Study Services

School Overview

Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) was established in 1971 and is a government-funded public polytechnic with over 50 years of history. The institute currently enrols around 13,000 students across three campuses in Invercargill, Queenstown, and Gore.

SIT offers a broad range of qualifications including diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, graduate diplomas, postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, and various certificates — all NZQA-approved. The institute values the deep integration of education and industry, using small class sizes to develop graduates with both practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Flexible enrolment is a key feature: English language courses accept new students almost every week, and business programmes offer four to nine intake dates per year.

SIT has established partnerships with tertiary institutions in China, Japan, Australia, the United States, and Germany, providing students with extensive pathways for further study. A dedicated careers office offers career planning, CV writing, and interview coaching, contributing to one of the highest graduate employment rates in New Zealand.

The Southland region is friendly and safe, with an agriculture-based economy. Living and accommodation costs are well below those of other New Zealand cities, making SIT an ideal choice for students seeking an affordable study-abroad experience.

Popular Programmes

• Business & Enterprise Management
• Information Technology & Computer Science
• Nursing & Health Sciences
• Hospitality & Tourism
• Culinary Arts & Patisserie (exceptionally high graduate employment)
• Engineering Technology (Civil, Mechanical)
• Construction Technology
• Music, Recording & Digital Media
• Environmental Management & Life Sciences
• Sport, Recreation & Fitness

Campus Locations

SIT operates five campuses across both the North and South Islands, each with distinctive features and well-equipped facilities:

1. Invercargill Campus (Main Campus)

• Location: 133 Tay Street, Invercargill, the third-largest city on the South Island.
• Highlights: Home to around 5,000 students, specialising in art, design, photography, film, animation, music, and fashion. Mild climate, just 2.2 km from the airport. Campus facilities include a library (over 25,000 physical books and 750,000 e-books), gymnasium, bookshop, cafe, beauty clinic, hair salon, training restaurant, and childcare centre.

2. Queenstown Campus

• Location: Level 2, Dart House, Remarkables Park Town Centre, Queenstown.
• Highlights: Set against the stunning Remarkables mountain range. Offers programmes in marketing & management, tourism, hospitality, computing, and English. Students have opportunities for part-time work at five-star hotels.

3. Gore Campus

• Location: 70 Kakapo Street, Gore.
• Highlights: Modern facilities with flexible study hours and small class sizes. Programmes include hospitality, computing, construction, and leisure arts. On-campus facilities include an ice-skating rink, aquatic centre, and multi-sport stadium.

How to Apply

1. Free assessment of your academic background, English proficiency, and study goals
2. Identify your target programme and intake date
3. Prepare application documents (transcripts, personal statement, references, etc.)
4. Submit your application and await your Offer
5. Apply for your student visa
6. Pre-departure briefing and airport pickup arrangement
7. Ongoing support, regular check-ins, and academic and pastoral guidance throughout your studies