Animators, game developers and software engineers train side by side at Media Design School, a private tertiary school in central Auckland. Courses are project-based, and students spend much of their time in production teams building games, films and apps. It's part of the Torrens University group. The degrees are practical, and portfolios matter as much as grades.
Auckland, New Zealand
Official website: mediadesignschool.com
Private tertiary institution
Central Auckland
Part of the Torrens University group
Animation, games, design and software
NZ$30,000 – NZ$40,000
International students, undergraduate degrees
NZ$20,000 – NZ$26,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on mediadesignschool.com before you apply.
Bachelor of Art and Design (3D Animation and VFX)
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Feb
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0
Bachelor of Creative Technologies (Game Art or Programming)
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Feb
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0
Bachelor of Software Engineering
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Feb
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0
Bachelor of Media Design
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Feb
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0
Game development and animation taught in production teams.
A software engineering degree alongside creative courses.
Portfolio-led entry for design and animation.
Graduates work in animation, visual effects, games and design studios in New Zealand and abroad.
Software engineering graduates join tech firms in Auckland.
Eligible graduates can apply for a post-study work visa.
Undergrad
Main intake
Postgrad
Main intake
Undergrad
Some programmes
Postgrad
Some programmes
The school is in the city centre, close to the waterfront and the ferry terminal. Students can walk to cafes, cinemas and the Wynyard Quarter.
Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, with beaches and volcanic cones inside the city limits. Rent is high by New Zealand standards.
Offer of place from Media Design School
Proof of NZD 20,000 per year
Tuition fee receipt or evidence
Medical and chest X-ray certificates
Police certificate, if required
Passport valid three months beyond stay
Media Design School reviews applications on a rolling basis. Apply at least three months before the intake, or earlier if you need a portfolio review and visa.
The main intake is in February. Some programmes also start mid-year.
A Fee Paying Student Visa from Immigration New Zealand. Show your offer, tuition payment and NZD 20,000 a year for living costs, plus medical and police certificates if asked.
3D animation and VFX, game art and programming, software engineering and media design are popular. Creative programmes need a portfolio; all need high school completion and IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
The school runs some scholarships, including competitive ones for creative courses. Check its website for current awards open to international students.
