How to Apply - International Students

International Applications Are Open!

It’s easy to enrol at SIT as an International Student. Simply follow these 8 easy steps to start your journey towards a world class future.

When applying to become an International Student in New Zealand, you must ensure that you have met the entry criteria for your programme.

Applying on behalf of your child? Please ensure you and your charge have reviewed the Under 18 International Student Guide

Under 18 International Student Guide

You can find information on and choose from over 250 programmes. If you have any questions about your preferred programme, feel free to contact us.

Check that you meet the required entry criteria for your programme. If you do not meet the entry requirements, remember that you can enrol in one of SIT’s specialist foundation programmes on campus or from your home country.

International Application Criteria
English Requirements
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to provide proof of English proficiency. Applicants must meet all stated entry requirements and demonstrate English language skills with an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 6.5  with no band score less than 6.5 or Occupational English Test (OET) with a C+ band/score in each section in one sitting.
Tests must be from an outside organisation and results must be from within two years of applying.English language assessment can be requested for those with English as a second language at the discretion of the Academic Lead of Nursing at any time during the programme to ensure public safety as per the HPCA (2003).The Nursing Council of New Zealand regularly reviews their requirements these will be reflected by changes. The Academic Lead of nursing has designated authority, autonomy and responsibility for decisions on students’ entry into the programme (Nursing Council of New Zealand Education Standards, 2024).

International ApplicationDownload and fill out the International Student Application form.

All documents must be in English or translated into English. All documents must be verified by an education agency or registered Justice of the Peace/Notary Public.

  • Passport or birth certificate
  • Recent IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent English proficiency test results (if available), as approved by NZQA
  • Transcripts and academic achievements with English translations (if applicable)

You may also need to provide the following information (check the requirements of your particular programme from our website):

  • Curriculum vitae
  • Letter of intent telling us why you wish to study your chosen programme
  • Character or work references
  • Portfolio or business plan.

Email us to submit your application.

Submit Application

Once we receive your application, we will assess it and advise one of the following outcomes:

  1. All entry criteria met including English
    • We will issue you with a full Offer of Place (OOP)
    • You can apply for a Student Visa
  2. All entry criteria met except English
    • We will issue you with a Conditional Offer of Place (COOP)
    • You can apply for a Student Visa once you have met our English conditions
  3. Entry criteria not met
    • We may request further evidence, suggest an alternate study programme or decline your application.

If your application is successful, we will send you an Offer of Place and an invoice.  Use these documents to apply for your student visa. 

For assistance with the student visa application process, refer to our helpful visa guide or the New Zealand Immigration website.

Once your visa is Approved in Principle you then pay your fees and book your flights.

Once your fees are paid and your visa is approved your enrolment will be confirmed. Then you should advise us of your arrival details, and we will book your airport pick up, insurance and first two weeks accommodation – all at no additional cost!

International Student Application Guidelines

The academic entry guidelines stated below are only a guide for applicants; each application will be assessed on a case by case basis.  Please also check the programme entry requirements for any other criteria you may need to meet. 

If you do not meet the entry requirements, remember that you can enrol in one of SIT’s specialist foundation programmes on campus or from your home country.

Country Diploma programmes
Equivalent to New Zealand Year 12
 Bachelor programmes
Equivalent to New Zealand Year 13
Argentina 1 st Division Pass in Titulo de Bachillerato Successful completion of one year tertiary study
Australia Successful completion of year 12 Successful completion of year 12
Brazil Certificado de Ensino Médio Successful completion of one year tertiary study
Brunei Brunei/Cambridge GCE O level with pass in four subjects or equivalent Brunei/Cambridge GCE A levels (with a minimum of 2xE grade academic subjects) or equivalent
Chile Licencia de Educacion Media Successful completion of one year tertiary study from recognised university
China High school graduates High school graduates
Colombia Completion of Bachillerato/Diploma de Bachiller Successful completion of one year tertiary study
Fiji Fiji School Leaving Certificate with passes in four subjects including Maths and English Fiji form 7 with an aggregate over four relevant subjects of 250 out of 400 (including min. 50% English) or successful completion of the USP Foundation Studies Programme or equivalent
Germany Mittlere Reife Realshlabschluss Abitur or Zeugnis der Allgemeinen
Hong Kong HK Certificate of Education (HKCEE) Three subjects in the GCE A or HK A levels with one subject in a minimum C grade
India 60% average across 4 academic subjects (excluding Hindi or local language). English mark should be a minimum of 60% 75% average across 4 academic subjects (excluding Hindi or local language). 
Indonesia Successful completion of SMU, SMK,SMA. Successful completion of one year tertiary study from a recognised institution.
Japan Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho Successful completion of one year of tertiary study from a recognised tertiary institution
Korea High School Diploma High School Diploma + one year successful study at a recognised institution
Malaysia SPM or UEC STPM or MICSS
Nepal Higher Secondary Certificate in 1st Division Successful completion of one year tertiary study in 1st Division from a recognised university
New Caledonia Baccalaureate with minimum grade 10 Baccalaureate with minimum grade 12

Pacific Islands

(not Fiji)

 Successful completion of PSSC with a minimum grade 4 Successful completion of a University preparatory programme
Peru Completion of the Certificado de Educacion Secundaria Comun Completa Successful completion of one year tertiary study
Philippines Successful completion of high School, or a pass in the University Admission Test.     Successful completion of one year tertiary study from a recognised institution
Russia Certificate of Secondary Education Successful completion of one year tertiary study from a recognised institution
Samoa Completion of high school Successful completion of one year tertiary study
Singapore GCE O Level in four subjects GCE A Levels with passes in three subjects
Sri Lanka Sri Lankan GCE O level with a minimum C grade pass in four subjects Sri Lankan GCE A level with passes in three subjects with minimum grade C
South Africa Senior Certificate Senior/Matriculation Certificate with a minimum aggregate of C with English as a first language
Thailand Matayom 6 (with grade point average of 2.5) Matayom 6 (with a grade point average of 3.5) or successful completion of one year
Tonga Successful completion of year 12 (6th form) Tertiary study at a recognised institution
United Kingdom GCE O level or equivalent Successful completion of year 13 (7th form) GCE A Level
United States of America High School Diploma with a C grade average up to grade 12 level High School Diploma with C grade average + SAT I and SAT II score of minimum 500/part or Advanced Placement Examination
Vietnam Secondary School Graduation/National University Entrance/Tot Nghiep Pho Thong Trung Hoc Examination with a score of 5.0 or above Tot Nghiep Pho Thong Trung Hoc + successful completion of one year tertiary study at a recognised institution

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