Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) – Overview

Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) is one of New Zealand’s largest government-owned institutes of technology, established in 1971 and now part of the national Te Pūkenga network. SIT is widely known for its unique Zero Fees Scheme, which allows domestic students to study tuition-free, covering over 180 programs from certificates to postgraduate degrees.

SIT operates across multiple campuses in Invercargill (main campus), Christchurch, Queenstown, Gore, Balclutha (Telford), and also offers a strong online platform called SIT2LRN for flexible and distance learning. Students can choose from full-time, part-time, and HyFlex learning modes.

The institute features specialized training schools, including the Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand (MAINZ) in Christchurch, Telford Rural Campus for agricultural training, and numerous industry-equipped facilities for trades, hospitality, health, and digital media.

SIT integrates practical learning and real-world training into nearly every program, ensuring students graduate job-ready. With a student population of over 13,000, including more than 2,000 international students, SIT maintains strong ties with local industries, global partners, and community initiatives.