Southern Institute of Technology(SIT)

The Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) is one of New Zealand's leading government-owned Institutes of Technology, renowned for its practical, career-focused education and strong industry connections. Established in the 1880s, SIT has built a reputation for delivering high-quality vocational and academic education that prepares graduates for successful careers worldwide.

SIT welcomes students from more than 75 countries and offers internationally recognised qualifications approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). The institute is particularly popular among international students due to its affordable tuition fees, personalised learning environment, small class sizes, excellent student support services, and industry-relevant programmes.

With over 13,000 students and 200+ programmes, SIT combines the advantages of a large institution with the friendly atmosphere of a close-knit campus community. The institute emphasizes practical learning, real-world experience, employability, and student success from enrolment through graduation. 

Why Choose Southern Institute of Technology?

International students choose SIT because it offers:

• Government-owned and NZQA-accredited institution
• Over 140 years of educational excellence
• Internationally recognised qualifications
• More than 200 programmes across diverse disciplines
• Affordable tuition fees compared with many New Zealand institutions
• Small class sizes and personalised teaching
• Excellent graduate employability
• Strong industry partnerships and practical learning
• Modern teaching facilities and laboratories
• Friendly multicultural environment
• Comprehensive international student support
• Beautiful South Island locations with lower living costs
• Career guidance and employment workshops
• Airport pickup and orientation services for international students
• High-quality education combined with an outstanding lifestyle experience.

Types of Courses (Study Levels)

SIT offers qualifications across multiple academic levels.

English Language Programmes

• English Language Courses
• English for Academic Purposes

Certificates

• Level 3
• Level 4
• Level 5

Diplomas

• Level 5
• Level 6

Bachelor's Degrees

• Level 7

Graduate Diplomas

• Level 7

Postgraduate Certificates

• Level 8

Postgraduate Diplomas

• Level 8

Master's Degrees

• Level 9

Programmes are available across disciplines such as:

• Business
• Information Technology
• Engineering
• Nursing
• Health Sciences
• Hospitality
• Tourism
• Culinary Arts
• Film & Animation
• Music
• Creative Arts
• Design
• Agriculture
• Environmental Studies
• Construction
• Education
• Trades
• Beauty Therapy
• Hairdressing
• Sport & Recreation
• Computing
• Cyber Security
• Applied Management
• Project Management
• Accounting
• Human Resources
• Marketing
• Digital Technologies. 

Student Support Services

International students benefit from extensive support, including:

• Free airport pickup
• Initial accommodation assistance (including short-term support)
• Orientation programme
• Academic support
• Learning advisers
• English language support
• Career guidance
• Employment workshops
• Job opportunity updates
• Health services
• Counselling
• Chaplaincy
• Visa guidance
• Student activities
• Cultural events
• International student advisers
• Medical and travel insurance for eligible mainstream-course students
• Complimentary course materials for many programmes.

Highlights of Southern Institute of Technology

• Established in the 1880s
• Government-owned tertiary institution
• NZQA-approved qualifications
• Over 13,000 students
• Students from 75+ countries
• More than 200 programmes
• Strong graduate employability
• Practical, industry-focused education
• Small class sizes
• Personalised learning
• Multiple South Island campuses
• Flexible online and blended learning options
• Lower living costs in regional New Zealand
• Modern facilities and technology
• Excellent international student support
• Safe, welcoming communities
• Strong employer connections
• Career-focused education with real-world learning opportunities.

Latest Updates (2026)

Some of the latest developments for international students include:

• 2026 International Prospectus is available with updated programme information and fees.
• Continued availability of 200+ NZQA-approved programmes from certificate to master's level.
• Expanded promotion of SIT Online and HyFlex learning for greater study flexibility.
• Enhanced international student support, including airport pickup, orientation, accommodation assistance, employment workshops, and comprehensive pastoral care.
• Ongoing scholarship opportunities and support packages for eligible international students.
• As part of New Zealand's tertiary education reforms, SIT has returned to regional governance from 2026, while continuing to deliver recognised qualifications and services.

Scholarship

1. SIT Zero Fees English Scholarship (2026)

This is one of SIT's flagship scholarship opportunities for international students who need to improve their English before beginning a mainstream academic programme.

Overview

The Zero Fees English Scholarship enables eligible international students to study an approved English language programme at SIT and then transfer the tuition fee paid (bond) towards a qualifying mainstream programme.

Instead of paying twice for English and your degree, the English tuition bond is credited to your future programme once you meet the required conditions. 

Eligible English Programmes

The scholarship applies to selected English language programmes, including:

• New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Applied) – Level 3
• New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) – Level 4
• New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) – Level 5
• General English plus Examination Preparation (Training Scheme) – Level 4

How the Scholarship Works

Students:

1. Enrol in an approved English language programme.
2. Pay the required tuition fee upfront (treated as a tuition bond).
3. Receive a Conditional Offer of Place for an eligible mainstream qualification (minimum one year full-time), provided they meet the academic entry requirements except English.
4. Successfully complete the English programme and meet the English language requirement.
5. The tuition bond is then credited toward the tuition fee of the approved mainstream programme.

Scholarship Benefits

Eligible students can receive:

• Tuition bond credited toward a mainstream qualification
• Lower overall study costs
• A structured English-to-degree pathway
• Preparation for academic success in New Zealand
• Multiple English programme intake dates throughout the year

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be an international student.
• Apply for an approved SIT English language programme.
• Meet the academic entry requirements for the intended mainstream qualification.
• Obtain a Conditional Offer of Place into a full-time mainstream programme of at least one year.
• Meet the required English proficiency level before progressing.
• Enrol in the mainstream programme specified in the Conditional Offer.

Important Conditions

• The tuition fee must be paid upfront as a bond.
• The bond can only be used toward the approved mainstream programme.
• If additional English study is required beyond the initial scholarship programme, those extra courses are not covered by the scholarship.
• Students may request, in writing, to hold the bond for up to one year if they have not yet met the English requirement.
• If a student completes more than one eligible English certificate, only the specified maximum bond amount can be transferred toward the mainstream programme

2. New Zealand MFAT Scholarships (Available through SIT)

SIT participates in the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Scholarship Programme, which supports students from selected developing countries, particularly in the Pacific region and Timor-Leste.

Scholarship Coverage

Successful recipients typically receive:

• Full tuition fees
• Living allowance
• Establishment (setup) allowance
• Medical insurance
• International airfare
• Leave and reunion travel (where applicable)
• Thesis and research support (for eligible programmes)
• Pastoral care and student support services 

Programmes Supported

MFAT scholars at SIT may study eligible programmes in areas such as:

Undergraduate

• Accounting
• Business
• Marketing
• Management
• Engineering
• Environmental Management
• Hotel Management
• Information Technology
• Nursing
• Health Sciences
• Sport Science

Postgraduate

• Applied Management
• Information Technology
• Health Sciences

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility is determined by the New Zealand Government rather than SIT. Generally, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of an eligible MFAT partner country.
• Meet MFAT age and residency requirements.
• Meet SIT's academic and English language entry requirements.
• Apply for an eligible programme.
• Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to contributing to their home country after graduation.

Tips to Improve Scholarship Eligibility

International applicants can strengthen their chances by:

• Achieving strong academic results.
• Meeting or exceeding the English language requirements.
• Applying early for programmes with limited places.
• Preparing a clear Statement of Purpose where requested.
• Submitting complete and certified documentation.
• Ensuring they satisfy all programme-specific admission requirements before applying.