Media Design School Ranked #1 in New Zealand

In a fiercely competitive space, ranks are a powerful endorsement of MDS’s focus on delivering world-class animation, VFX, and 3D education. But at MDS, we know rankings are just the surface. What truly matters is what happens next: the careers we launch and the artists we nurture.

To be the only New Zealand institution to be mentioned in the Top Australian and New Zealand Animation Schools, while simultaneously recognised as one of the top 20 animation schools worldwide speaks volumes about the calibre of MDS staff, students, and alumni.

It’s also a validation of our approach: immersive, hands-on, industry-aligned education that prepares students like you not just to graduate, but to thrive.

While many ranked schools are based in cities like New York, London, or Paris, MDS emphasises that the New Zealand creative industry ecosystem punches well above its weight. Home to world-class visual effects studios and global creative brands, New Zealand is the perfect environment for students to grow their craft while building genuine industry networks.

Programme Director, Steve Dorner commented on this year’s results: “We give our all to being the best in 3D animation and visual effects education. Animation Career Review has rated schools in Australia and New Zealand for the last six years and MDS has come out on top in New Zealand every year. That recognition makes all the hard work worth it.”

From the Classroom to the Studio

At MDS, students benefit from:

• Production-driven learning from day one: Our curriculum is designed around studio workflows, not textbooks.
• Specialisation early in your journey: Students can focus on what drives them. Whether that's animation, VFX, technical direction, you'll be able to hone those skills to professional level to take with you on your career journey.
• Direct exposure to industry professionals: Our guest lecturers, mentors, and partnerships ensure students hear directly from those working at the top of the field.

In a time when some argue that you can "learn everything online", we ask: can you replicate mentorship from award-winning artists? Experience the pipeline of a working studio? Grow your skills in teamwork, iteration, and resilience required in professional production?

That’s where Media Design School shines and why global recognition matters. It’s a signal to students, parents, and industry that an MDS qualification means readiness, not just a credential.

And the results speak for themselves. Check out our alumni success stories here.

Take the Next Step

Rankings matter but real-world outcomes matter more. Whether you’re dreaming of working in film, TV, or animation, Media Design School delivers the experience and expertise to help you get there.

👉 Join us at our next Open Day, or speak to a Future Student Advisor today.