International Student Support Services

International students studying at SIT have access to range of support services to help ensure that they have a great time and experience with us.

Our International team are readily available to assist or provide advice on living and studying in New Zealand. We also have a 24-hour free-to-call number in case of emergencies. We are here to help.

The pastoral care of our international students is of primary importance to us.

As an international student at SIT, it pays to know the contact details of your embassy in case of an emergency. You can find your country’s nearest embassy, high commission or consulate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

The SIT International Team

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Marketing

The International Marketing Team are responsible for the offshore promotion of SIT and the development of international partnerships.

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Administration

The International Administration Team are responsible for the administration of all things relating to international students, from enrolments to insurance, orientation to visa queries, and much, much more.

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Accommodation

The Accommodation Team are responsible for providing our international students with airport pickups and accommodation so they can focus on studying to land their dream job.

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Pastoral Care

The Pastoral Care Team ensure our international students are well looked after, be it with their studies or with their personal welfare.

A to Z Support Services

Employment support

By studying at SIT, not only will you gain a world-class qualification, you will also receive comprehensive support to find employment. SIT employment support is available to students, their partners and recent graduates. The service is free and confidential.

Chaplain

SIT's Chaplaincy is offered free to all students. Pastoral and spiritual care is offered without prejudice to culture or belief.

Counselling

SIT Counsellors are available to discuss any issues you may be experiencing, whether it be with your academic study, your relationships or your general sense of well-being. Counselling can help you look at the issues and make changes if you want to. This service is free and confidential.

Course advice

The SIT International team can provide advice to help you choose the best programme of study for you. We can guide you to an appropriate programme whether it is your first introduction to tertiary studies or you are seeking postgraduate opportunities.

Disability liaison service

Disability Liaison staff provide free assistance to students identified as having a disability or impairment. The service includes advice, access to specialised equipment, examination assistance and specialist software.

Help when needed

The team at SIT International are trained in the New Zealand Government's Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students. We are available on campus to discuss and assist with life issues, accommodation, visas and academic queries. We also have a 24 hour free-to-call number, in case of any emergencies. We are here to help.

Health centre

SIT's health centre provides free and confidential services to all students, with a registered nurse on duty daily to help students with any health-related matters. Health centre staff can also refer you to specialist professionals or agencies, such as an optician or family planning.

Peer tutoring

During your studies you can take advantage of SIT's free peer tutoring scheme. Peer tutoring is available through our faculties so please contact your faculty tutor if you are having difficulty if you are having difficulty with your programme content and want additional assistance.

Native speaker support

For important discussions, SIT can provide native speaker support for speakers of a range of languages, such as Chinese dialects (Mandarin and Cantonese), Japanese, Korean, Nepalese, Thai, Hindi, Sinhalese, Malay, Filipino and Vietnamese. This free service can be requested through the international team. We also provide a range of information in a variety of languages.

Pasifika student support

SIT's Pasifika Coordinator is able to provide assistance and support for students from the Pacific Islands. The coordinator can help you liaise with other staff and maintain links with local Pasifika communities and activities.

Student Activities

SIT's dedicated activities officers organise sporting and cultural events for students all year round. They can help you get involved in sports, clubs and other activities around the region. They also organise free lunchtime meals and SIT's participation in New Zealand's UniGames.

Visas

Helping students with their visas is business as usual for us. Every week we help our students update their visas, whether it be a renewal of your student visa or an application for a job search visa. We are experienced in providing advice and information for students on how to apply to Immigration New Zealand and what to expect.

Learning Assistance

The learning assistance unit is available to assist you with a range of study skills, such as academic reading, writing assignments or essays, maths, concentration, time management, exam techniques, memory skills, note taking and any other area of learning. The unit regularly runs free workshops to help you understand our academic requirements and give you tips and techniques on study habits. We recommend that all international students attend the workshops on referencing and assignment writing. The learning assistance unit is a free and confidential service.

Support for Families

At SIT, we know that moving to a new country is a journey for the whole family. Many of our international students bring their loved ones with them, and we are fully equipped to help everyone settle in smoothly.

Because adjusting to a new culture can sometimes be more challenging for family members than the students themselves, we provide dedicated resources to ensure your family feels at home from day one.

How we Support Your Spouse & Family

Orientation & Workshops

We highly recommend spouses attend our orientation programs—especially our Kiwi Culture, Employment, and Accommodation workshops. It’s the perfect way to get up to speed and meet other families.

Employment Assistance

Spouses have full access to our International Employment Officer to help look for local work opportunities.

Language & Learning

Spouses can join our part-time or full-time English classes (from 4 to 12 weeks) with special student family discounts.

Schooling & Childcare Advice

Get guidance on local schools and early childhood education centres, including how to access the New Zealand government’s 20 Hours ECE (Early Childhood Education) scheme.

Campus Life & Well-being

Family members are welcome to participate in campus student activities and can visit our on-campus chaplain for pastoral and emotional support.

Stay Healthy. Stay Safe.

New to NZ? Check out the videos below to help you stay healthy and safe while you are here with us. The videos have helpful tips, important contacts, and will help you settle in to the “Kiwi” way of life!

Your New Zealand Story Starts Here.

Wherever you're from, whatever you want to study. SIT gives you an affordable, supported, world-class education in one of the most extraordinary places on earth.

Southern Institute of Technology • New Zealand