SIT’s English Language Institute offers a range of intensive English programmes to suit any level of English learner.
Our expert staff and our state of the art language learning technology make it easy for you to achieve your English proficiency goals. Our programmes prepare you for success in a wide range of contexts, including for further study and for business.
Fees, finances & scholarships
English Language Institute fees for international students are extremely competitively priced at NZ$320.00 per week.
The Institute also offers General English, four Certificates in English Language and 26 Week English Scholarships for students wishing to go onto mainstream programmes at SIT.
Start almost any week of the year
Take advantage of our flexible intakes: we accept students almost every week. You can begin your course on any week in the year except during SIT holidays.
26 Week English Scholarships!
You can study English for up to 26 weeks on our generous English Scholarships scheme. Find out more here.
Learn international English
SIT follows the internationally-recognised University of Cambridge curriculum for English as a Second Language. Accepted around the world, the Cambridge curriculum will help you learn the English language in an exciting and robust way. The curriculum is well-resourced and will guide your learning with a focus on Academic English.
Language learning laboratory
SIT’s advanced language learning lab features the cutting-edge Sony Virtuoso Learning Software, helping you improve your English faster. This technologically advanced system allows you to record and listen to yourself, listen in groups to teachers, and to listen and play back instructional videos. The Sony Language Lab enhances independent learning; you are able to work at your own pace.
Qualifications
In addition to General English, the English Language Institute offers qualifications ranging from Pre-Intermediate to Advanced levels:
Expert English tuition
At SIT’s cutting-edge English Language Institute, you will learn from our highly trained teachers:
Speaking
You will be encouraged to use a wide range of vocabulary. You will have opportunities to practice your pronunciation and will be encouraged to communicate confidently and accurately with other English speakers.
Listening
You will engage in listening to a wide range of both formal and informal language.
Use of English
You will be instructed in a wide range of grammatical devices. You will also learn how to use both academic and informal vocabulary in a written context.
Reading
You will read a variety of genres and learn techniques for comprehension. You will employ devices such as skimming and scanning, prediction and inference to find and process information.
Writing
You will be taught elements of several different writing genres including techniques required to structure text in an appropriate way.
You will receive regular feedback on your progress thanks to our small class sizes and caring professional staff. You are encouraged to meet with our staff to discuss your progress and needs at all stages of your studies.
Further details
Hours
Classes run for 21 hours per week. Classes are held during the following times:
Monday to Thursday
9.00am to 12.00noon and 1.00pm to 4.00pm
Friday
9.00am until 12.00noon
Placement
You can start your course on almost any week you choose, excluding SIT holidays. Placement testing occurs on a Tuesday to ensure you are put into the class that best suits your learning needs. The placement test is free.
Learn English with Kiwi families
If you study English with us, you can live with a local family for at least the first six weeks. This helps you practice your English in everyday contexts and achieve your proficiency goals faster. It also gives you a unique opportunity to learn more about New Zealand culture.
Assessment
You will be carefully assessed on entry and throughout the course. Progress tests occur at several stages throughout the year. These provide you with an opportunity to move to higher level classes when appropriate. At the end of each semester, you will sit an exam. Successful students will receive a certificate of achievement and a transcript.
IELTS preparation classes
The SIT English Language Institute offers IELTS preparation classes on an as required basis.
From English to mainstream
To enter most mainstream programmes at SIT, you do not need to sit IELTS. You can sit our free internal English placement test instead. This test is offered a few weeks prior to each mainstream programme intake.
Students wishing to apply for the Bachelor of Nursing and Diploma in Enrolled Nursing programmes must show IELTS scores of 6.5 across all bands. This is a New Zealand Nursing Council requirement. SIT can help make arrangements for you to sit IELTS.
Fees and finances
English Language Institute fees for international students are extremely competitively priced at NZ$2720 per half semester or NZ$320.00 per week.
International students can also take up SIT’s 24 Week English Scholarships.
Medical and Travel Insurance is a compulsory requirement for international students. SIT arranges insurance for you during your time here. This is at a rate of NZ$280 per six months.
Permanent residents of New Zealand are entitled to access SIT’s Zero Fees Scheme.
How to apply
Simply complete SIT’s International Application Form and send it to us with the required documents.
Further information
For further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.