Southern Institute of Technology NZ: Courses, Fees, Rankings, Scholarship & More
Table of Contents
If you’re looking for an affordable, supportive, and career-focused university in a beautiful location, Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) in New Zealand is an excellent choice for 2025. SIT stands out for its practical learning, low tuition fees, and a strong focus on student employability. With programs designed to meet real-world job demands and campuses in peaceful cities like Invercargill and Queenstown, SIT gives you the space to focus and grow.
SIT is particularly popular among international students in fields like business, audio engineering, information technology, and health sciences. Plus, their Zero Fees Scheme (for domestic students) and generous scholarship options for international students help reduce the overall cost of education. Here are some detailed quick facts about SIT that make it a great option for your higher studies in 2025:
| Feature | Details |
| Year of Establishment | 1971 |
| Campus Size | 25+ buildings across 5 major campuses |
| QS World University Ranking (2025) | Not globally ranked, but a top-tier vocational provider in NZ |
| Campus Locations | Invercargill, Queenstown, Gore, Christchurch, Auckland |
| Placement Rate | Over 90% of graduates employed or in further study within 6 months |
| Top Recruiters | IBM NZ, ANZ, Spark NZ, NZ Police, Southland Hospital, Queenstown Resorts |
| Popular Courses for International Students | Audio Engineering, Business, Nursing, IT, Hospitality, Project Management |
| English Language Exam Required | IELTS (6.0+), TOEFL iBT (60–80), PTE Academic (50+) |
| Southern Institute of Technology New Zealand Acceptance Rate | Approx. 65%–70% |
| Annual Tuition Fees for International Students | NZD 15,000 – NZD 24,000 per year |
| Website | www.sit.ac.nz |
Which Courses Are Popular at Southern Institute of Technology New Zealand in 2025 and What Are Their Fees and Eligibility?
If you’re looking for affordable, job-ready education in New Zealand, the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) is a smart choice. SIT is known for offering practical courses that help students build real skills for real jobs. Whether you want to study business, IT, hotel management, audio production, or project management, there’s something here for you. What makes SIT stand out? The tuition fees are reasonable, the programs are recognised around the world, and the learning is very hands-on.
Plus, many courses are designed to match what companies in New Zealand and abroad are looking for right now. So, if you’re a student from India, Nepal, or anywhere else, SIT gives you the chance to study in a friendly, future-focused environment. Check out the table below to see the most popular SIT courses in 2025, how much they cost, and what you need to get in:
| Course Name | 1st Year Tuition Fees (INR) | Eligibility & Admission Details |
| Master of Applied Management (MS Equivalent) | ₹14,00,000 | Duration: 18 months Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in business or related field with 60% or above English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 79+, PTE 58+ |
| PG Diploma in Business Enterprise | ₹12,00,000 – ₹14,00,000 | Duration: 1 – 1.5 years Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any field with minimum 55–60% English Proficiency: IELTS 6.0–6.5, TOEFL iBT 60–90, PTE 50–58 |
| PG Diploma in IT / Audio Production / Project Management | ₹12,00,000 – ₹14,00,000 | Duration: 1 – 1.5 years Eligibility: Bachelor’s in relevant field (IT, Audio, Business, etc.) English Proficiency: IELTS 6.0–6.5, TOEFL iBT 60–90, PTE 50–58 |
| UG Diploma in Hotel Management / Business | ₹7,00,000 – ₹13,00,000 | Duration: 2 years Eligibility: Class 12 with minimum 55%, preferably Commerce or Arts English Proficiency: IELTS 6.0+, TOEFL iBT 60+, PTE 50+ |
| UG Diploma in Information Technology | ₹7,00,000 – ₹13,00,000 | Duration: 2 years Eligibility: Class 12 with background in Science/Math preferred English Proficiency: IELTS 6.0+, TOEFL iBT 60+, PTE 50+ |
How competitive is the acceptance rate at Southern Institute of Technology New Zealand in 2025?
Getting into the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) in New Zealand is quite easy compared to many other universities. SIT follows an open admissions policy, which means if you meet the basic course requirements and can prove your English skills, you’re likely to get accepted. There are no tough entrance exams or highly selective admission exams. In fact, most students (approx. 75%) get an offer once they submit a complete application with the right documents. Following is the quick overview of Southern Institute of Technology acceptance rate 2025:
| Metric | Details |
| Admissions Model | Open enrollment (non-competitive) |
| Estimated Acceptance Rate | 75% to 100% |
| Who Can Apply? | Anyone with a high school diploma or bachelor’s degree |
| English Tests Accepted | IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic |
| Postgraduate Entry | Slightly more selective than UG, but still welcoming |
Which scholarships can international students apply for at Southern Institute of Technology New Zealand in 2025?
While Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) doesn’t offer large internal scholarships, international students can still benefit from a number of external scholarships, community awards, and fee-saving schemes. These options can significantly reduce your study costs, especially when combined with SIT’s already affordable tuition.
