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SIT Southern Institute of Technology
Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) is a government-funded tertiary education institution in New Zealand with a long history dating back to 1971, making it one of the country’s well-established polytechnic and applied technology providers. SIT is part of Te P?kenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, the nationwide vocational and technical education network.
SIT is known for offering internationally recognised qualifications across a wide range of subjects — from certificates to postgraduate and master’s degrees — all accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
University Ranking & Quality Assurance
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Global Rankings: SIT is a tertiary education institute and not a traditional research university, so it doesn’t appear on global rankings (e.g., QS or THE). However, it is respected in New Zealand for vocational excellence, especially in practical and industry-focused study.
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Quality Accreditation: All programmes at SIT are NZQA-accredited and quality assured, providing internationally recognised credentials and ensuring educational standards are met at all levels.
Types of Courses & Study Levels
SIT offers over 200 programmes spanning a broad array of levels and fields, meaning there are options for many international student goals:
Qualification Levels
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Certificates – foundational and vocational skills
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Diplomas & Graduate Diplomas – more specialised practical training
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Bachelor Degrees – undergraduate academic and professional studies
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Postgraduate & Master’s Degrees – advanced specialised qualifications
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Short Courses & Pathways – flexible entry into higher levels of study
Programme areas include business, IT, engineering, health sciences, creative arts, screen arts, environmental management, hospitality, sports, and more.
Highlights for International Students
Affordable Quality Education
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SIT offers internationally recognised qualifications with relatively low tuition costs, making it attractive for international learners.
Diverse Student Community
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Students come from over 75+ countries, fostering a truly global campus culture.
Strong Career Focus
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SIT emphasises practical, industry-relevant learning and employability, with many graduates finding jobs or advancing to further study shortly after graduation.
Lifestyle & Location
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Campuses are located in scenic, welcoming cities in the southern part of New Zealand — from Invercargill’s community feel to Queenstown’s adventure-oriented lifestyle.
Student Support
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International students benefit from orientation, English support, accommodation help, and career advice — helping you settle in and succeed academically.
Latest Updates (2025)
- SIT continues to innovate its scholarship offerings to attract more international students returning after COVID-19 disruptions, maintaining low tuition and strong support services.
- Expansion of specialised programmes — such as music & audio production through MAINZ and rural/agriculture studies at Telford.
- SIT remains part of the evolving Te P?kenga structural changes, with regional governance returning by January 2026 — this enhances SIT’s ability to tailor programmes to local community and industry needs.
Program
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English
New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 4) This programme is intended for learners of English as an additional language, who wish to pursue further English language or destination subject study in an academic context. Graduates will have the language skills required to communicate independently and effectively in familiar and some less familiar situations with fluency and flexibility in academic settings. This qualification is at a level comparable to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) mid B2. This qualification allows educational institutions to make informed judgements regarding the level at which the graduate can use English for academic purposes. The four courses that constitute this programme run concurrently for the duration of the programme. Each course integrates the main language skills, language systems and learner competencies, and the content will be based in subjects/themes that are consistent across the courses to enable continuity for students, but each course has its key focus in terms of learning outcomes and assessment. The delivery methods are adequate and appropriate, given the stated learning outcomes for the programme. Where specific resources are necessary for the programme to be provided, those resources are clearly outlined. A learner-centred approach to education is used. There is an emphasis on the constructivist theory of learning, where the learner’s role is active rather than passive, with the teacher as facilitator. In this approach, assessment is both for and of learning, using a mix of formative and summative assessment with an emphasis on authentic assessment.
