Press Release
28 June 2026
Seven students from the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) departed Honiara today to participate in the University of Melbourne Winter School Programme in Australia. The students will be based at the University of Melbourne for a two-week programme from 28 June to 12 July 2026.
The Winter School Programme is a short-term academic initiative offered by the University of Melbourne during its winter break. It provides students from partner institutions with structured learning opportunities, including lectures, group discussions, collaborative academic sessions, and field-based activities, while allowing participants to experience an international university environment and engage with diverse cultural perspectives.
This year’s programme marks the inaugural University of Melbourne Winter School and brings together 75 students from nine partner universities across Asia and the Pacific, including SINU.
Supported by Study Melbourne and the University of Melbourne, participants will undertake academic masterclasses, field trips, and applied learning activities designed to broaden their understanding of contemporary global issues while strengthening intercultural awareness and leadership skills.
The students’ participation is made possible through the Memorandum of Understanding between the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and the University of Melbourne, signed in 2025 to strengthen academic cooperation through student mobility, teaching collaboration, and research partnerships.
The seven students were nominated and selected by their respective faculties in accordance with the programme’s eligibility requirements. They are:
- Doreen Teilo – Faculty of Fisheries, Agriculture and Forestry
- Kedimel Filoa – Faculty of Science and Technology
- Lee-Chard Eboebo – Solomon Islands Maritime College
- Magalily Poloso – Faculty of Business and Tourism Studies
- Marilyn Ronnie – Faculty of Education and Humanities
- Lingesi Adino – SINU Technical and Vocational Education and Training
- Sandra Carter – Faculty of Nursing, Medicine, Health and Medical Sciences
The initiative reflects SINU’s commitment to internationalisation by expanding opportunities for students to gain global exposure, broaden their academic perspectives, and develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Before their departure, Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau met with the students during their final pre-departure briefing, congratulating them on becoming the first SINU cohort to participate in the University of Melbourne Winter School Programme. He described the opportunity as an important milestone made possible through the partnership between SINU and the University of Melbourne and encouraged the students to make the most of the experience.
“You are the product of this partnership and the first cohort of SINU students to participate in this programme. It is a great honour, so embrace every new experience and use it as inspiration to pursue even greater opportunities in the future,” Professor Aqorau said.
He reminded the students that they would be ambassadors for both SINU and Solomon Islands throughout their stay in Australia, encouraging them to build lifelong friendships, share Solomon Islands culture, and approach the experience with open minds.
“Be proud of your country and be proud of your university. Make friends, build lifelong networks, and remember that these relationships are just as valuable as the academic knowledge you will gain. Carry the values of Solomon Islands with you, learn from what you see, and let this experience inspire you to pursue further studies and opportunities around the world,” he said.
Professor Aqorau wished the students a safe journey and a rewarding learning experience, expressing confidence they would return with new knowledge, broader perspectives, and experiences to share with the wider SINU community.
During their stay in Melbourne, the students will participate in academic sessions, collaborative projects, field visits, and organised programme activities as part of the Winter School Programme.
SINU acknowledges the University of Melbourne and Study Melbourne for their continued support and collaboration in providing international learning opportunities for its students under the Memorandum of Understanding.
The University wishes the students every success during the programme and looks forward to welcoming them home to share their experiences with the wider university community.
ENDS//