As a public tertiary education institute, SIT is funded by the government of New Zealand and is committed to providing high-quality education to its students. The Zero Fees Scheme is a unique program offered by SIT that allows New Zealand citizens and permanent residents to study at the institute without paying any tuition fees.

This can help students save thousands of dollars on the cost of their education and make it more accessible to those who may not have been able to afford it otherwise.

SIT provides quality tertiary education and training across various subjects and qualifications. It offers more than 250 programmes from certificate to postgraduate studies accredited by New Zealand Qualifications Framework; students can learn at a level and pathway that suits them.

Many of its programmes offer multiple intakes every year. From English Language Institute, which offers intakes almost every week, to business programmes which offer between four and nine intakes a year, it makes it easier for students to start studying.

SIT offers various programs at various levels, including postgraduate, graduate, bachelor's, diploma, and certificate programs. The institute has over 200 programs available in various subjects, including academic, technical, and professional fields.

This allows students to choose a program that fits their interests and career goals. SIT is also a member of the International Association of Universities, which means that it is recognised as a high-quality institution by other universities worldwide.

In April 2020, SIT was subsumed into Te Pūkenga (the New Zealand Institute of Skills & Technology) along with the other 15 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) in the country.

This was part of a larger restructuring of the tertiary education system in New Zealand and was intended to improve the quality and efficiency of education offered by these institutes. Despite this change, SIT has continued to provide high-quality education to its students and to offer the Zero Fees Scheme to eligible students.

SIT staff makes a difference by being academic and industry-qualified from Southland and around the world and are leaders in their fields.

Small class sizes mean student gets personalised attention from their friendly academics.

SIT offers programmes at campuses in Invercargill, Christchurch, Queenstown, Gore, and Auckland and online through SIT2LRN Distance Learning. The Invercargill and Queenstown campuses are situated in New Zealand's most picturesque region.

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand's first UNESCO world heritage area and the sixth-largest national park in the world, is just a few hours. Drive away.

Institute highlight

Institute Type	Public
Established Year	1971
No of Students	4922
Number of Courses	200+
Tuition Fees for International Students Yearly	16000 NZD
Intakes	September, January, and May.

Scholarship

MFAT New Zealand Scholarships for International Students

Education New Zealand Generation Study Abroad Excellence and Travel Awards

Application Process/ documents needed for admission

Academic Documents (For Bachelor)

• SLC Mark sheet
• School Leaving Certificate
• SLC Character Certificate
• Transcript of 12th grade
• Individual Mark sheet of 12th grade
• Character Certificate of 12th grade
• Provisional Certificate of 12th grade
• Migration Certificate of 12th grade

Academic Documents (For Masters)

• Transcript of Bachelor's Degree and 12th grade
• Individual Mark sheets of Bachelor's Degree and 12th grade
• Character Certificate of Bachelor's Degree and 12th grade
• Provisional Certificate of Bachelor’s Degree and 12th grade
• Migration Certificate of Bachelor’s Degree and 12th grade

IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scores

Passport

Experience letter

Statement of Purpose

Application Fees

Proof of Scholarships - If any

Marriage Certificate (if applicable)

College Recommendation (if a current student)

Language Requirement

Language	UG	PG
IELTS	6.0 band with no band less than 5.5	6.5 band with no band less than 6.0
TOEFL	60	79 With a writing score of 21
PTE	PTE (Academic) score of 50 with no band score lower than 42	PTE (Academic) score of 58 with no band score lower than 50

FAQ

How do I apply to SIT?

To apply to SIT, you can visit the institute's website and follow the steps for international or domestic students, depending on your situation. You will need to provide personal and academic information and may be required to submit transcripts and other supporting documents.

Is SIT a good university?

SIT is a well-respected public tertiary education institute in New Zealand and is known for its high-quality education and facilities. It is a member of the International Association of Universities and is recognised as a high-quality institution.

Does SIT have dorms for students?

SIT does not have dorms for students, but it does have information on its website about nearby accommodation options, including homestays, hotels, and apartments.

Does SIT offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, SIT offers scholarships for international students. These scholarships are awarded based on merit or financial need and can help cover the cost of tuition and other expenses. International students can find more information about scholarships on the SIT website.

Can I work while studying at SIT?

International students with a visa may be allowed to work part-time while studying at SIT. The institute has a job search service that can help students find part-time employment opportunities.