Southern Institute of Technology (SIT)
$8,100
Tuition/yr
12,579
Enrollment
About Southern Institute of Technology (SIT)
SIT is a public New Zealand polytechnic in Invercargill founded in 1971, known for its Zero Fees Scheme for domestic students and practical vocational programs.
Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) is a public tertiary institution established in 1971 in Invercargill, in the Southland region of New Zealand's South Island. It regained independence as a standalone institute on 1 January 2026 after a period of integration into the national Te Pūkenga network. SIT holds NZQA accreditation and is a member of the International Association of Universities.
SIT offers over 200 qualifications across 30+ subject areas including nursing, engineering technology, information technology, business, hospitality, screen arts, audio production, and contemporary music. Its Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand (MAINZ) campus in Christchurch is a nationally recognised specialist hub for audio and music production. Programs are offered at certificate, diploma, bachelor, postgraduate diploma, and master's level.
The main campus is located in Invercargill, a mid-sized city at the southern tip of New Zealand, with additional campuses in Queenstown, Gore, Christchurch, and Telford. SIT also offers distance and hybrid learning through its SIT2LRN and SIT Online platforms. In 2021 the institution enrolled 12,579 students (approximately 933 international equivalent full-time students).
For Nepali students
- SIT's international undergraduate tuition for standard bachelor degrees is approximately NZD 20,800 per year (roughly USD 12,500), making it one of the more affordable degree options in New Zealand compared to major research universities; this suits Nepali students on tighter budgets.
- Graduates of bachelor's degrees (NZQCF Level 7 and above) at SIT qualify for New Zealand's Post-Study Work Visa of up to three years, allowing open work rights with any employer, a direct pathway to gaining NZ work experience and potentially qualifying for residency.
- SIT's Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Information Technology programs are in fields where New Zealand has active skill shortages, improving employment and visa prospects for international graduates including Nepalis.
- SIT offers MFAT (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade) scholarships and a Zero Fees English Scholarship for international students who subsequently enrol in a mainstream program, which can reduce the cost of English language preparation before commencing a degree.
Admission requirements — Nepali equivalents
A rough translation of the published minimums for Nepali applicants:
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