FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

With over 12,000 students, SIT is New Zealand’s sixth largest Institute of Technology and is a well established and respected International student destination. We have the second largest International student body in the South Island.  SIT has five campuses: our main Invercargill campus and satellite campuses in Christchurch, Gore, Queenstown and Auckland.

SIT has more than 200 programmes, ranging from short courses to Bachelor degrees, Graduate, Postgraduate and Masters study options. 

For a full list of our programmes, click here.

SIT is a New Zealand Government Institute of Technology renowned for its innovation. 

Established in its present form in 1971, but with a history dating back to the 1880s, SIT has developed a distinctive profile in providing innovative and cutting-edge qualifications which prepare graduates for success in New Zealand and around the world. 

SIT’s 200+ qualifications have strong links to industry.  Real-life learning means you will be obtaining a qualification which employers seek and have the skills and ability to get ahead when you enter the workforce.  Our graduates go on to jobs right across New Zealand and the world. 

Expert academic staff combine with small class sizes to provide you with the attention and challenge you need to succeed in class and in your career. 

Add all that to our affordable fees, 24 Week English Scholarships, John Wright Scholarships, two weeks accommodation on arrival, and range of international student events and activities, and you can see SIT is a unique place to study.

SIT is a New Zealand Government Institute of Technology established under the Education Act.  It has decades of experience in preparing students for success in a range of fields. 

SIT holds quality assured status from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and is required to undertake external evaluation reviews at regular intervals, providing assurance to all who receive education from SIT.

SIT’s programmes are accredited and approved by NZQA up to postgraduate level.  SIT has over 200 programmes, from short courses to degrees and Masters study, across a wide range of subject areas.

SIT’s degree-teaching staff are obliged to engage in research work.  Research activity is reviewed annually by NZQA.  SIT’s research outputs draw praise and endorsement from our degree monitors. 

SIT undertakes leading-edge research.  The recently completed Committed Learners project, undertaken by three SIT research staff, is a work of importance to the New Zealand tertiary education sector.  The findings have been distributed to institutes of technology throughout the country.

The SIT International team, along with key staff across SIT, are all trained in the New Zealand Government’s Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students.

You do not need to attend classes full-time on campus and have more flexibility with your study hours and commitments.

Blended study is the best of both modes because you get to study online and complete your practical study components in person.

Some Blended Learning courses have a few days of block courses, weekend workshops or once a week evening class on campus that you need to attend.

• Blended Learning can be more effective than purely face-to-face or purely online.
• The combination of online learning and face-to-face allows students to schedule their study time around their daily routines.
• Our Blended Delivery courses that have scheduled block courses on campus are great for those who do not live close to campus - You can arrange in advance to travel to attend and complete those one-off practical block classes.

• Employers that send their staff for professional development and training.
• Any individual that wants to up-skill and needs a more flexible timetable.
• Any individual that wants to change careers, but can not afford to take time from paid employment.

Blended Delivery / Blended Learning is a mode of study where you can learn both online and face to face. Some Blended Learning courses have a few days of block courses, weekend workshops or once a week evening class on campus that you need to attend.

Learners may be withdrawn from their course by SIT2LRN if they fail to email their Facilitator within two weeks of the intake start date. Faculty withdrawals can also be requested if learners fail to complete assignments/assessments without reasonable excuse. A faculty withdrawal may affect any future applications to study with SIT and your eligibility for the Zero Fees Scheme. 

• Programme specific enquiries should be directed to your Facilitator. Email details for your Facilitator are located within Blackboard. 
• Enrolment/ Withdrawal/ Transfer enquiries should be directed to your Administrator. Email details for your Administrator can also be found on Blackboard.