Farming at Telford
hands-on training
Enrolling Now Student Accommodation
Farming at Telford
hands-on training
Student Accommodation Enrolling Now
Farming at Telford
hands-on training
Student Accommodation Enrolling Now
Farming at Telford
hands-on training
Student Accommodation Enrolling Now
30 +
On-site Dog Kennels
Train with industry-focused facilities designed for practical agriculture and farm management learning.
60 +
Years of Rural Education
Build industry skills at one of New Zealand's long-established agricultural training centres, based in Balclutha, Otago.
856 ha
Working Farm Campus
Get hands-on experience at Telford campus across commercial dairy, sheep and beef farming operations.
Where Practical Learning Meets Real Farming

Telford Campus

Launch your career in agriculture, rural animal healthcare, or equine studies in New Zealand with hands-on training at Telford’s 921-hectare working farm near Balclutha. Since 1964, Telford has helped students build practical, industry-ready skills through real-world learning with livestock, cropping, and forestry operations.

Train alongside experienced tutors and farm managers in a real working environment and develop industry-ready skills for a career in New Zealand’s primary industries, with the Zero Fees Scheme helping make study more affordable.

Facilities & Venue Hire Enquire Now
Available Courses
Study Agriculture, Animal Health and Rural Trades
Telford is part of New Zealand’s farming history and a vital part of SIT’s mission to deliver applied, practical education. Located on 921 hectares of farmland just outside Balclutha, Telford combines classroom learning with real-life work experience on commercial sheep, beef, dairy, deer, and forestry farms.
Agricultural Machinery & Rural Trades Training
Develop skills in farm machinery operation, welding, fencing, carpentry, and equipment maintenance.
Animal Health & Working Dog Facilities
Gain hands-on experience with livestock handling, sheep and cattle work, and working dog training.
Industry Placements on Working Farms
Build practical experience through placements with leading agricultural businesses and rural employers.

Study at Telford with Zero Fees

Eligible domestic students studying at Telford may be able to access SIT's unique Zero Fees Scheme, helping reduce the cost of gaining a qualification in agriculture, animal health, equine studies and rural industries.

Want to know more?

Life on a Working Farm Campus

The Telford campus offers a true rural lifestyle with a friendly, close-knit student community. Accommodation is available on-site in comfortable halls of residence.

Students can access:

  • Fully operational farm units: sheep and beef, dairy, deer, forestry.
  • Technical workshops for machinery, welding, and carpentry.
  • Classrooms, computer labs, and student lounges.
  • On-site accommodation and student dining.
  • Supportive staff and 24/7 campus support services.
Telford Newsletter Taster Camps
Zoe Ross pictured outdoors with a calf, featured in an SIT Telford article about rural animal healthcare and agricultural study.
Telford Official MP
Telford Student Milk Shed Facilities
News & Events

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Explore your options and start when you’re ready.

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Zero Fees Scheme
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