scanners and a wide range of technical equipment which can be hired. Students can also use the school's extensive eLibrary for their research needs, which includes access to resources such as the EBSCO Digital Library, the ACM Digital Library and Pluralsight.

Media Design School puts a strong focus on the safety and security of its students. The school has a great team of international student leaders and campus life coordinators who arrange regular information sessions with local police and other specialised groups to ensure its international students remain safe, as well as be able to enjoy everything Auckland has to offer.

In the year 2018, New Zealand was ranked by the Global Peace Index as the world's second safest country. The 2018 Mercer Quality of Life Survey has also ranked Auckland as the city that is the third most liveable in the globe.

Media Design School is also a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016, which is published by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). This ensures that it provides ongoing protection and support to all international students.

Media Design School puts a strong focus on the safety and security of its students. The school has a great team of international student leaders and campus life coordinators who arrange regular information sessions with local police and other specialised groups to ensure its international students remain safe, as well as be able to enjoy everything Auckland has to offer.

In the year 2020, New Zealand was ranked by the Global Peace Index as the world's second safest country. The 2019 Mercer Quality of Life Survey has also ranked Auckland as the third most liveable city in the world. Media Design School is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016, which is published by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). This ensures that it provides ongoing protection and support to all international students.

The school's studio-like learning environment and focus on industry needs mean that Media Design School graduates are exceptionally employable. It is always in tune with the changing jobscape, offering degrees that open the door to New Zealand's fastest-growing industries.

The school also works with industry experts to design courses that produce in-demand graduates, which is evidenced by the exceptional employment rate of 93%. Its graduates can be found working at some of the most influential studios around the world, such as Weta Workshops, PikPok Games, Warner Bros., DDB and more, with many having formed their own successful companies.

Media Design School has various exclusive industry partnerships. It is New Zealand's only school to have a partnership with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe's PlayStation First Academic Development Programme, giving its students the chance to develop several games for the PlayStation platform.

The school's studio-like learning environment and focus on industry needs mean that Media Design School graduates are exceptionally employable. It is always in tune with the changing jobscape, offering degrees that open the door to New Zealand's fastest-growing industries.

The school also works with industry experts to design courses that produce in-demand graduates, which is evidenced by the exceptional employment rate of 93 per cent. Its graduates can be found working at some of the most influential studios around the world, such as Weta Workshops, PikPok Games, Warner Bros., DDB and more, with many having formed their own successful companies.

Media Design School has various exclusive industry partnerships. It is New Zealand's only school to have a partnership with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe's PlayStation First Academic Development Programme, giving its students the chance to develop several games for the PlayStation platform.