In 2025, SIT supports around 1,200+ international students, and many receive some form of financial aid, free foundation courses, or part-time work options to help with expenses. Some scholarships are based on your country of origin, academic merit, or program level (UG/PG). Following is the key details of Southern Institute of Technology scholarships in 2025:
| Scholarship / Award | What You Get | Who Can Apply |
| NZ Government Scholarships (Manaaki, MFAT) | Full tuition fees, travel allowance, monthly living expenses, and health insurance (worth up to NZD 50,000+ per year) | Citizens of eligible developing countries (Asia, Africa, Pacific); apply through NZFISA |
| SIT English/Foundation ‘Zero Fees’ Scheme | 100% waiver on tuition fees for English or Foundation courses (saves NZD 5,000 – 8,000) | International students planning to enroll in a full-time SIT degree program after completing prep courses |
| Regional/Community Scholarships | Partial tuition support, help with accommodation or special course subsidies (worth NZD 1,000 – 3,500) | International students applying for SIT campuses in Southland or Otago; often provided by local councils |
| External Scholarships (Asia Awards, etc.) | Grants or waivers for tuition or flights funded by your home country or NGOs (worth NZD 5,000 – 10,000 on average) | Students from countries like India, China, or Southeast Asia; check with your local education body |
| Work-study / Paid Cadetships | Part-time jobs paying NZD 15 – 18/hour during study (can earn up to NZD 1,200/month) | Enrolled full-time international students; work up to 20 hours per week as per student visa regulations |
Where Can You Stay While Studying at Southern Institute of Technology New Zealand in 2025?
Finding the right place to live is a big part of your student’s experience. and SIT offers flexible, affordable housing for international students in New Zealand. Whether you prefer staying on campus, living with a local family, or renting your own place, you’ll find options to suit your lifestyle and budget.
That too especially near the Invercargill campus, which houses most of SIT’s international student community. Here’s a detailed look at the Southern Institute of Technology common accommodation types and what you can expect to pay in 2025:
| Housing Type | Average Weekly Cost (NZD) | What’s Included / Details |
| SIT Shared Room (On-campus) | $150/week | Shared twin bedroom in SIT-managed apartments. Comes with basic furniture, shared kitchen & bathrooms. Students get 2 weeks of free rent to help ease settling in. Ideal for budget-conscious students. |
| SIT Single Room (On-campus) | $217/week | Private bedroom with shared kitchen and bathroom. Perfect if you want more privacy but still want to live on campus. |
| Homestay (with meals) | $150–240/week | Live with a New Zealand family. Great for immersion into Kiwi culture. Includes breakfast and dinner on weekdays, and all meals on weekends. Best for students under 18 or new to the country. |
| Off-Campus Shared Flat | $800–1,000/month (~NZD 184–230/week) | Share a private rental with friends or classmates. You pay for rent + utilities (electricity, Wi-Fi, etc.). Common near Elles Road, Dee Street, and central Invercargill. |
| Private Studio / Family Unit | $371/week (avg. for family unit) | Fully private self-contained unit with kitchen, bathroom, and living space. Best for couples or students with families. May require advance booking due to limited availability. |
Conclusion
If you’re dreaming of a global education that won’t break the bank, Southern Institute of Technology New Zealand is definitely worth your shortlist. From practical learnings to strong industry ties and flexible admissions, SIT ticks all the right boxes. Planning to study at SIT?
You can also book verified, fully furnished student accommodation near Southern Institute of Technology through University Living. Our housing experts help you find safe, budget-friendly rooms close to campus, with 24×7 support, flexible contracts, and no hidden fees. So go ahead, explore your potential, study smart, and make 2025 your best academic year yet at SIT New Zealand!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Institute of Technology good for international students?
Yes, SIT is a top choice for international students in New Zealand. It offers affordable tuition, practical job-ready programs, and strong support services. Fields like business, IT, audio production, and health sciences are especially popular.
What is the tuition fee for international students at SIT in 2025?
Tuition fees range between NZD 15,000 and NZD 24,000 per year depending on the course and study level. PG courses tend to be slightly higher than UG diplomas.
What is the acceptance rate for Southern Institute of Technology New Zealand?
SIT follows an open-enrollment model, with an estimated acceptance rate of 75% to 100%. As long as you meet the academic and English requirements, your chances of admission are high.
Which English language tests are accepted at SIT?
SIT accepts:
1. IELTS (minimum 6.0 overall)
2. TOEFL iBT (60–80+)
3. PTE Academic (50+)
Does SIT offer scholarships for international students in 2025?
Yes, while SIT doesn’t offer major in-house scholarships, students can apply for:
1. Manaaki NZ Government Scholarships (worth up to NZD 50,000/year)
2. Zero Fees Foundation Scheme (saves NZD 5,000–8,000)
3. Regional and external scholarships (NZD 1,000–10,000+)
What accommodation options are available for SIT students in 2025?
SIT offers:
1. Shared on-campus rooms from NZD 150/week
2. Private on-campus rooms at NZD 217/week
3. Homestays from NZD 150–240/week
4. Off-campus shared flats (~NZD 800–1,000/month)
5. Private/family units (~NZD 371/week)
