SIT Partners With Aurora College for Scholarship Programme

Southern Institute of Technology will offer 10 new scholarships annually to Aurora College students starting in 2027, providing debt-free pathways to tertiary education in Invercargill.

The scholarships will cover any qualification from certificates to bachelor's degrees across all SIT faculties and continue for the full duration of each student's programme. Aurora College management and staff will select recipients, who will be presented with their scholarships at SIT in early December.

SIT Chief Executive Bharat Guha began planning the initiative in late February after Aurora College approached the polytechnic. "Aurora reached out to us; we saw a need and wanted to reward their positive approach. The introduction of the Aurora College scholarships helps to support opportunity and equity within Invercargill; we're backing our young people with action," Guha said.

Ivan Hodgetts, Director of Capability and Partnerships from Murihiku Regeneration, helped establish the collaboration. "We were looking to deepen the collaboration with our polytechnic, so students can better access all the programmes on offer, such as STAR and Gateway," Hodgetts said. He called the scholarship establishment a "pretty fantastic" outcome.

Aurora College Principal Craig Taylor was "absolutely thrilled" with the partnership. "Gaining the 10 scholarships is not just a win for the individual recipients, but a proud moment for the entire school as we strengthen our ties with such a significant local institution," Taylor said.

He said the scholarships would remove financial barriers for many Aurora families. "By providing 10 dedicated pathways to local study, we are removing those barriers and keeping our talented young people right here in Southland," Taylor said.

While academic performance matters, Taylor said they're seeking well-rounded students who embody school values and show resilience. "We are looking for those with a clear vision for their future and the determination to succeed in their chosen field, whether that be in trades, health, business, or the arts."

Guha invited Aurora staff to visit SIT for campus tours and said they would bring Aurora students for tours and taster programmes.