Zero Fees Prove Big Drawcard for Queenstown

Zero Fees Prove Big Drawcard for Queenstown

The Southern Institute of Technology has expanded its Queenstown campus after enrolment numbers tripled, with students eager to study under its zero fees policy in one of the country’s top tourist destinations.

The unique Zero Fee Scheme, launched by the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT), allows students to study without taking on the increased debt of tuition fees. The popular programme has seen SIT become one of the country’s fastest growing and most successful tertiary providers since its launch 10 years ago.

SIT Queenstown Campus Manager Pam Hulls says the recently established Queenstown campus has been an immediate success with student numbers tripling in three months – prompting SIT to add another six full-time courses to answer the demand.

“The combination of zero fees with the buzz of Queenstown’s world famous outdoor experience has been a real draw card for our students who want to take advantage of all the region has to offer. We have full-time courses ranging from Tourism Management to Business and Beauty Therapy as well as short courses in Hospitality and IT,” she says.

Hulls says the three other SIT campuses have also seen significant growth, especially in Invercargill where growth from the zero fees programme brought new population into the city, increasing community vibrancy and providing an economic windfall of over $22 million.

“Zero Fees has proved itself over the last decade as not only viable for SIT but actually improves the communities in which we operate – having an SIT campus in your city enhances the growth of the area” she says.

The small class sizes offered by the Queenstown campus ensure plenty of hands-on experience and excellent tutor-student ratios for the 250 students already enrolled, she says.

Hulls’ says SIT is the only facility in New Zealand which offers a zero fees scheme on most of its courses. Students wanting an even greater degree of flexibility can enrol in the SIT2LRN “Study Anywhere” distance programs which are available nationwide.

For more information visit www.sit.ac.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media