Invercargill is New Zealand's southernmost city, and SIT is its main tertiary provider. The institute is public and teaches IT, nursing, business, engineering, trades and hospitality, with a smaller campus in Queenstown. Class sizes are small. Rent in Southland is also among the lowest in the country, which makes a real difference to an international student's budget.
Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand
Official website: sit.ac.nz
Public institute of technology
Invercargill, Southland
Queenstown
NZ$20,000 – NZ$26,000
International students, degree and diploma programmes
NZ$18,000 – NZ$22,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on sit.ac.nz before you apply.
Bachelor of Information Technology
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Feb, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0
Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Feb
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0
Bachelor of Applied Management
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Feb, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0
Graduate Diploma in Information Technology
Graduate DiplomaDuration
12 Months
Intake
Feb, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5
Small classes and approachable tutors.
Some of the cheapest rents in New Zealand.
A Queenstown campus for hospitality and tourism.
IT and business graduates work in Southland, Otago and the larger North Island cities.
Nursing graduates can register with the Nursing Council and work in New Zealand hospitals.
Eligible degree and graduate diploma holders can apply for a post-study work visa.
Undergrad
Most programmes
Postgrad
Most programmes
Undergrad
Selected programmes
Postgrad
Selected programmes
Invercargill is flat, quiet and easy to cycle, with Queens Park right in the middle of town. The campus is walkable from most student flats.
It is cold and windy in winter. Bluff, Stewart Island and the Catlins are close, and Queenstown is about two and a half hours by road.
Offer of place from the institution
Proof of NZD 20,000 per year
Tuition fee receipt or evidence
Medical and chest X-ray certificates
Police certificate, if required
Passport valid three months beyond stay
SIT accepts applications until programmes fill. Apply three to four months before February or July to leave time for the student visa.
The main intakes are February and July. Some shorter programmes start at other points in the year.
A Fee Paying Student Visa from Immigration New Zealand. Show your offer, tuition payment and NZD 20,000 a year for living costs, plus medical and police certificates if asked.
IT, nursing, applied management and the IT graduate diploma are popular. Degrees need completed secondary school and IELTS 6.0, with nursing at 7.0; the graduate diploma needs a bachelor's degree and IELTS 6.5.
SIT's zero-fees scheme is for domestic students only. Ask the international office about any current awards for overseas students; they are limited.
