Change will not disrupt Zero Fees Scheme

Press Release

Change in Government will not disrupt Zero Fees Scheme at the Southern Institute of technology.

Zero fees is to remain at SIT until at least 2011. Local Member of Parliament and member of the new National led Government, Eric Roy says the Zero Fees scheme at SIT has a greater chance of continuity now than it ever had.

“ I am very supportive of SIT and the Zero Fees scheme and I will work to ensure that the new Government understands and supports SIT to keep the Zero Fees Scheme in the future, “ said Roy

Southern Institute of Technology's Council recently approved that the organisations zero fees scheme will remain in place until at least 2011. The scheme allows students to study and gain qualifications without paying the tuition fees that other organisations charge.

" Our zero fees scheme is our point of difference and has been very successful. It has attracted students from all over New Zealand and has given many the opportunity to gain qualifications, who otherwise may have been deterred by tuition fees," said Southern Institute of Technology CEO Penny Simmonds.

The zero fees scheme was first put in place in 2001 and was a strategy to attract potential students to Invercargill. Prior to the introduction of the Zero Fees scheme SIT had around 1400 students enrolled and since then the roll has increased dramatically so that by 2008 over 4000 students are enrolled at SIT.

" Invercargill is a friendly rural town and a fantastic place for students to come and study. We put a great deal of effort into looking after students and the local community is really supportive of them also. A key focus is ensuring that the student environment is welcoming and conducive to achieving academic goals," says Simmonds

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