Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) in New Zealand - Semester Abroad
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Location
New Zealand
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Semester Abroad
Semester 1: February to June
Semester 2: July to November
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Program Host
Southern Institute of Technology (SIT)
The Southern Institute of Technology provides students with quality education and training services that are industry focused, challenging, personally enriching, valued by participants, and which equip them to apply high-level skills in a variety of business, industry and professional settings.
SIT has five campuses located throughout New Zealand: Invercargill, Queenstown, Gore, Christchurch, and Telford.
See below to learn more and contact the Center for Global Engagement for assistance with the application process.
Apply through CGEProgram Highlights
Vocational
SIT has similar ethos to Snow College in that it is a vocational training college that offers a hands-on education focused on practical training.
Campuses
Choose from more than 200 programs in five locations in New Zealand to find one that aligns with your educational interests.
Diverse
Explore another side of the world and mingle with students from a variety of backgrounds.
This is a great match for students who...
- want to dive into vocational studies in a completely new environment in the Southern Hemisphere.
- are studying agriculture, farming or environmental science. SIT's Telford location offers specialized programs in these fields.
- are musically talented or enrolled in Snow College’s Bachelor in Music program. SIT is home to the MAINZ (Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand).
- would like to experience New Zealand's unique blend of cultures, including both Māori and Pākehā (European) traditions.
- are passionate about nature and want to spend their free time engaging in outdoor activities.
- prefer to study in an English-speaking environment abroad in a supportive, close-knit community.
Academics
SIT provides internationally recognized qualifications across a wide range of subjects. From certificates to postgraduate and master’s degrees, all of their programs are accredited and approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). All classes are taught in English.
Students can choose from programs based in SIT campuses in Invercargill, Queenstown, Gore, and Christchurch. They also have the Telford campus, which has been a major part of New Zealand’s farming history. If you're seeking a career in music performance, audio engineering or production, you'll be right at home in the Music & Audio Institute of New Zealand (MAINZ).
SIT’s 12,000 students come from many different backgrounds; over 75 countries from around the world are represented in SIT's student body:
- 81% are European.
- 15% are Maori.
- 6% are Asian.
- 3% are Pacific Islander.
SIT follows a Southern Hemisphere academic calendar and New Zealand’s seasons are reversed, so their fall and spring semesters are different to what you might be used to at Snow College. This will not affect your ability to finish your degree on time! Speak to your Study Abroad Advisor to learn how to ensure you pick the right classes and timetable.
As an international student studying abroad, SIT offers a wide range of support services to help you get more comfortable upon arrival and throughout your time in New Zealand.
Tuition and funding
The cost of living on the southern island of New Zealand is much lower than in the north, making SIT more affordable than you'd think!
If you are interested in using financial aid or applying for a scholarship or grant, then talk to your advisor. You might also be able to apply your FAFSA funding for studying abroad or work part-time while in New Zealand.
Application Process and Deadlines
Requirements
- Students must apply and be selected for the semester abroad or the Global Completion Degree Pathway.
- If you plan to study at SIT as an international student, you will need to ensure you are on the appropriate student visa.
- Students are responsible for acquiring the necessary documents such as a passport and international travel and health insurance.
Inquire now for more information about SIT's programs and how to apply at the Center for Global Engagement (CGE).
Important Dates
Admissions deadlines are typically as follows:
- To start in Semester 1 (late February), apply by December 1st.
- To start in Semester 2 (early July), apply by May 1st.
Orientation dates, departure and return dates are determined annually. Be sure to speak with your Study Abroad Advisor for details on SIT's upcoming academic calendar.
Housing and Life Abroad
SIT has multiple housing options to choose from including dormitories, apartments or flatshares. You can also live with a local host family (known as a homestay).
Student accommodation will vary by location. Some housing is on-campus whereas other options are only a short walk from classrooms, supermarkets, and the town center. See the Locations tab above for an overview of each town and corresponding website links.
Get to know SIT
Explore their website to learn more about what it's like to live in New Zealand.
Follow the Southern Institute of Technology:
Campus Locations
Christchurch
Study in Christchurch at a small friendly campus that offers specialized training in accredited and industry recognized programs. Their facilities include well equipped workshops, classrooms and smaller class sizes to create a more personal learning environment. Campus tutors have close working relationships with local industry, enabling students to access opportunities for practical, real-world work experience and internships.
Christchurch is famous for its British-inspired architecture and gardens, as well as for the cathedral in the center of town and its heritage tramway. It's also known as a gateway to the Southern Alps mountains and to the Banks Peninsula east of the city.
Learn more about the Christchurch campus and program options.
Telford
Telford is a key part of New Zealand’s farming history and has been preparing students for their futures in agriculture since 1964. The campus extends over 856 hectares of farmland with halls of residence and facilities, technical workshops (machinery, carpentry and welding), classrooms and livestock units.
The farms provide a commercially realistic “classroom” to develop your farming skills. Each week, Telford Farm Managers have up to five students undertaking work experience.
Learn more about the Telford campus and program options.
Queenstown
SIT Queenstown is located in the heart of the Remarkables Park Town Centre in Frankton, where the campus offers stunning views of the iconic Remarkables mountain range. With modern, state-of-the-art facilities and easy access to public transportation, students have everything they need to succeed academically and explore the adventure-filled surroundings.
Studying at SIT Queenstown means immersing yourself in the dynamic, outdoor-oriented Queenstown lifestyle. Whether you're interested in part-time or full-time study options, you'll find a flexible schedule that works for you while enjoying everything this vibrant town has to offer.
Learn more about the Queenstown campus and program options.
Invercargill
Invercargill is one of the world’s southernmost cities and is the regional capital of Southland. In the evening, it’s not uncommon to see the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights), so if you enjoy stargazing in Utah’s dark skies, then try the same activity in New Zealand for a radical change!
The city of Invercargill has lots of character and a friendly, laid-back way of life. When you’re not studying, you can take a picturesque walk along the Estuary or in Queens Park, or check out one of the town’s many pop-up music gigs.
Invercargill lies at the doorstep of some of New Zealand’s most famous and adventurous locations like the Fiordland, Milford Sounds, the Catlins and Stewart Island. This makes it the perfect choice for those who love the outdoors or are seeking the adventure of a lifetime.
Learn more about the Invercargill campus and program options.
Gore
The SIT Gore campus offers a variety of courses that are flexible and designed to provide wider employment opportunities, prepare students for further study or allow them to train while working.
Gore is known for its country music scene and hosts annual country music festivals. The town is also surrounded by farmland and is an important center for agriculture in the region.
View our study abroad resources for more helpful guides and support before you depart.
Study Abroad Resources