Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) advises its international fees for 2026 have been released, and they highlight the institute’s close partnerships within the Southland community.
SIT has worked closely with its partners in the Southland community, organisations, businesses and industry, on its strategy for attracting international students and has produced 13 new scholarships for 2026.
“We’re taking a proactive approach in inviting international students to complete their studies at SIT by showcasing this new suite of scholarships across a wide range of programmes,” said Acting International Manager, Dr Teri McClelland.
One of the recognised strengths of SIT has always been its close relationships with the Southland community. Dr McClelland stated the scholarships highlight the strong links between SIT and Southland industries, businesses, and organisations. “International students benefit from these links, establishing New Zealand networks and contacts, as do local industries, businesses and organisations with the influx of new community members.”
Southland Business Chamber CEO, Sheree Carey, said the chamber were pleased to come on board with the SIT initiative as it aligned with their commitment to supporting workforce development and building a thriving, diverse business community in Southland.
“The Chamber recognises the value that international students bring – not just as future employees, but also as contributors to our region’s vibrancy, innovation, and global connections.”
By supporting these scholarships, the chamber was investing in both people and place – “we’re helping talented individuals find opportunity in Southland while also supporting local industries in accessing the skills they need to grow” Ms Carey said.
Invercargill Licensing Trust President, Paddy O’Brien, said the ILT were pleased to continue its longstanding partnership with SIT, with the new scholarships representing another notable milestone in their collaborative journey.
“Like SIT, we recognise the significant benefits that international students bring to Invercargill—not only enriching our community with their diverse perspectives and energy but also helping to ensure we meet future workforce needs at the highest standard,” Mr O’Brien stated.
Great South Chief Executive, Chami Abeysinghe, said it was a great pleasure to support the 2026 community scholarships offered to SIT international students and she looked forward to seeing the strong return of international students to the region.
As the former International Director and Marketing Manager at SIT, Mrs Abeysinghe had first-hand knowledge of SIT’s important role in the community. “As Southlanders, we are passionate and proud of SIT and all it stands for. The students that SIT brings to our region are a pivotal part of our workforce strategy.”
With a robust well-developed, long-term regional plan that underpins economic development initiatives, there was certainly a need to grow a skilled workforce in Southland, Mrs Abeysinghe stated. “The SIT scholarships will support meeting these needs. What’s most exciting is that the Southland business community is backing SIT 100%, as evidenced by the named partnership scholarships being offered.”
Ultimately, the scholarships are there to support our community, Dr McClelland explained. “We are reaching out to established partners, as well as some new markets, to achieve this.” Most international students work with an agent; looking into the scholarships available to them is part of the decision-making process which may influence the institute they will choose. With the introduction of the new scholarships, there were now over 40 programmes eligible for a SIT partnership scholarship.
“Southland is known for its ‘can do’ attitude to the present, while keeping an eye firmly on the future,” Dr McClelland said, using SIT’s iconic Zero Fees Scheme and SIT2LRN Distance Learning, as successful examples over the last two decades, acknowledging “None of which would have happened without collaboration with, and input from our Southland community.”