Make Your Move Abroad a Reality

Before you begin your study journey in New Zealand, it’s important to understand your visa requirements and what to expect.

At SIT, we’re here to guide you through the process — from applying for your visa to arriving in New Zealand and getting set up for study.

To study at SIT in New Zealand, most international students will need a student visa.

This visa allows you to live and study in New Zealand for the duration of your programme. After completing your studies, you may also be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa, depending on your qualification and Immigration New Zealand requirements.

Visa Types

The key visa options for SIT students are outlined below:

Student Visa

Allows you to study full-time at SIT in New Zealand for the duration of your programme. This is the primary visa required for most international students.

Post-study Work Visa

May be available after completing an eligible qualification in New Zealand, allowing you to work for a period of time. Eligibility and duration are set by Immigration New Zealand.

How to Apply

Once you have chosen your programme and received your offer from SIT, you can begin your visa application process.

  1. Visit the Immigration New Zealand website and apply for your visa online.
  2. Follow all instructions and prepare your supporting documents.
  3. Submit your application as early as possible — processing can take several weeks.
  4. If you are already in New Zealand (onshore), include your international fee receipt from SIT with your application.

Processing times for visa applications can vary depending on where you are applying from.

Application Timeframes

Applying from outside NZ

Most applications are processed within the timeframe listed on the Immigration New Zealand website (in working days). Processing times may vary depending on demand.

Already in New Zealand

If you are already in New Zealand, submit your application as early as possible and ensure all required documents are included.

Your Responsibilities

As an international student, it is important to understand your visa conditions and responsibilities while living and studying in New Zealand.

  • Keep your visa valid at all times while in New Zealand. If it expires, you may be required to leave the country.
  • Do not start a course other than the one stated on your visa without permission from SIT and Immigration NZ.
  • Notify Immigration NZ of any change in address, course of study, or personal circumstances.

Insurance

Health and travel insurance is an important part of your time studying in New Zealand.

Travel and medical insurance is automatically included when you enrol in a mainstream programme at SIT. Pay your fees, let us know your arrival date, and we handle the booking.

English language students can add the same cover for a small additional fee. Full details — including your policy number, coverage, and how to make a claim — are provided at your international orientation.

Why do I need insurance?

You need insurance in case anything goes wrong while you are travelling to or living in New Zealand. This may include losing personal effects or requiring medical care.

Am I covered if I stay in the country longer?

As long as you hold a current student visa to study at SIT, you will be automatically covered by our insurance. If your student visa has finished, you will need to purchase insurance.

What about insurance for my family?

If you are bringing family members with you to New Zealand, you will need to purchase travel and medical insurance coverage for them.

The team at SIT International can recommend appropriate insurance providers for your family members.

Getting to Invercargill

Once your visa is approved and your travel is booked, the next step is planning your arrival in New Zealand.

Fly into Christchurch or Auckland, then take a domestic Air New Zealand flight to Invercargill. The journey takes a few hours — and the experience once you arrive more than makes up for it.

Fly into Auckland

You can catch a number of flights into Auckland Airport. From there it’s just an hour and a bit to fly to our Queenstown or Invercargill campuses.

Fly into Christchurch

If you’re studying at our Christchurch campus, welcome! If not, you can easily catch a connecting flight to our Queenstown or Invercargill campuses.

You can fly into Christchurch Airport via Air New Zealand, Fiji Airways, Emirates, Jet Star, Qantas, Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia.

Fly into Queenstown

You can reach SIT’s Queenstown campus by flying from another New Zealand airport or from Australia.

Air New Zealand, Jet Star, Virgin Australia and Qantas fly to Queenstown Airport from Australia.

Fly into Invercargill

There are a number of daily Air New Zealand flights between Invercargill and New Zealand’s other cities. Invercargill Airport is just a five-minute drive to the centre of the city, so it won’t be long before you are settled into your new accommodation.

Airport pickup

One of the benefits you will enjoy at SIT as an international student is a complimentary airport pickup. A SIT representative will meet you at the local airport to take you to your accommodation. Once you have booked your flights, simply let us know when you will be arriving. Please make sure you give us at least several days advance notice.

Two weeks accommodation & meals

On arrival we will give you two weeks accommodation. In Invercargill, you will be accommodated at the SIT Apartments or at a Kiwi Homestay. It’s just another way we make you feel welcome in your new home.

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Southern Institute of Technology • New Zealand