International Stories

Discover what it’s really like to study at the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) through the experiences of our international students and graduates.

From arriving in a new country to building careers and lifelong connections, these stories highlight the journeys, challenges, and successes of students who have chosen to study with us in Southland and Queenstown.

Every student's journey is different. Here are just a few of the stories from international students currently studying at SIT.

Student Stories

These stories reflect the real experiences of international students as they adapt to life in New Zealand, explore new opportunities, and work towards their academic goals.


SIT’s postgraduate health qualifications surge in popularity

Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) is seeing strong growth in enrolments across its postgraduate nursing programmes, with enrolments increasing by around 85 percent since 2020.

SIT Poland Trip strengthens international profile

These conversations broadened our perspective and highlighted how international cooperation enables us to learn from different experiences and practices.

SIT’s state-of-the-art refurbished nursing clinical suite officially opened
The newly refurbished Nursing clinical suite at Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) School of Nursing (SoN) which was officially re-opened last week, assists with training SIT Nursing students...
SIT Nursing graduates are winners at State Finals
In the March 2026 results from the Nursing Council, the 100% pass rate from SIT Bachelor of Nursing (BN) graduates put them more than 10% above the national average of 88.2 % for registered...
Southern Cross Scholarships awarded to SIT Nursing students
Six Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) Bachelor of Nursing students were given wonderful news at the end of 2025 as the first group of SIT students to receive a Southern Cross Nursing...
Mother and daughter excel in Nursing and Health studies
After realising she wasn’t suited to a teaching career, Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) Nursing student, Hannah Symon, is now following in her mother’s footsteps - Southland...
Māori nurse awards bring out the ‘mana in their mahi’
Māori nurses on a journey to advance their clinical practice or develop innovative ways to help Māori communities access and understand their medicines, were recently recognised at the 2025 Te...
Farha Khan – Master of Applied Health Science

Farha Khan already had an established career in the health sector before she chose to come to New Zealand and further her studies.

Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship Programme Launches at SIT
A new partnership between the Southern Cross Health Trust and Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) is offering student nurses in Southland unparalleled support during their studies and clinical...

For many students, their journey at SIT leads to meaningful career pathways and long-term opportunities in New Zealand and beyond. Our graduates share how their experience has helped shape their future.

Graduate Stories

Hear from SIT graduates who have successfully completed their studies and taken the next step in their careers. These stories highlight the outcomes, skills, and opportunities gained through studying at SIT.


Celine Villarin – Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Health Science
Philippines born-and-raised Celine Porsha Villarin, who came to New Zealand to pursue further studies at SIT, loves that living in Invercargill means no traffic jams. 
Photography student uses creative portraiture to empower women
Southern Institute of Technology photography student, Julianne Andrews, is halfway through holding her first ever photographic exhibition ‘empowher’. The exhibition is a dream come...
Yumiko Horigome - Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage
Yumiko Horigome fulfilled a dream she’d held since a teenager when she walked across the stage to receive her Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage from SIT last year, and she is now...
Lalina Dayal – Master of Applied Management
Lalina Dayal feels she really gained the maximum benefits from her time as a student through SIT2LRN Distance Learning. She graduated with a Master of Applied Management, and she was also the...
Alice Liang

Alice Liang hails from China and was already in the construction industry there, working as a Cost Supervisor prior to her move to New Zealand for further study.  

Heidi Qu
Heidi Qu made the decision to study at Southern Institute of Technology because she wanted to start something new. “I wanted to learn a skill that would lead to a career lasting a...

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