Southern Institute of Technology

Welcome to the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT), a great choice for a quality tertiary education in a wide range of subjects and qualifications.

SIT is a government accredited tertiary provider of NZQA programmes at certificate, diploma, bachelor degree, postgraduate and masters level, with campuses in Invercargill, Queenstown, Christchurch, Gore and Auckland, and from 2019 we offer rural education programmes at the Telford campus in Balclutha, South Otago. You can also study a wide range of programmes online via SIT2LRN Distance Learning.

We also offer specialised Audio, Music, Live Event Management and DJ programmes at our Invercargill campus and through MAINZ - the Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand in Auckland and Christchurch.

There are so many great reasons to choose SIT. Here are just a few of these reasons:

Quality you can trust

With a history dating back to 1880, SIT has five campuses and over 13,000 students.  All our 200+ programmes are accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, listed on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework and link to a wealth of employment or further study options in New Zealand and overseas.

Innovative qualifications

Southlanders are renowned for their ingenuity and you can expect nothing less at SIT.  Not only are our qualifications cutting-edge, they will also encourage you to think outside the square.  You will also benefit from our strong links with business and industry.

Flexible programmes

Many of our programmes offer multiple intakes every year.  From our English Language Institute which offers intakes almost every week to our business programmes which offer between four and nine intakes a year, we make it easier to start studying.

Expert staff

Our staff make the difference.  Our academic and industry qualified staff from Southland and around the world are leaders in their fields.  Small class sizes mean you get personalised attention from our friendly academics.

Affordable fees

Thanks to strong community support, SIT can keep its fees low for students.  Unlike many other institutions, we don't have lots of different fees and charges: our course fee and resource fee covers the vast majority of services you'll need.  You will struggle to find better value for a world class education.

Stunning landscapes

The Invercargill and Queenstown campuses are situated in New Zealand's most picturesque region.  Fiordland National Park, New Zealand's first UNESCO world heritage area and the sixth largest national park in the world, is just a few hours drive away.  There are few more inspiring regions to study in.

Safe and friendly location

Southerners are known for being friendly and welcoming.  Study at SIT and you will have countless opportunities to meet the locals.  You can also choose to live with a local family – an ideal way to experience Kiwi culture first hand.

Help to find work

If you're eligible to work, our dedicated SIT employment officer will work one-on-one with you to help you find employment.  From workshops to interview techniques to receiving job opportunities in your inbox every week, you will be supported to find employment.  Southland has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country.

Simply a great place to live

The cost of living in Southland is much lower than other New Zealand cities.  But you won't just be protecting your pocket: by studying at SIT you will be choosing one of the best lifestyles around.

So make the smart choice: choose SIT to secure the future of your dreams.  If you want to discuss your plans, we’re just an email or a phone call away.