Get Ahead of the Game: Secure Your MDS Spot for 2026
Applying for tertiary study can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating NCEA requirements. At MDS, we want to help make things straightforward. That’s why we’ve created this field guide to help you understand your entry options – including Discretionary Entrance, which could secure your place early!
Certificate and Course Endorsements
- Certificate Endorsement: 50 credits at Merit or Excellence.
- Course Endorsement: 14 credits at Achieved, Merit, or Excellence in a single course, including at least 3 credits from an external assessment and 3 from an internal assessment (where required).
University Entrance (UE)
To gain University Entrance, you’ll need:
- NCEA Level 3
- 14 credits in each of 3 UE-approved subjects
- Literacy and numeracy requirements met
Tip: A strong course endorsement can also support a faster application through Discretionary Entrance.
What is Discretionary Entrance?
Discretionary Entrance allows you to secure a place in your chosen MDS Bachelor’s programme using alternative entry criteria. We’ll consider your NCEA Level 2 results, portfolio, and overall academic performance.
- For Year 13 students: You could lock in your place before sitting external exams.
- For Year 12 students: You may even begin your Bachelor’s degree as early as February next year.
Criteria for Discretionary Entrance
To qualify, you’ll need:
- An Excellence Endorsement in art/design subjects at Level 2, and
- Literacy & Numeracy: 10 credits in Maths (Level 1) and 10 credits in English (Level 2: 5 reading + 5 writing).
Year 13 Students
- Eligible students may receive early unconditional Discretionary Entrance.
- You’ll need to supply a portfolio and letter of intent.
- If not granted Discretionary Entrance, you’ll be considered under the standard UE process.
- If you don’t meet UE, you’ll still have a pathway through our Level 4 Certificates leading into July 2026 Bachelor’s intake.
Year 12 Students – Start Early
- Eligible students may receive a conditional offer of Discretionary Entrance.
- You’ll need to supply a portfolio, letter of intent, and ideally a recommendation letter from a teacher.
- This means you could start your Bachelor’s in what would usually be your Year 13.
- If not awarded, you’ll be offered a place in a Level 4 Certificate as a pathway to the Bachelor’s intake in July 2026.
Final Note
Discretionary Entrance offers a powerful way to get ahead – whether that’s locking in your spot before exams or starting your degree a year earlier. If you’re passionate about design and creativity, this could be your chance to turn that passion into a head start!
