Our Scholarships

If you’re a New Zealand secondary school student with a strong track record of high achievement, you could be eligible for our Undergraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship.

This scholarship awards $3,000 towards one year of undergraduate tuition fees for students with outstanding academic potential in digital design.

Eligibility & Selection

You’re eligible to apply if you:

• Are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Are applying for the first year of one of the following:
  • Bachelor of Art and Design
  • Bachelor of Creative Technologies (Game Art)
  • Bachelor of Information Technology
  • Bachelor of Media Design
  • Bachelor of Software Engineering (AI)
  • Bachelor of Software Engineering (Game Programming)
    
    (One MDS Academic Excellence Scholarship will be awarded for each of these qualifications.)

You’ll need to demonstrate academic excellence by providing your academic transcript.

If applying for the Bachelor of Creative Technologies, Bachelor of Media Design, or the Bachelor of Art and Design, you must also supply a portfolio showing your artistic ability.

If you’re a current MDS student enrolled in a Graduate or Postgraduate programme and have a strong track record of high achievement, you could be eligible for our Postgraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship.

This scholarship awards $3,000 towards one year of postgraduate tuition fees for students with exceptional academic performance in digital design.

Eligibility & Selection

You’re eligible to apply if you:

• Are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Have been enrolled in a GradCert, PGCert, or PGDip at MDS in the last 12 months.
• Have achieved academic excellence and been recognised for effective leadership skills.

If you’re an MDS graduate from a 3-year degree programme with a strong track record of high achievement, you could be eligible for our Alumni Scholarship.

This scholarship provides a 25% reduction in tuition fees for one year of further study in an MDS Graduate Diploma (Level 7), Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, or Masters programme.

Eligibility & Selection

You’re eligible to apply if you:

• Are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Have successfully completed an MDS 3-year degree programme.
• Achieved exceptional academic performance in that degree.
• Have been recognised for effective leadership skills.

MDS is offering a 25% scholarship exclusively for eligible international students from South Asia who have strong past academic performance enrolling in the Bachelor of Information Technology. This scholarship is available to students from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.

Available intakes

• July 2026 (Application deadline – 19 June 2026)
• February 2027 (Application deadline – 15 January 2027)
• July 2027 (Application deadline – 15 June 2027)

*If you begin in 2027, updated 2027 tuition fees will apply. 

Eligibility & Selection

You may be eligible if you:

• Are a new, eligible, non-New Zealand international student living in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, or Sri Lanka:
  • You are not a N.Z. citizen. 
    • If you become a N.Z. citizen as defined by New Zealand laws and regulations while enrolled in a Media Design School at Strayer (MDS) programme, you will forfeit the scholarship.
    • You are required to notify MDS if your citizenship status changes.
  • You are living in New Zealand or its territories and hold a current and valid student visa.
    • You understand that student visa programs are not administered or managed in any way by MDS, its parent company, or any other subsidiary of the parent company (Strategic Education, Inc.)
    • You acknowledge that it is your responsibility to read and understand the terms and conditions of your visa programme.
    • You understand the time to complete a MDS programme varies from student to student because of unique factors impacting their academic journey such as their academic performance, program specialization, course load, transfer credit, school/work/life balance, and unique personal factors.
• Are applying for your first year of the Bachelor of Information Technology programme.
• Meet all published admission requirements with strong past academic performance and must comply with all applicable laws and regulations as part of your resident status in New Zealand.

Additionally, if selected:

• You understand and agree that you are required to notify MDS if your citizenship status changes.
• You understand and agree that this scholarship applies to tuition only. All other fees, including technology fee, final academic requirement fee, books, course materials, and non-obligatory fees must be paid by a separate method of payment.
• You represent that neither you, an immediate family member or household member of yours are currently employed by Media Design School at Strayer, Strayer, Strayer’s parent company, or any other subsidiary of the parent company (Strategic Education, Inc.).
• You understand and agree that you are subject to all academic policies and procedures applicable to Media Design School at Strayer students.
• You understand and agree that MDS does not represent or guarantee that its degree programs are accredited, recognised, or likely to be accredited, recognised, or granted equivalency or validation by any non-New Zealand country, non-N.Z. educational authority, or any other educational institution. Recognition, equivalency, and validation of MDS degrees are determined on a country-by-country basis by each country’s educational authorities, and by each individual institution at which you seek equivalency. MDS international students are advised to independently review the degree recognition, equivalency, and validation procedures with the relevant organisations in their country and any other institution the student may consider attending to determine if MDS credits/degrees would be recognised.
• You agree to maintain good academic standing during the entire time that you are receiving the scholarship. Any term following the semester when you fail to maintain good academic standing, the scholarship will be forfeited until you return to good academic standing.
• You understand that if you choose to change to an ineligible programme, discontinue or withdraw (either voluntarily or involuntarily), you will become ineligible for this scholarship and have all future scholarship disbursements cancelled.
• You understand and agree that you must remain enrolled in the eligible programme during the covered period to maintain scholarship eligibility. Programme changes are not permitted unless authorized in writing by MDS. Programme withdrawals may result in forfeiting scholarship funds and becoming responsible for all amounts not otherwise covered by other sources or methods of payment.
• You understand and agree that this scholarship has no cash value, and under no circumstance will you be eligible for a refund, cash payment or any other compensation for the value of unused scholarship funds and/or disbursements.
• You understand and agree that this scholarship cannot be combined with other scholarships or grants offered by Media Design School at Strayer or tuition assistance aligned pricing (TAAP) discounts (also known as employer discounts). 
• You understand and agree that the scholarship may not be combined with corporate alliance/national account discounts.
• You understand and agree that, if awarded this scholarship, you must read and agree to terms presented in the award agreement (which will be sent to you) before your scholarship funds will be refunded to your Studylink Student Loan account or the bank account used for payment of your tuition fees.
• You understand and agree that in all cases, the scholarship is offered at Media Design School at Strayer’s discretion.
   

