Interview with Dr. Mariam Shaikh: Supporting Students and Building Global Education Opportunities

Dr. Mariam Shaikh is a respected education leader and the Founder and CEO of MS Education Consultants. With close to four decades of experience in the education sector across the UAE, she has played a key role in supporting students, building international university partnerships, and expanding global learning opportunities. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with several prominent institutions while also championing initiatives that promote access to education. In this interview, Dr. Shaikh shares insights from her journey, her vision for international education, and her commitment to guiding students toward meaningful academic and professional paths.

Amira: Tell us about yourself and your professional journey.

Dr. Mariam Shaikh:

My journey in education has been both long and deeply rewarding. For close to four decades, I have worked across different areas of the education sector in the UAE, focusing on student development, institutional growth, and international partnerships. Today, I am the Founder and CEO of MS Education Consultants, where I continue to support students seeking global academic opportunities.

Interestingly, my career in education began in a very personal way. In the early 1980s, while living in Ras Al Khaimah, I was searching for a good preschool for my children. At the time, there were very few options available. Instead of accepting the situation, I decided to take a step forward and start a nursery school from my home. What began as a small initiative gradually grew into a well-known preschool that served families from many nationalities.

That experience introduced me to the world of education and showed me how meaningful this work could be. Over the years, I moved into school leadership and later into higher education. Each stage of my career brought new learning experiences and opportunities to make a difference.

Amira: What inspired you to dedicate your career to education?

Dr. Mariam Shaikh:

Education has always felt like a natural path for me. From the very beginning, I saw how the right learning environment can shape a child’s confidence and future. Watching young children learn and grow in the preschool I founded was incredibly fulfilling.

As my career developed, I realized that education goes far beyond classrooms and textbooks. It is about guidance, mentorship, and helping students discover opportunities they might not even know exist. Many talented young people simply need direction and encouragement.

This understanding strengthened my commitment to the field. I wanted to continue supporting students not just in early education but also as they prepared for university and professional life. Helping them find the right academic path became a strong motivation for me.

Amira: You have worked with several universities in the UAE. What were some important milestones in your career?

Dr. Mariam Shaikh:

One of the most memorable milestones in my career was being involved in the establishment of the University of New Brunswick campus in Dubai Knowledge Village. At that time, the idea of international branch campuses was still relatively new in the region. Being part of that process was both challenging and exciting.

Launching a new campus required building awareness, forming partnerships, and gaining the trust of students and parents. It was a learning experience that allowed me to understand how international institutions operate in a global environment.

Following that, I had the opportunity to work with several other prestigious universities in Dubai, including Canadian University Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Amity University Dubai, the University of Guelph, and Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). In these roles, I focused on student recruitment, forming meaningful collaborations, and helping institutions expand their reach to attract learners from around the world.

Each of these experiences has been deeply rewarding, and more recently, I have been involved with Georgian Global, a subsidiary of Georgian College Canada and the UAE’s first Canadian training hub licensed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). This initiative focuses on advancing professional development through industry-relevant programs across high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, automotive innovation, healthcare, hospitality, and sports management. Being part of its development has allowed me to contribute to building pathways that connect academic learning with real-world industry needs, helping students and professionals develop practical, future-ready skills.

Seeing these universities and initiatives grow, evolve, and ultimately enable students to access high-quality international education has been deeply satisfying. It reinforces why I remain so passionate about education; it transforms lives, broadens perspectives, and prepares individuals to thrive in an increasingly competitive global environment.

Amira: What motivated you to establish MS Education Consultants?

Dr. Mariam Shaikh:

After many years working within universities, I felt the need to create a platform where I could directly guide students and families. In 2020, I founded MS Education Consultants with the goal of helping students explore higher education opportunities around the world.

The timing was also interesting because it was during the global pandemic. While many people were slowing down, I felt motivated to start something new. I wanted to use my experience to help students make informed decisions about their academic futures.

Through the consultancy, we assist students in applying to universities in countries such as the UK, Canada, the United States, Australia, and parts of Europe. We also work closely with institutions that are looking to expand their international student communities.

For me, the most important aspect is offering honest guidance. Students and parents often feel overwhelmed when choosing universities. My role is to simplify the process and help them find the best fit.

Amira: What makes your consultancy different from others in the field?

Dr. Mariam Shaikh:

One key difference is the experience behind the organization. Having spent close to four decades working within universities, I understand both the expectations of students and the requirements of institutions.

At MS Education Consultants, we guide students step by step. This includes selecting the right course, preparing applications, understanding visa procedures, and even discussing career pathways after graduation.

Another initiative we introduced is the Cultural and Higher Education Experience Program in Dubai. Through this program, students can visit university campuses, attend workshops, and gain exposure to the academic environment before making their final decisions.

These experiences help students feel more confident about their choices. Education is a major life decision, and we believe it should be approached carefully.

Amira: You are also involved in initiatives that support refugee students. Could you tell us more about that?

Dr. Mariam Shaikh:

Supporting refugee students is something very close to my heart. Through my work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), I have been involved in efforts to create educational opportunities for young people who have been displaced.

Many refugee students are highly motivated and talented, but they face serious challenges when it comes to accessing higher education. Financial limitations and legal barriers often stand in their way.

To help address this issue, I work with partner universities to encourage scholarships and internship opportunities for these students. Even a single opportunity can change someone’s life.

Education provides stability, dignity, and hope. When refugee students receive the chance to study and build careers, they can also contribute positively to society.

Amira: You have received several recognitions throughout your career. Which achievements are most meaningful to you?

Dr. Mariam Shaikh:

I have been fortunate to receive several recognitions over the years, but the ones that are most meaningful to me are those that came at pivotal moments in my journey. One that stands out is the GCC Woman Leadership Award, which I received in 2019. It came at an important time in my career and truly encouraged me to continue my work in education and leadership with even greater commitment.

Another deeply meaningful recognition is being honored by the Al Jalila Foundation, where my name was inscribed on their Wall of Fame. This acknowledgment was especially significant because it reflects my contribution to mentoring student entrepreneurs and supporting education in the region—areas that are very close to my heart.

I also value the recognition I’ve received for my work in empowering students and supporting access to global education opportunities. Whether it has been helping students secure scholarships, guiding them toward international universities, or mentoring young professionals, these milestones remind me that the work we do has a real and lasting impact.

Ultimately, while awards are encouraging, what matters most to me is the difference I am able to make in people’s lives. Seeing my students succeed, grow, and go on to create their own impact remains the most rewarding achievement of all.

Amira: What are your goals for the future?

Dr. Mariam Shaikh:

Looking ahead, my goal is to expand the reach of MS Education Consultants and build stronger partnerships with universities across different regions. Education is constantly evolving, and institutions must adapt to new technologies and learning models.

I am also interested in creating mentorship programs that help students prepare for global careers. Academic success is important, but students also need practical skills and guidance as they enter the professional world.

Another priority for me is continuing to advocate for refugee students and underserved communities. Access to education should not depend on someone’s circumstances. Every student deserves the chance to learn and grow.

Amira: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and young professionals?

Dr. Mariam Shaikh:

My advice is simple: stay patient and stay committed. Success rarely happens overnight. It requires effort, persistence, and a willingness to learn from challenges.

I also encourage people to maintain balance in their lives. Professional achievements are important, but personal well-being and relationships matter just as much.

Most importantly, believe in the value of education. Knowledge has the power to open doors and create opportunities that can shape the future. That belief has guided my journey for many years, and it continues to inspire everything I do today.