SIT’s English Language Institute offers a range of intensive English programmes to suit any level of English learner.
Our expert staff 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.
SIT offers General English, for $320.00 per week, or you can take advantage of our generous 26 Week English Scholarship for students wishing to go onto mainstream programmes at SIT. Permanent Residents can apply for 19 weeks of English tuition for just $331.50 - this includes a student ID card.
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$300 per 26 weeks.
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.
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.
Levels
In addition to General English, the English Language Institute offers 4 levels ranging from Pre-Intermediate to Advanced levels:
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General English – Advanced
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General English – Intermediate
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General English – Pre Intermediate
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General English – Upper-Intermediate
Qualification Received
General English Plus Examination Preparation (Training Scheme)
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 20 hours per week plus 5 hours of self-study.
Monday to Friday
9.00am to 12.00noon and 1.00pm to 3.00pm
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, or progress to your chosen mainstream course.
From English to mainstream
To enter most mainstream programmes at SIT, you do not need to sit IELTS. You can sit our internal English proficiency test instead. This test occurs at several stages throughout the year.
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.
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.