Take the next step towards a career in Gaming, Animation, IT, AI, Advertising, or Design.
Saturday 29th August 2026 | 10am – 2pm
At Media Design School at Strayer (MDS), you'll be in the best place to build a foundation you can use to propel yourself into an exciting creative career.
Come along to our Open Day and find out why MDS is ranked #1 Animation School in New Zealand¹ and #4 in the World for Design Education². You will meet our friendly and experienced faculty, and explore the studio-like learning environment and state-of-the-art tech.
Feel free to bring along your portfolio (on a USB or device), so our team can review it with you and provide valuable insights to help your application stand out.
Make sure you check out the Open Day schedules beforehand to plan your day.
Only students interested in studying at MDS need to RSVP. Accompanying friends and whānau do not need to RSVP.
Schedule & Presentations
| Time | Activity | Where |
| 10am | Doors Open - please check in on arrival | MDS Reception (Level 1) |
| 10am-2pm | Enrolment Booth | Student Kitchen (Level 1) |
Film Viewing | Games Room 4.07 (Level 4) | |
| 10.15am-11am | Foundation Studies | Kupe Room (Level 1) |
| Bachelor of Software Engineering: Artificial Intelligence | Innovation Hub (Level 4) | |
| 11.30am-12.15pm | Bachelor of Art and Design (3D Animation & VFX) | Kupe Room (Level 1) |
| Bachelor of Information Technology | Innovation Hub (Level 4) |
| Graduate Diploma of Creative Technologies | Akomanga 3.05 (Level 3) | |
| 12.45pm-1.30pm | Bachelor of Media Design (Graphic, Motion, UI/UX) | Kupe Room (Level 1) |
Bachelor of Creative Technologies (Game Art) Bachelor of Software Engineering (Game Programming) | Innovation Hub (Level 4) | |
| 2pm | Open Day Concludes |
Drop In Sessions
Looking to change career or advance your current industry skills? Come along and speak one-on-one with faculty about our Graduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Courses in Design. Our team are eager to meet you face to face and discuss how they can support your next career move or development. Bring along your portfolio (on a USB or device), so our team can review it with you and provide valuable feedback before you apply.
| Time | Drop In Sessions | Where |
12pm-2pm | Graduate Diploma of Creative Advertising Graduate Diploma of Creative Technologies Postgraduate Courses in Design | Innovation Hub (Level 3) |
Drop In Portfolio Reviews
Curious about applying for our Foundation or Undergraduate Studies? Bring along your portfolio (on a USB or device), so our team can review it with you and provide valuable insights to help your application stand out.
| Time | Drop In Portfolio Reviews | Where |
| 10am-2pm | Foundation Studies | Lab 1.04 (Level 1) |
| Bachelor of Media Design (Graphic, Motion, UI/UX) | Library (Level 1) |
| Bachelor of Art and Design (3D Animation & VFX) | Akomanga 4.06 (Level 4) |
| Bachelor of Creative Technologies (Game Art) Bachelor of Software Engineering (Game Programming) | Lab 4.02 (Level 4) |
Please note: There is no onsite parking. View nearby carparks here or access bus service information here.
References:
¹ Animation Careers Review 2019-2026: https://www.animationcareerreview.com/articles/new-zealand-animation-school-options
² World Brand Design Society Best Design Education Rankings 2025-26: https://worldbranddesign.com/
