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.


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.

Will Li - Master of Information Technology
Will Li had worked in IT for many years before discovering Southern Institute of Technology (SIT), where he was considering pursuing the Master of Information Technology (IT), but when he found...
Johanna Lehmann – Study Abroad student
Johanna Lehman from Germany says it was one of her biggest wishes to do a semester abroad. “SIT seemed cool because it’s on the other side of the world,” she says. Coming from...
Renatha Soh Pande - Pre-Entry Applied Health Science
When Renatha Soh Pande (Natha for short) was 10 years old, she dreamt of studying abroad, but didn’t know which country it would be. Natha is from Papua New Guinea, which she calls...
Marcos Martinez – Bachelor of Information Technology
When Marcos Martinez discovered he could to come to New Zealand to complete his studies, he seized the opportunity, settling into life in Invercargill, half a world away from his home country of...
Scholarship recipient aims to advance sustainable home design
SIT2LRN Distance Learning student, Carla Garcia, is delighted to be a Prime Minister’s Scholarship recipient. When she heard she had the scholarship in late 2023, Carla says “I cried,...
Sera-Therise - Bachelor of Information Technology

Exchange student Sera-Therise from Germany has chosen to include a year’s study overseas in New Zealand to complete papers towards a Bachelor of IT, at SIT Invercargill.

Renz Condino
From new New Zealander in 2015, to being offered a dream opportunity at an award-winning winery restaurant in 2021, Renz Reneil Condino has set his feet firmly on the path to success through hard...

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.


Southern Polytechnics re-sign MOU to continue collaboration in Building Apprentice training
The MOU signed at SIT on April 15th, is the continuation of an agreement signed in 2025, which saw the two polytechnics successfully unite for the delivery of work-based learning for building...
MP for Northland looks at SIT’s HyFlex delivery mode
Mr McCallum is involved with assisting his local polytechnic, NorthTec, with their plan to return to independence again in 2027 and is working closely with MP for Invercargill and Minister for...
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...
Students arrive for 2025 SIT academic year
Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) campuses in Gore, Christchurch, Balclutha (Telford), Queenstown and Invercargill were a hive of activity this week as they welcomed students during O-Week...
Troy Gregg-Schofield – Bachelor of Nursing
One year into his degree, Troy Gregg Schofield made the strategic decision to transfer his studies and complete his Bachelor of Nursing at SIT. The change instigated invaluable life experiences,...
Eyessa Gentle – Bachelor of Screen Arts
Born-and-bred Southlander Eyessa Gentle has taken advantage of the great training on her doorstep, to gain the skills and qualifications for New Zealand’s rapidly growing animation sector.
International business educator guest lectures at SIT
Southern Institute of Technology business students took the opportunity to glean from the extensive knowledge of Dr Jacob Wood of James Cook University (JCU), Singapore, on Asia's strategic...
SIT sustainable heating system officially launched
Three years of planning, consultation and work came to fruition on Friday, 5th July with the official launch of Southern Institute of Technology’s recently installed electric boiler system....
SIT Hosts Top Carpentry Apprentice Challenge
Southland’s top carpentry apprentice was decided recently at SIT when local carpentry apprentices pitted themselves against each other and the clock at the regional heat of the annual New...

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Southern Institute of Technology • New Zealand