- SIT enrolments have risen by 19% in January 2025 compared to the previous year.
- Trades, Health and Well-being, and Applied Management are among the most popular courses.
- The SIT Zero Fees Scheme continues, helping students access debt-free education.
Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) has kicked off 2025 with a significant increase in enrolments, recording a 19% rise compared to January 2024.
SIT Operations Lead, Daryl Haggerty, said the strong start to the year was encouraging, particularly with a surge in Trades enrolments. The most popular on-campus courses include entry-level Automotive and Construction programmes, alongside Health and Well-being Level 4. "Those interested in the popular trades should act quickly to secure a space before the programmes are full," he advised. Distance learning programmes have also attracted interest, with Workplace Health and Safety, Photography, and Applied Management leading the way.
The SIT Zero Fees Scheme remains in place for 2025, covering on-campus study in Southland and Queenstown and distance learning across New Zealand. This initiative, which has been in place for 24 years, has helped thousands of students achieve their qualifications without accumulating student debt.
SIT continues to lead in tertiary education innovation, being the first in New Zealand to introduce HyFlex learning. This flexible approach is now available for various programmes, including the Bachelor of Screen Arts, Bachelor of Accounting, and Master of Applied Management. The institute also boasts the country's first LED virtual production wall in an educational setting.
SIT’s secondary school-level programmes have seen strong success, with its Murihiku Tertiary Academy (MTA) achieving high attendance and pass rates. In 2023, 96.8% of MTA students attended at least 80% of their classes, well above the national average of 63.3%. Additionally, 88.9% achieved NCEA Level 2, outperforming the national average of 79.9%.
With a competitive job market in 2025, Mr Haggerty highlighted the importance of gaining practical skills and qualifications. "Now is the ideal time to gain a qualification that equips people with the practical skills and qualifications the workforce requires," he said. SIT offers a range of entry points for adult learners, from certificates and diplomas to postgraduate programmes.
Student satisfaction remains high, with a 94% approval rating in the 2024 Student Satisfaction Survey. Mr Haggerty attributed this success to dedicated staff and strong student support services, which include health and counselling services, learning support, mentoring, free meals, and on-campus activities.
SIT maintains close industry ties to ensure its graduates are well-prepared for employment. "Our 2023 Graduate Outcomes Report showed 91% of SIT graduates were in employment or studying," Mr Haggerty said.
Investment in infrastructure continues, with SIT campuses featuring industry-leading equipment. "SIT’s Joinery workshop is recognised as arguably the best in any tertiary training facility. Our Nursing students practise their skills in clinical suites, as close as possible to the working environment they will be entering, as do our Beauty Therapy, Hairdressing, and Massage students," he noted.
SIT remains committed to evolving its programme offerings to meet industry needs. In 2025, new and updated courses include the Bachelor of Professional Communication, the New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3), and the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4) at SIT’s agricultural campus, Telford. "We look forward to welcoming students to these new and updated programmes," Mr Haggerty concluded.