Southern Institute of Technology

The Southern Institute of Technology (SIT), also known by its Māori name Te Whare Wānanga o Murihiku, is a public tertiary education institution in New Zealand that was established in 1971. It is one of the country’s major institutions of technology and provides education across a broad range of academic, technical, and professional disciplines. SIT offers more than 200 programmes at postgraduate, graduate, bachelor’s, diploma, and certificate levels, providing students with diverse opportunities for higher education and vocational training. The institution is particularly well known for its Zero Fees Scheme, which was introduced by the Invercargill City Council to attract students to the region and support local tertiary education. The scheme allows eligible New Zealand citizens and permanent residents to study without paying tuition fees for qualifying programmes, helping students significantly reduce the overall cost of their education. SIT is also recognised for the quality of its facilities, equipment, and practical learning opportunities. In 2021, the institute reported 12,579 enrolments, representing 4,768 Equivalent Full-Time students, including 3,989 domestic and 933 international students. SIT is a member of the International Association of Universities, reflecting its participation in the international higher-education community. As part of New Zealand’s vocational education reforms, SIT was incorporated into Te Pūkenga, the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, on 1 April 2020 along with the country’s other institutions of technology and polytechnics. However, the Government later announced plans to restore regional governance to SIT and several other polytechnics. On 1 January 2026, SIT formally left Te Pūkenga and became an independent institution again. This transition restored SIT’s regional governance structure while allowing it to continue providing accessible, career-focused education to students in New Zealand and internationally. Today, SIT remains an important tertiary education provider in the Southland region, with a strong emphasis on practical skills, industry relevance, affordable education, and diverse study pathways.