Why come to Auckland, New Zealand?
Hear from our International Students
Meet Miretti, an international student from Indonesia who is studying our Master of Design Programme here at Media Design School.
Meet Jackson, an international student from China Studying our Postgraduate Design programme here at Media Design School.
Meet Gurleen, an international student from India currently studying out Bachelor of Media Design here at Media Design School.
Meet Valentina, an international student from Chile who graduated from our Master of Design Programme here at Media Design School.
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 Media Design School.
Meet Adrian, one of our European students from Spain studying the 3D Animation and VFX course here at Media Design School.
Meet Carl, an international student from Sweden who graduated from our Graduate Diploma of Creative Advertising here at Media Design School.
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 Media Design School.
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 Media Design School. 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 Media Design School 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
Media Design School is located in the heart of Auckland, New Zealand's biggest city. Known as the City of Sails, Auckland (or Tāmaki Makaurau) is New Zealand's most populated city with 1.6 million people currently residing here.
Auckland was named the best city to travel to in 2022, and in the same year, the Global Peace Index ranked New Zealand the second safest country in the world. The most recent Mercer Quality of Life Survey (2023) ranked Auckland the 3rd most liveable city globally.
The central city boasts a harbour, museum, art gallery, several concert and theatre venues, town hall 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, Media Design School 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 on the Apply now part of this website
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 Media Design School. 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 Media Design School with a copy of a valid student visa that shows that you are eligible to study with Media Design School. 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, Media Design School 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 Media Design School, 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 Media Design School'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
Media Design School is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2021.
Country | Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Argentina | Título de Bachiller | Bachillerato Especializado or successful completion of one year of tertiary study |
| Bangladesh | Higher Secondary School Certificate with grades of A–D or a minimum GPA of 2.0 | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
| Brazil | Certificado de Ensino Médio with grades of 5 and above. | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
| Brunei | Cambridge GCE O level in four subjects | GCE A levels (2xE or equivalent – minimum two academic subjects) |
| Canada | Grade 11 Secondary School Diploma (general level) | Grade 12 with minimum 65% in five subjects, or five Bs |
| Chile | Licencia de Educación Media with grades of 4 and above | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
| China | Grade 11 Secondary School | Senior Secondary School Certificate |
| Colombia | Título de Bachiller Académico | Successful completion of Tecnólogo Especializado at a recognised tertiary institution |
| Denmark | Folkeskolens 10 Klasseprøve with grades 12, 10, and 7 | Bevis for Studentereksamen or Bevis for Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF) |
| Fiji | Fiji School Leaving Certificate with grades of A and B (65% and above), including English and Maths OR seven passes in USP Foundation Studies with a “C” in communication OR South Pacific Form Seven Certificate (SPFSC) with a minimum of three B grades | Fiji Form 7 with an average of 250 out of 400 (incl. a minimum of 50% in English) OR seven passes in USP Foundation Studies with a “C” in communication OR South Pacific Form Seven Certificate (SPFSC) with a minimum of three B grades |
| France | Please contact us for more information | Baccalauréat |
| Germany | Realschulabschluß with grades of 1–4 | Abitur or Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife |
| Hong Kong | Hong Kong Certificate of Education (HKCEE) with grades of A–E | Hong Kong Advanced Level Certificate with three grades of A–C (or D in maths/science) |
| India | Higher Secondary Certificate with passes of 55% in each subject including minimum 60% in English) in CBSE, HSC, or ISC boards, or equivalent in other boards | Year 12 with at least a 70% average in four academic subjects (including minimum 60% in English) in CBSE, HSC, or ISC, or equivalent in other boards, or equivalent Diploma pass |
| Indonesia | SMA 3 Pass one year tertiary study from recognised institution | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
| Iran/Iraq | Please contact us for more information | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
| Italy | Please contact us for more information | Successful completion of Diploma di Maturità |
| Japan | High School Leaving Certificate. Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho) with grades of 2 and above | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
| Kenya | Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with grades A–C | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
| Korea | High School Diploma | Must have completed Senior High School or Upper Secondary School with 80% (B) average |
| Malaysia | SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia – Malaysia Certificate of Education) with grades A+–C, OR Chinese Unified Exam | Principal passes in STPM with grades A–C or UEC (Unified Examination Certificate). Senior Middle Level with an overall mark of at least 75% |