You’ll need to demonstrate academic excellence by providing your academic transcript.

Media Design School at Strayer (MDS) is offering a NZD $6,000 scholarship exclusively for eligible international students with strong past academic performance enrolling in the Graduate Diploma of Creative Technologies.

Available intakes

• July 2026 (Application deadline – 19 June 2026)
• September 2026 (Application deadline – 28 August 2026)
• February 2027 (Application deadline – 15 January 2027)
• July 2027 (Application deadline – 18 June 2027)
• September 2027 (Application deadline – 27 August 2027)

*If you begin in 2027, updated 2027 tuition fees will apply.

Eligibility & Selection

You may be eligible if you:

• Are a new, eligible, non-New Zealand international student:
  • You are not a N.Z. citizen.
    • If you become a N.Z. citizen as defined by New Zealand laws and regulations while enrolled in a Media Design School at Strayer (MDS) programme, you will forfeit the scholarship.
    • You are required to notify MDS if your citizenship status changes.
  • You are living in New Zealand or its territories and hold a current and valid student visa.
    • You understand that student visa programs are not administered or managed in any way by MDS, its parent company, or any other subsidiary of the parent company (Strategic Education, Inc.)
    • You acknowledge that it is your responsibility to read and understand the terms and conditions of your visa programme.
    • You understand the time to complete a MDS programme varies from student to student because of unique factors impacting their academic journey such as their academic performance, program specialisation, course load, transfer credit, school/work/life balance, and unique personal factors.
• Are applying for the Graduate Diploma of Creative Technologies
• Meet all published admission requirements with strong past academic performance and must comply with all applicable laws and regulations as part of your resident status in New Zealand.

Additionally, if selected:

• You understand and agree that you are required to notify MDS if your citizenship status changes.
• You understand and agree that this scholarship applies to tuition only. All other fees, including technology fee, final academic requirement fee, books, course materials, and non-obligatory fees must be paid by a separate method of payment.
• You represent that neither you, an immediate family member or household member of yours are currently employed by Media Design School at Strayer, Strayer, Strayer’s parent company, or any other subsidiary of the parent company (Strategic Education, Inc.).
• You understand and agree that you are subject to all academic policies and procedures applicable to Media Design School at Strayer students.
• You understand and agree that MDS does not represent or guarantee that its degree programs are accredited, recognised, or likely to be accredited, recognised, or granted equivalency or validation by any non-New Zealand country, non-N.Z. educational authority, or any other educational institution. Recognition, equivalency, and validation of MDS degrees are determined on a country-by-country basis by each country’s educational authorities, and by each individual institution at which you seek equivalency. MDS international students are advised to independently review the degree recognition, equivalency, and validation procedures with the relevant organisations in their country and any other institution the student may consider attending to determine if MDS credits/degrees would be recognised.
• You agree to maintain good academic standing during the entire time that you are receiving the scholarship. Any term following the semester when you fail to maintain good academic standing, the scholarship will be forfeited until you return to good academic standing.
• You understand that if you choose to change to an ineligible programme, discontinue or withdraw (either voluntarily or involuntarily), you will become ineligible for this scholarship and have all future scholarship disbursements cancelled.
• You understand and agree that you must remain enrolled in the eligible programme during the covered period to maintain scholarship eligibility. Programme changes are not permitted unless authorised in writing by MDS. Programme withdrawals may result in forfeiting scholarship funds and becoming responsible for all amounts not otherwise covered by other sources or methods of payment.
• You understand and agree that this scholarship has no cash value, and under no circumstance will you be eligible for a refund, cash payment or any other compensation for the value of unused scholarship funds and/or disbursements.
• You understand and agree that this scholarship cannot be combined with other scholarships or grants offered by Media Design School at Strayer or tuition assistance aligned pricing (TAAP) discounts (also known as employer discounts). 
• You understand and agree that the scholarship may not be combined with corporate alliance/national account discounts.
• You understand and agree that, if awarded this scholarship, you must read and agree to terms presented in the award agreement (which will be sent to you) before your scholarship funds will be refunded to your Studylink Student Loan account or the bank account used for payment of your tuition fees.
• You understand and agree that in all cases, the scholarship is offered at Media Design School at Strayer’s discretion.

