Why study in New Zealand?
Hear from our International Students
Meet Pedro, an international alumni from Brazil who graduated from our Game Development here at Media Design School, and carved a path to found his own game studio!
Meet Miretti, an international student from Indonesia who is studying our Master of Design Programme here at MDS.
Meet Jackson, an international student from China Studying our Postgraduate Design programme here at MDS.
Meet Gurleen, an international student from India currently studying out Bachelor of Media Design here at MDS.
Meet Valentina, an international student from Chile who graduated from our Master of Design Programme here at MDS.
Meet Alexander, an international student from Panama who graduated from our Digital Creativity Foundation course, and is now studying 3D Animation and VFX here at MDS.
Meet Adrian, one of our European students from Spain studying the 3D Animation and VFX course here at MDS.
Meet Carl, an international student from Sweden who graduated from our Graduate Diploma of Creative Advertising here at MDS.
Xinyue、Jackson和Daisy，他们是来自中国的留学生，就读于新西兰媒体设计学院(MDS)。MDS是世界顶尖的创意技术学校之一，为想要出国留学的国际学生提供了绝佳的机会。在这里你有机会与行业合作完成令人惊叹的项目，并在顶级视觉特效、游戏和设计工作室开始你的职业生涯。
Exclusive industry partnerships
Our valuable industry partnerships ensure that our courses are aligned with the latest industry standards and mirror the challenges and successes that are faced by a typical graphic designer, animator, developer, or creative director on a daily basis.
Find out more HERE.
International Team
Get in touch with our International Team
Our international team can advise and assist you with your application to MDS.
All students who are not currently residing in New Zealand, please contact international@mediadesignschool.com to connect yourself with one of our offshore approved agent partners of MDS. If you are residing in New Zealand, and you are not sure if you require an agent, please contact international@mediadesignschool.com.
We accept applications only from education agents with whom MDS has a formal agreement with. Unsolicited international student application from non-registered agents will be treated as direct applications from students and will not result in the payment of commission.
Our International Alumni
International student success
Further Reading
Living in Auckland, New Zealand
MDS is located in the heart of Auckland, New Zealand's biggest city. Known as the 'City of Sails' or by its Māori name Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland is New Zealand's most populated city with around 1.6 million people currently residing here.
The most recent Mercer Quality of Life Survey (2024) ranked Auckland the 5th most liveable city globally, while the Global Peace Index ranked New Zealand the third safest country in the world in 2025. Just a few hours drive from Auckland you'll find yourself in Northland, recommended by National Geographic in 2025, for the Most Unique Travel Experience for it's stunning beaches, ancient forests, and Māori culture. Even though you're planning to study in Auckland, doesn't mean you can't explore more of our beautiful country!
Back in Auckland, you'll find that the central city boasts a harbour, museum, art gallery, New Zealand's largest zoo, various concert and theatre venues, churches, community programmes, and countless public reserves, parks and recreation areas. A variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options cater to a range of interests.
If you're new to New Zealand, MDS is here to help you. From the moment you first arrive in Auckland, our Senior Student Services Advisor will ensure that you are welcomed and that you settle into life in New Zealand as quickly as possible.
New Zealand's largest and most culturally diverse city, Auckland is located next to the idyllic Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Whether you're bungy jumping from the Auckland Harbour Bridge or catching a ferry to Waiheke Island for a glass of wine, its brilliant blue waters are never far from sight.
Before Arriving in New Zealand
Application Process
You can begin the process by clicking HERE.
Study Visa
As an international student, you are required by law to hold a valid visa and comply with your visa conditions for the duration of your studies with MDS. It is the students’ primary responsibility to maintain the lawful status to study and stay in New Zealand. It is important to apply for your student visa as soon as possible, as in some cases the manual application process may take a minimum of one month.
All students must provide MDS with a copy of a valid student visa that shows that you are eligible to study with MDS. If you do not hold a valid student visa or fail to provide one, your student account may be suspended, your programme of study may be withdrawn and enrolment may be cancelled.
How do I apply for a Student Visa?
You can submit your student visa application directly by applying online through the Immigration New Zealand website.
English Language Requirements:
As an international student, you'll need to prove you have sufficient English language skills in order to complete this course. We'll be looking for Academic IELTS overall score of 6.0 (minimum) with no band less than 5.5, or equivalent test result.
We accept a range of internationally recognised English Language proficiency test. Find out more on the NZQA website or download the NZQA list below.
Ensure that you have appropriate insurance during your study
Medical and Travel Insurance
All our international students must have current medical and travel insurance to cover them for the duration of their planned period of study in New Zealand.
To ensure that you have appropriate insurance, MDS uses Southern Cross as our preferred insurance provider. The Southern Cross StudentMax Plan offers you excellent Health and Travel Insurance benefits. These meet the requirements covered in the New Zealand Government's Ministry of Education's Code of Practice guidelines, (view more on the Code of Practice here) and it is the default insurance plan for all our new international students.
Insurance Fees
A 12-month premium for Southern Cross' international student travel insurance is around $860.25. Get an instant quote here.
Having Health and Travel Insurance is a condition of enrolment at MDS, and this premium will automatically be added to your fees invoice. If you already have insurance with another provider, your insurance policy will be assessed by us prior to your travel to ensure the policy meets the requirements outlined by the Code of Practice. If your alternative insurance is deemed to meet the requirements, a waiver will be issued. To have your policy assessed and a waiver issued you must complete a waiver application form and provide a copy of your policy wording to the school (in English).
To assist you in completing the Waiver Application form, please use MDS's Insurance checklist to ensure your current policy meets the minimum requirements of the Code of Practice.
Download the International Insurance Waiver Form here.
Download the Southern Cross Insurance Application Form here.
Eligibility for health services
As an international student, you're not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your time here, you may be liable for the full costs of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly-funded health services are available through the Ministry of Health, and can be viewed on their website.
Accident insurance
The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs.
For all enquiries regarding insurance please contact our Registry team at registrars@mediadesignschool.com.
Keen to work in New Zealand after your study? Here's what you need to know.
Students are eligible for a post study work visa of up to 3 years, depending on the qualification successfully completed:
- Bachelors degree programmes: 3 years
- Postgraduate Diploma in Design: 1 year
- Master of Design: 3 years
Please note the post study work visa is applicable for students studying Bachelor, Postgraduate Diploma and Master programmes only. Non-degree Level 7 or lower programmes which are not on the Immigration New Zealand Green List are not eligible for a post-study work visa.
Graduates are not eligible for any post-study work visa if they have completed/studied the programme completely online from offshore.
Full details of visa requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available through the New Zealand Immigration Service. This can be viewed here.
If you require assistance, or have any queries regarding the student visa process, please contact our Student Administration Manager at studentadmin@mediadesignschool.com
NZ Ready
Planning tool to help you move to and settle in New Zealand
Study with NZ
Summarize the key things you should know (available in English, Chinese and Korean)
New Zealand Now
Your guide to living and working in New Zealand Visa-Waiver Countries – Check if you are from a country which does not need a visa before travelling to New Zealand Immigration New Zealand Knowledge Base – Immigration Q&A Immigration New Zealand Overseas Receiving and Processing Office – Contact details of Overseas Immigration New Zealand Offices Immigration New Zealand Office and Fee Finder – Find out where to lodge your application and how much it is going to cost
Nau Mai NZ
Find even more information on what it's like to live in New Zealand as an international student.
Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2021
MDS is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2021.