| Mexico | Bachillerato with grades of 6 and above | IB or successful completion of one year tertiary study |
| Nepal | Higher Secondary Certificate | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
| New Caledonia | Please contact us for more information | Must have completed Baccalaureate with a minimum grade of 24 |
| Netherlands | Hoger Algemeen Voortgezet Onderwijs (HAVO) diploma with grades of 10–6 | Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) (Gymnasium A/B and Atheneum A/B) diploma |
| Nigeria | West African Senior School Certificate with grades of 1–6, or Senior School Certificate with grades of A1–C6 | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
| Norway | Vitnemål fra Grunnskolen with grades of 6–3 | Vitnemål fra den Videregående Skole |
| Oman | Thanawiya Amma (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
| Pakistan | Higher Secondary School Certificate with 50% average | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
| Papua New Guinea | High School Certificate | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
| Philippines | High School Diploma plus pass one year tertiary study from a recognised institution | Must have completed at least two years of relevant tertiary study from a recognised institution |
| Russia | Certificate of Secondary General Education at Grade 11 or Certificate of Unified State Exam | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
| Samoa | Pacific Senior Secondary Certificate with grades of 1–5 | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
| Saudi Arabia | Tawjihiyah (General Secondary Education Certificate) with a minimum overall mark of 60% | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
| Singapore | Cambridge GCE O level | Cambridge GCE A levels with three passes |
| Sri Lanka | GCE O levels | Cambridge GCE A levels with four passes in relevant subjects |
| South Korea | High School Diploma | Must have completed High School Diploma with minimum 75% average in academic subjects |
| Sweden | Slutbetyg fran Grundskola | Student Examen Avgångsbetyg Leaving Certificate |
| Taiwan | Senior High School Leaving Certificate | Senior High School with B average (70%) |
| Thailand | Matayom 6 (with grade point average of 2.5 or 50% or above | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
| Tonga | Successful completion of Year 12 | Must have completed Year 13 |
| United Arab Emirates | 70% or better in Tawajihyya (General and Religious) | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
| United Kingdom | General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) O Levels | GCE A levels |
| USA | High School Graduation Diploma | School Diploma with C average up to Grade 12 level plus SAT I and SAT II score minimum 500/part, or Advanced Placement Examination |
| Vietnam | Upper Secondary School Graduation Diploma with grades of 5-10 | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
The information provided is a guide to the minimum entry requirements.
If your country is not listed or if you have any queries, please email international@mediadesignschool.com. This information is correct at time of printing.
Argentina
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Título de Bachiller | Bachillerato Especializado or successful completion of one year of tertiary study |
Bangladesh
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Higher Secondary School Certificate with grades of A–D or a minimum GPA of 2.0 | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
Brazil
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Certificado de Ensino Médio with grades of 5 and above. | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
Brunei
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Cambridge GCE O level in four subjects | GCE A levels (2xE or equivalent – minimum two academic subjects) |
Canada
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Grade 11 Secondary School Diploma (general level) | Grade 12 with minimum 65% in five subjects, or five Bs |
Chile
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Licencia de Educación Media with grades of 4 and above | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
China
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Grade 11 Secondary School | Senior Secondary School Certificate |
Colombia
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Título de Bachiller Académico | Successful completion of Tecnólogo Especializado at a recognised tertiary institution |
Denmark
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Folkeskolens 10 Klasseprøve with grades 12, 10, and 7 | Bevis for Studentereksamen or Bevis for Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF) |
Fiji
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Fiji School Leaving Certificate with grades of A and B (65% and above), including English and Maths OR seven passes in USP Foundation Studies with a “C” in communication OR South Pacific Form Seven Certificate (SPFSC) with a minimum of three B grades | Fiji Form 7 with an average of 250 out of 400 (incl. a minimum of 50% in English) OR seven passes in USP Foundation Studies with a “C” in communication OR South Pacific Form Seven Certificate (SPFSC) with a minimum of three B grades |
France
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Please contact us for more information | Baccalauréat |
Germany
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Realschulabschluß with grades of 1–4 | Abitur or Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife |
Hong Kong
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Hong Kong Certificate of Education (HKCEE) with grades of A–E | Hong Kong Advanced Level Certificate with three grades of A–C (or D in maths/science) |
India