You’ll need to demonstrate academic excellence by providing your academic transcript. 

If you’re an MDS graduate from a 3-year degree programme with a strong track record of high achievement, you could be eligible for our Alumni Scholarship - International.

This scholarship provides a 25% reduction in tuition fees for one year of further study in an MDS Graduate Diploma (Level 7), Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, or Masters programme.

Eligibility & Selection

You’re eligible to apply if you:

• Are an International student.
• Have successfully completed an MDS 3-year degree programme.
• Achieved exceptional academic performance in that degree.
• Have been recognised for effective leadership skills.

In honour of Darryn Melrose, Media Design School at Strayer (MDS) is offering a scholarship for one year of tuition fees for a student each year.

Darryn was a long-serving MDS leader, creative technology education pioneer, and a passionate advocate for students. At the heart of his work was a belief in the power of education to change lives, and a commitment to ensuring learning was connected to industry, future-focused, and grounded in real opportunity. This scholarship honours Darryn’s legacy by supporting the next generation of creative talent to pursue their ambitions with the same curiosity, courage, and purpose he championed.

Eligibility & Selection

You’re eligible to apply if you:

• Are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident

• Are a new student applying for the first year of one of the following:

  • Bachelor of Art and Design (3D Animation and Visual Effects)

  • Bachelor of Creative Technologies (Game Art)

  • Bachelor of Information Technology

  • Bachelor of Media Design

  • Bachelor of Software Engineering (Artificial Intelligence)

  • Bachelor of Software Engineering (Game Programming)

  • Graduate Diploma of Creative Advertising

  • Graduate Diploma of Creative Technologies

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Design

  • Master of Design

• You meet all published admission requirements with a strong past academic performance.

Additionally, if selected:

• You understand and agree that this scholarship applies to tuition only. All other fees, including technology fee, final academic requirement fee, books, course materials, and non-obligatory fees must be paid by a separate method of payment.

• You represent that neither you, an immediate family member or household member of yours are currently employed by Media Design School at Strayer, Strayer, Strayer’s parent company, or any other subsidiary of the parent company (Strategic Education, Inc.).

• You understand and agree that you are subject to all academic policies and procedures applicable to Media Design School at Strayer students.

• You agree to maintain good academic standing during the entire time that you are receiving the scholarship.

• Any term following the semester when you fail to maintain good academic standing, the scholarship will be forfeited until you return to good academic standing.

• You understand that if you choose to change to an ineligible programme, discontinue or withdraw (either voluntarily or involuntarily), you will become ineligible for this scholarship and have all future scholarship disbursements cancelled.

• You understand and agree that you must remain enrolled in the eligible programme during the covered period to maintain scholarship eligibility. Programme changes are not permitted unless authorised in writing by MDS. Programme withdrawals may result in forfeiting scholarship funds and becoming responsible for all amounts not otherwise covered by other sources or methods of payment. You understand and agree that this scholarship has no cash value, and under no circumstance will you be eligible for a refund, cash payment or any other compensation for the value of unused scholarship funds and/or disbursements.

• You understand and agree that this scholarship cannot be combined with other scholarships or grants offered by Media Design School at Strayer or tuition assistance aligned pricing (TAAP) discounts (also known as employer discounts).

• You understand and agree that the scholarship may not be combined with corporate alliance/national account discounts.

• You understand and agree that, if awarded this scholarship, you must read and agree to terms presented in the award agreement (which will be sent to you) before your scholarship funds will be refunded to your Studylink Student Loan account or the bank account used for payment of your tuition fees.

• You understand and agree that in all cases, the scholarship is offered at Media Design School at Strayer’s discretion.

You’ll need to demonstrate academic excellence by providing your academic transcript.

If applying for the Bachelor of Creative Technologies, Bachelor of Media Design, Bachelor of Art and Design, Graduate Diploma of Creative Technologies or Postgraduate Design, you must also supply a portfolio showing your artistic ability.

In memory of the late Matthew Hogarth, this scholarship covers one year of tuition fees for an MDS Games student each year and includes an industry mentorship.

Matthew was a Bachelor of Creative Technologies (Game Art) student who, despite battling cancer, showed courage, commitment, and passion for creating games. This scholarship honours his impact and supports students who push boundaries.

Eligibility & Selection

You’re eligible to apply if you:

• Are currently enrolled in an MDS Games programme and are eligible to progress into Year 2 or Year 3.
• Have not previously received an MDS scholarship.
• Demonstrate core MDS values: courage, commitment, and passion to push the boundaries.

As Unity’s exclusive Training and Certification Partner in New Zealand, MDS offers $3,000 towards first-year tuition to one aspiring Game Development student.

Eligibility & Selection

You’re eligible to apply if you:

• Are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Are applying for the first year of one of the following:
  • Bachelor of Creative Technologies (Game Art)
  • Bachelor of Software Engineering (Game Programming)
• Demonstrate the potential for academic excellence by providing your academic transcript.
• If applying for the Bachelor of Creative Technologies (Game Art), supply a portfolio demonstrating your artistic ability.