Last Chance for Fees Free: Start Your Creative Journey with an MDS Pre-Degree Pathway
If you’ve been thinking about studying Animation & VFX, Digital Design, Game Development or Information Technology, but you’re under 20 and don’t yet have University Entrance, MDS’s July 2026 Pre-Degree Pathways could be your opportunity to take the next step.
Starting in July and finishing before the end of the year, these 20-week Level 4 certificate programmes are designed to help you build the skills, confidence and portfolio needed to progress into degree-level study at Media Design School at Strayer (MDS).
Eligible domestic students enrolling in the July 2026 intake may also be able to access StudyLink Fees Free funding - making this one of the final opportunities to study under the current scheme.
A pathway into creative and technology degrees
Not everyone takes the same path into higher education. Whether you’re finishing school without University Entrance, returning to study after time away, or simply not feeling ready to jump straight into a degree, MDS’s Pre-Degree Pathways are designed to help you prepare for what comes next.
You’ll learn through practical, hands-on projects while developing creative and technical skills alongside your confidence as a learner. You’ll also have access to campus facilities, support services and the experience of studying within a creative community.
The programmes are available both on campus in Auckland City and online.
Choose the pathway that fits your interests
To complete a Pre-Degree Pathway, you’ll study one of MDS’s 60-credit Level 4 certificates.
Certificate in Arts & Design Level 4
Explore areas including concept art, 3D design, animation and game design while building creative fundamentals and portfolio work.
Certificate in Digital Media & Design Level 4
Develop skills across graphic design, web, motion and digital portfolio design through practical creative projects.
Where could it take you?
Successfully completing a Pre-Degree Pathway can help prepare you for entry into degree programmes including:
- Bachelor of Media Design
- Bachelor of Art & Design - 3D Animation & VFX
- Bachelor of Creative Technologies - Game Art
- Bachelor of Software Engineering - Game Programming (additional math test required for entry)
- Bachelor of Software Engineering - Artificial Intelligence (additional math test required for entry)
- Bachelor of Information Technology
Final opportunity for Fees Free
With changes to the Government’s Fees Free policy, the July 2026 intake is expected to be one of the last opportunities for eligible students to access StudyLink Fees Free funding for an MDS Pre-Degree certificate.
To be eligible, you’ll need to:
- Be 16 or older by the start of the programme
- Be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
MDS also welcomes applications from mature students or those without a formal educational background.
📅 Next intake: 20 July 2026
If you’re ready to build your skills, confidence and creative future, applications for the July intake are now open.