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Higher Secondary Certificate with passes of 55% in each subject including minimum 60% in English) in CBSE, HSC, or ISC boards, or equivalent in other boards | Year 12 with at least a 70% average in four academic subjects (including minimum 60% in English) in CBSE, HSC, or ISC, or equivalent in other boards, or equivalent Diploma pass |
Indonesia
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| SMA 3 Pass one year tertiary study from recognised institution | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
Iran/Iraq
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Please contact us for more information | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
Italy
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Please contact us for more information | Successful completion of Diploma di Maturità |
Japan
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| High School Leaving Certificate. Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho) with grades of 2 and above | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
Kenya
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with grades A–C | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
Korea
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| High School Diploma | Must have completed Senior High School or Upper Secondary School with 80% (B) average |
Malaysia
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia – Malaysia Certificate of Education) with grades A+–C, OR Chinese Unified Exam | Principal passes in STPM with grades A–C or UEC (Unified Examination Certificate). Senior Middle Level with an overall mark of at least 75% |
Mexico
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Bachillerato with grades of 6 and above | IB or successful completion of one year tertiary study |
Nepal
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Higher Secondary Certificate | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
New Caledonia
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Please contact us for more information | Must have completed Baccalaureate with a minimum grade of 24 |
Netherlands
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Hoger Algemeen Voortgezet Onderwijs (HAVO) diploma with grades of 10–6 | Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) (Gymnasium A/B and Atheneum A/B) diploma |
Nigeria
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| West African Senior School Certificate with grades of 1–6, or Senior School Certificate with grades of A1–C6 | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
Norway
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Vitnemål fra Grunnskolen with grades of 6–3 | Vitnemål fra den Videregående Skole |
Oman
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Thanawiya Amma (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
Pakistan
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Higher Secondary School Certificate with 50% average | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
Papua New Guinea
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| High School Certificate | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
Philippines
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| High School Diploma plus pass one year tertiary study from a recognised institution | Must have completed at least two years of relevant tertiary study from a recognised institution |
Russia
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Certificate of Secondary General Education at Grade 11 or Certificate of Unified State Exam | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
Samoa
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Pacific Senior Secondary Certificate with grades of 1–5 | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
Saudi Arabia
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Tawjihiyah (General Secondary Education Certificate) with a minimum overall mark of 60% | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
Singapore
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Cambridge GCE O level | Cambridge GCE A levels with three passes |
Sri Lanka
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| GCE O levels | Cambridge GCE A levels with four passes in relevant subjects |
South Korea
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| High School Diploma | Must have completed High School Diploma with minimum 75% average in academic subjects |
Sweden
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Slutbetyg fran Grundskola | Student Examen Avgångsbetyg Leaving Certificate |
Taiwan
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Senior High School Leaving Certificate | Senior High School with B average (70%) |
Thailand
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Matayom 6 (with grade point average of 2.5 or 50% or above | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
Tonga
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Successful completion of Year 12 | Must have completed Year 13 |
United Arab Emirates
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| 70% or better in Tawajihyya (General and Religious) | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
United Kingdom
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) O Levels | GCE A levels |
USA
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| High School Graduation Diploma | School Diploma with C average up to Grade 12 level plus SAT I and SAT II score minimum 500/part, or Advanced Placement Examination |
Vietnam
| Certificate/Diploma Programmes | Bachelor Degrees |
| Upper Secondary School Graduation Diploma with grades of 5-10 | Must have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution |
The information provided is a guide to the minimum entry requirements.
If your country is not listed or if you have any queries, please email international@mediadesignschool.com. This information is correct at time of printing.