Applying as an International Student
It’s easy to enrol at SIT as an International Student. Simply follow these 8 easy steps to start your journey towards a world class future.
When applying to become an International Student in New Zealand, you must ensure that you have met the entry criteria for your programme.
Applying on behalf of your child? Please ensure you and the student in your care have reviewed the Under 18 International Student Guide.
Step by Step Application
Step 1: Find your course
You can find information on and choose from available courses that vary each year. If you have any questions about your preferred programme, feel free to contact us.
Step 2: Check the Application Criteria
Check that you meet the required entry criteria for your programme. If you do not meet the entry requirements, remember that you can enrol in one of SIT’s specialist foundation programmes on campus or from your home country.
English Requirements
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to provide proof of English proficiency. Applicants must meet all stated entry requirements and demonstrate English language skills with an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 6.5 with no band score less than 6.5 or Occupational English Test (OET) with a C+ band/score in each section in one sitting.
For Nursing
Tests must be from an outside organisation, and results must be from within two years of applying. English language assessment can be requested for those with English as a second language at the discretion of the Academic Lead of Nursing at any time during the programme to ensure public safety as per the HPCA (2003).
The Nursing Council of New Zealand regularly reviews their requirements these will be reflected by changes. The Academic Lead of nursing has designated authority, autonomy and responsibility for decisions on students’ entry into the programme (Nursing Council of New Zealand Education Standards, 2024).
Step 3: Complete an International Student Application
Download and fill out the International Student Application form.
Step 4: Compile Required Documents
All documents must be verified by an education agency, Justice of the Peace or Notary Public.
- Passport or birth certificate
- Recent IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent English proficiency test results (if available), as approved by NZQA
- Transcripts and academic achievements with English translations (if applicable)
You may also need to provide the following information (check the requirements of your particular programme from our website):
- Curriculum vitae
- Letter of intent telling us why you wish to study your chosen programme
- Character or work references
- Portfolio or business plan
Step 5: Submit your Application
Submit your application via email.
Once we receive your application, we will assess it and advise one of the following outcomes:
- All entry criteria met including English
- We will issue you with a full Offer of Place (OOP)
- You can apply for a Student Visa
- All entry criteria met except English
- We will issue you with a Conditional Offer of Place (COOP)
- You can apply for a Student Visa once you have met our English conditions
- Entry criteria not met
- We may request further evidence, suggest an alternate study programme or decline your application.
Step 6: Apply for your NZ Student Visa
If your application is successful, we will send you an Offer of Place and an invoice. Use these documents to apply for your student visa.
For assistance with the student visa application process, refer to our helpful Visa Guide or the New Zealand Immigration website.
Step 7: Pay tuition
Once your visa is Approved in Principle you then pay your fees and book your flights. Confirm International Fees.
Arrival
Once your fees are paid and your visa is approved your enrolment will be confirmed. Then you should advise us of your arrival details, and we will book your airport pick up, insurance and first two weeks accommodation – all at no additional cost!
Academic Entry Requirements by Country
Education systems and qualifications vary between countries. Find your country below to see the academic qualification accepted as equivalent to the New Zealand entry level for SIT diploma and bachelor's degree programmes.
Asia
| Country | Diploma programmes: NZ Year 12 equivalent | Bachelor’s programmes: NZ Year 13 equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Brunei | Brunei/Cambridge GCE O Level with pass in four subjects or equivalent | Brunei/Cambridge GCE A Levels (with a minimum of 2xE grade academic subjects) or equivalent |
| China | High school graduates | High school graduates |
| Hong Kong | HK Certificate of Education (HKCEE) | Three subjects in the GCE A or HK A Levels with one subject in a minimum C grade |
| India | 60% average across 4 academic subjects (excluding Hindi or local language). English mark should be a minimum of 60% | 75% average across 4 academic subjects (excluding Hindi or local language). |
| Indonesia | Successful completion of SMU, SMK, SMA | Successful completion of one year tertiary study from a recognised institution |
| Japan | Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho | Successful completion of one year of tertiary study from a recognised tertiary institution |
| Korea | High School Diploma | High School Diploma + one year successful study at a recognised institution |
| Malaysia | SPM or UEC | STPM or MICSS |
| Nepal | Higher Secondary Certificate in 1st Division | Successful completion of one year tertiary study in 1st Division from a recognised university |
| Philippines | Successful completion of high school, or a pass in the University Admission Test | Successful completion of one year tertiary study from a recognised institution |
| Singapore | GCE O Level in four subjects | GCE A Levels with passes in three subjects |
| Sri Lanka | Sri Lankan GCE O Level with a minimum C grade pass in four subjects | Sri Lankan GCE A Level with passes in three subjects with minimum grade C |
| Thailand | Matayom 6 (with grade point average of 2.5) | Matayom 6 (with a grade point average of 3.5) or successful completion of one year |
| Vietnam | Secondary School Graduation/National University Entrance/Tot Nghiep Pho Thong Trung Hoc Examination with a score of 5.0 or above | Tot Nghiep Pho Thong Trung Hoc + successful completion of one year tertiary study at a recognised institution |
Africa
| Country | Diploma programmes: NZ Year 12 equivalent | Bachelor’s programmes: NZ Year 13 equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | Senior Certificate | Senior/Matriculation Certificate with a minimum aggregate of C with English as a first language |
Europe
| Country | Diploma programmes: NZ Year 12 equivalent | Bachelor’s programmes: NZ Year 13 equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Mittlere Reife Realshlabschluss | Abitur or Zeugnis der Allgemeinen |
| Russia | Certificate of Secondary Education | Successful completion of one year tertiary study from a recognised institution |
| United Kingdom | GCE O Level or equivalent | Successful completion of Year 13 (7th form) GCE A Level |
North America
| Country | Diploma programmes: NZ Year 12 equivalent | Bachelor’s programmes: NZ Year 13 equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| United States of America | High School Diploma with a C grade average up to grade 12 level | High School Diploma with C grade average + SAT I and SAT II score of minimum 500/part or Advanced Placement Examination |
Pacific & Oceania
| Country | Diploma programmes: NZ Year 12 equivalent | Bachelor’s programmes: NZ Year 13 equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Successful completion of Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 |
| Fiji | Fiji School Leaving Certificate with passes in four subjects including Maths and English | Fiji Form 7 with an aggregate over four relevant subjects of 250 out of 400 (including min. 50% English) or successful completion of the USP Foundation Studies Programme or equivalent |
| New Caledonia | Baccalaureate with minimum grade 10 | Baccalaureate with minimum grade 12 |
| Pacific Islands (not Fiji) | Successful completion of PSSC with a minimum grade 4 | Successful completion of a University preparatory programme |
| Samoa | Completion of high school | Successful completion of one year tertiary study |
| Tonga | Successful completion of Year 12 (6th form) | Tertiary study at a recognised institution |
South America
| Country | Diploma programmes: NZ Year 12 equivalent | Bachelor’s programmes: NZ Year 13 equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 1st Division Pass in Titulo de Bachillerato | Equivalent to New Zealand Year 13 |
| Brazil | Certificado de Ensino Médio | Successful completion of one year tertiary study |
| Chile | Licencia de Educacion Media | Successful completion of one year tertiary study from recognised university |
| Colombia | Completion of Bachillerato/Diploma de Bachiller | Successful completion of one year tertiary study |
| Peru | Completion of the Certificado de Educacion Secundaria Comun Completa | Successful completion of one year tertiary study |
Can't find your country?
If your country is not listed, contact SIT International for advice about any academic entry requirements that apply to your qualification.
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