About SIT
Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) is a public tertiary education provider based in Murihiku Southland. Founded in 1896 and officially established as SIT in 1971, the institute joined Te Pūkenga in 2023 and returned to independent status on 1 January 2026, reaffirming its strong connection to the communities, industries and learners it serves.
Today, SIT offers practical, industry-focused education from foundation and certificate level through to degrees and postgraduate study. Learn on campus in Invercargill, Queenstown, Gore or Telford, or study flexibly through SIT Online.
With hands-on learning, strong industry partnerships and the SIT Zero Fees Scheme for eligible domestic students, SIT helps learners gain valuable skills, achieve recognised qualifications, and prepare for successful careers.
Our values
Respect - Be courteous, act with integrity and value others
Excellence - Strive for quality education through a collaborative growth mindset
Collaboration - Working to achieve common objectives
Communication - Ensure everyone feels informed, heard and valued
Manaakitanga - Care and respect for all
Our purpose
To empower learners with the vocational skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive in, and contribute to, a rapidly changing world.
Hei whakamana i ngā ākonga ki ngā pūkenga, ngā mātauranga me te māia ā-mahi kia angitu ai rātou, ā, kia whai wāhi nui hoki ki tētahi ao e tere tonu ana te panoni.
This means keeping learners at the centre of what we do and supporting practical, flexible and future-focused education that helps students succeed in work, further study and life.
SIT’s strategic priorities focus on learner success, academic excellence and innovation, strong partnerships with mana whenua, iwi, Pasifika, industry, employers and community, empowering and supporting people, and long-term financial sustainability.
Supporting learner success
SIT’s learner success approach is built around people, relationships and practical support. We want students to feel that they belong, know where to get help, and have clear pathways into further study, employment and community life.
Support may include learning assistance, wellbeing support, accessibility support, employment advice, cultural support, pastoral care for international learners, and help connecting with the right services.
SIT also uses learner feedback, student support information and teaching team insights to keep improving how we support students. This helps us respond earlier when students need help and make support easier to access across campuses and online.
The SIT Zero Fees Scheme
A Southland success story, SIT's unique Zero Fees Scheme is made possible through community support and government funding. For more than 25 years, it has helped remove financial barriers to study and opened the door to tertiary education for thousands of learners.
For many students, Zero Fees can make study feel more achievable. It reflects SIT’s commitment to removing barriers, widening access to tertiary education, and supporting the communities we serve.
*T&Cs apply. NZ Domestic Students Only
Connected to Murihiku Southland
SIT has a long history in Murihiku Southland, providing education that connects learners with local communities, industries and opportunities.
We acknowledge Ngāi Tahu as mana whenua and Treaty partners to the Crown, and work with mana whenua, iwi, Pasifika communities, industry, schools and community partners across the region.
While Southland is our home, our reach extends across New Zealand, with flexible study options available through SIT Online.
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