UHI Shetland celebrates Student of the Year 2026

UHI Shetland is proud to announce Karolina Matlinska as its 2026 Student of the Year. Karolina has been named Student of the Year in recognition of her exceptional academic achievement, creative ambition and outstanding contribution to the learning community.

After progressing from NC Art and Design at UHI Shetland, which Karolina completed to a very high standard in 2024, Karolina has continued to excel on the degree programme while studying part-time. This achievement is especially impressive given that Karolina is balancing study with work and family commitments, while completing the programme in a second language.

Her lecturers have praised Karolina’s commitment, depth of research and ability to connect academic study with practical work in a highly effective way. Karolina’s work is thoughtful, critically informed and confidently experimental, demonstrating a level of performance beyond what would normally be expected at first-year level. Karolina also makes a significant contribution in class discussions, arriving well prepared, sharing ideas generously and listening carefully to others. Karolina’s enthusiasm for the subject has a positive impact on peers and helps to raise the standard of group discussion and engagement.

“Karolina is an outstanding student whose commitment, curiosity and creativity have made a real impression. Karolina consistently goes above and beyond, both in the quality of the work produced and her contribution made to the wider student community” said Dr Simon Clarke, Head of Creative Communities.

Karolina said “I would like to thank my teachers, Kristi and Edina, and the Section Head for Creative Communities, Simon, for the nomination. To me, it means a huge hug and an extra pair of wings for the next year. I’m absolutely delighted with the award, but it would not be possible without the dedication of my teachers and the best student crew I could imagine.

This past year has been very challenging for many reasons and, if art did not mean as much to me as it does, I don’t think I would have been able to persevere. Art helped me express uncertainty and anxiety, and being able to give those feelings a visual form brings me so much joy today. It makes me believe that I am meant to do this and meant to be an artist. The Fine Art course is brilliant. It gives us a starting point to explore what is possible, while providing continuous support throughout the year. The residential workshop and collaboration with other UHI students gave me the courage to dream bigger. It is a truly fantastic degree and a perfect place to be. My group is supportive, inspiring and full of friendship.

Thank you to our teachers for all your hard work, and to my fellow students for your ongoing support and inspiration. I promise this won’t spoil me, I will continue to work hard and do the best I can. Thank you all for believing in my potential.”

Recognising Excellence Across UHI Shetland

UHI Shetland would also like to acknowledge this year’s outstanding nominees from across the curriculum areas:

• David Hegarty (Marine Sciences, SVQ4 Aquaculture – Modern Apprentice)
  David demonstrated outstanding determination, professionalism and insight throughout his studies, producing high-quality work informed by industry experience, research and critical thinking.
• Kerry Hay (Health, Care and Society, HND Counselling)
  Kerry has shown remarkable resilience, professionalism and personal growth throughout studies, overcoming significant challenges with determination and grace while producing excellent work, supporting peers and demonstrating the self-awareness, compassion and ethical practice needed to excel in counselling.
• Liam Garrick (Technology, Maritime and Built Environment, Engineering Practice Modern Apprentice SCQF6)
  Liam has demonstrated excellent commitment, skill and enthusiasm throughout his studies and apprenticeship, achieving to a high standard while developing strong practical ability, attention to detail and a consistently positive work ethic that marks Liam out as a promising engineer

UHI Shetland congratulates all nominees for their inspiring achievements and contributions to student life, learning and the wider community.

Principal and CEO of UHI Shetland, Laura Burden said: “My warmest congratulations go to all of this year’s nominees. Being nominated is an achievement in itself, and reflects the dedication, effort and positive contribution each has made to student life. We are proud of everything these students have accomplished and delighted to celebrate their success.”