Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
SIT IELTS by programme
From SIT's Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Information Technology pages and its international application criteria.
| Programme | IELTS | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Level 6 diploma, Level 7 degree or graduate diploma (e.g. Bachelor of Commerce) | Academic 6.0, no band below 5.5 | PTE 50 (no band below 42); TOEFL iBT 60 (writing 18); NZCEL Level 4 (Academic) |
| Master's at Level 9 (e.g. Master of Information Technology) | Academic 6.5, no band below 6.0 | PTE 58 (50); TOEFL iBT 79 (writing 21); NZCEL Level 5 |
| Bachelor of Nursing, Diploma in Enrolled Nursing | Academic 6.5 in every band | OET C+ in each section in one sitting |
Other tests and exemptions
SIT's programme pages also list Cambridge English (169 with no skill below 162 at Level 7; 176 with no skill below 169 for the master's), OET, LanguageCert and Trinity ISE. All scores must come from a single test taken in the two years before enrolment. Duolingo is not listed.
A completed degree or postgraduate qualification taught in English from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Ireland, South Africa, the UK or the USA meets the requirement without a test. For nursing, test results must be from within two years of applying.
Free test: are you at SIT's score yet?
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill, so you know how far you are from the requirement before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
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Studying English at SIT first
SIT's international FAQs say you do not need IELTS for a visa if you are coming to study English at SIT, and that SIT uses its own free internal test to move students from English courses into mainstream programmes. If you have not met your programme's English requirement after 26 weeks, extra lessons cost NZ$2,720 for half a semester or NZ$320 a week.
Requirements vary by programme and change between intakes. The score that binds you is the one on your SIT programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.
Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.
If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS does SIT need for a bachelor's degree?+
IELTS Academic 6.0 with no band below 5.5 for Level 7 degrees such as the Bachelor of Commerce.
What IELTS does SIT need for the Master of Information Technology?+
IELTS Academic 6.5 with no band below 6.0, or PTE Academic 58 with no band below 50.
What IELTS does SIT need for nursing?+
IELTS Academic 6.5 in all bands, or OET C+ in each section in one sitting.
Do I need IELTS to study English at SIT?+
No. SIT says students coming to study English do not need IELTS for the visa, and it uses its own free test to move them into degree study.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in New Zealand accepting IELTS 6.5
- IELTS for New Zealand
- University of Otago IELTS requirement
- Manukau Institute of Technology IELTS requirement
- How long is IELTS valid?
- All 2279 guides
Guide updated on 29 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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