Debt-Free and Determined: How Morgan Oudemans used SIT Zero Fees to build a future on her terms

For Morgan Oudemans, choosing where to study was about more than earning a degree. It was about creating opportunities, maintaining financial freedom, and setting herself up for life without the burden of student debt. That decision led her south to Southern Institute of Technology (SIT), where she enrolled in the Bachelor of Sport & Recreation and took full advantage of the SIT Zero Fees Scheme to graduate debt-free. "I didn't want a student loan, and I didn't have to take out a student loan. It's been great."

After finishing high school, the South Canterbury native spent two years exploring different career options, including nannying in the Waitaki Haka Valley and dairy farming. "I was missing sport a bit; I'd always been sporty and active throughout high school.

So, I thought I'd bite the bullet and head south for a sports degree." SIT quickly stood out. "I had looked at [SIT's Sport & Recreation] a couple of times, the big drawcard was a fresh start," Morgan says. While friends headed to larger universities, she chose a different path, recognising the unique advantage that Zero Fees offered. Morgan reveals moving south was something she'd always wanted to try, and relocating to Invercargill was made easier with her Mum's side of the family coming from Southland. "For the first few months it was great to have them around when I didn't know anyone. Moving down here, finding friends and settling in, it took a while." Like many students returning to study after time away from the classroom, Morgan was initially nervous but soon discovered a supportive learning environment and approachable tutors. "I was worried I was rusty, but it's been really good."

"I got what I was expecting in most aspects of the degree; I've enjoyed the learning and the experience." The degree broadened Morgan's understanding of the sport, fitness and wellbeing sectors. While she initially expected to focus on the sporting side of the industry, her understanding of fitness and nutrition grew during the programme. "It made me see that there's a lot more to it than what you can see from the outside." Practical learning opportunities, including teaching experiences in schools, work placements and hands-on laboratory sessions, helped bring the theory to life and work experience in local gyms was particularly influential. "It has been fantastic actually."

Morgan Oudemans, Bachelor of Sport & Recreation graduate

One of Morgan's favourite aspects of the programme was the practical approach tutors took. "There were some standout tutors … I really enjoyed having them teach us." Other highlights were completing a half paper on surfing, "I absolutely loved it", and having a small, close-knit class. "We were pretty tight by the end of [the degree]." While graduating debt-free was a significant achievement, it didn't happen by accident. Morgan worked hard throughout her studies to make it possible. "I was really lucky; I was put in touch with a farm near Invercargill and did relief milking." Balancing part-time work, study commitments and sport required discipline, planning and determination.

She played netball during her first year and later returned to track and field, all while keeping up with her coursework. The demands of study, work and adjusting to a new city weren't always easy, but Morgan found that consistency and routine helped her to stay focused. "... turning up to class ... was quite a big help in keeping me ticking over." And the hard work paid off. Not only did Morgan complete her degree debt-free, but she was also named the 2025 Top Student for the Bachelor of Sport & Recreation.

She is most proud of achieving "the whole package" - a debt-free degree, working and good grades. "Being able to be organised, plan ahead, manage myself and my studies; I felt my grades reflected that," as well as "working flat out to not have a student loan". Choosing SIT has been a savvy investment in her future; Morgan has been able to plan with greater flexibility and freedom based on her interests and goals, rather than financial obligations. She has remained in Invercargill this year while continuing her education journey with a goal to get into secondary education, and working as a personal trainer, a role she secured through connections made during her degree internship.

For a student who wanted a fresh start, Morgan has achieved exactly that. Armed with a degree, industry experience, academic success and no student debt, she has given herself the freedom to pursue the next chapter on her own terms, and it's fair to say, she has no regrets.