Mohammed Rishad Mohamed Mahroof, a visionary in the field of international education and migration, serves as the Founder and Managing Director of Study Abroad Consultancy Pvt Ltd in Sri Lanka. With a career journey that spans multiple industries and roles, from his early days as a Customer Service Executive at HSBC Global Resourcing to his tenure as a Senior Education Counsellor with Mason Migration Pty Ltd in Australia, Rishad has continuously evolved in his professional pursuits. Since establishing Study Abroad Consultancy in 2018, he has been instrumental in guiding aspiring students towards achieving their educational dreams abroad, particularly in destinations like Australia, Canada, and the UK.
Beyond his consultancy, Rishad’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to assume the role of Chairman of Marine Spice Pvt Ltd, where he applies his strategic acumen in new and diverse ways. His dedication and expertise have earned him numerous accolades, including the Leadership Excellence Platinum Award in 2023, a prestigious seat at the Global CEO Forum in 2024, and representation for Sri Lanka at the United Nations Best Diplomats initiative. Academically, Rishad holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Edith Cowan University, Australia, and multiple diplomas in communications and business, further enriching his comprehensive approach to both business and student success.
In the following interview, Rishad discusses his journey, insights, and strategies for helping students navigate the complexities of international education, as well as his vision for the future of Study Abroad Consultancy in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.
Q. Can you give us an overview of Study Abroad Consultancy Private Ltd. and the services it provides to students seeking education abroad?
Study Abroad Consultancy Private Ltd. specialises in assisting students pursuing higher education in Australia, Canada, and the UK. Our services typically include personalised counselling, guidance on course and university selection, assistance with application processes, visa support, and pre-departure briefings. Our goal is to streamline the journey for students, ensuring they make informed decisions and successfully transition to studying abroad.
Q. What inspired you to establish Study Abroad Consultancy Private Ltd., and how have your goals evolved since the company’s inception?
My inspiration to establish Study Abroad Consultancy Private Ltd. stemmed from my own transformative experiences as an international student in Australia. After arriving on a student visa, I navigated the challenges of adapting to a new education system and culture while pursuing my degree. This journey opened my eyes to the vast opportunities studying abroad offers, both academically and personally. Upon graduating, I worked as an education counsellor with immigration lawyers in Australia, which allowed me to see first-hand the impact of informed guidance on a student’s journey.
Realising the uncertainty many students face with application processes, visa requirements, and cultural adjustments, I drew from my experiences and expertise to create a consultancy focused on supporting students. This combination has driven the company to achieve a remarkable success rate of over 95% in placing students in top institutions. Our dedicated services include personalised counselling, visa assistance, and comprehensive support throughout the study abroad process.
Q. Can you share some key strategies that have contributed to maintaining your consultancy’s reputation for high-quality applications and success rates?
Key strategies that have significantly contributed to maintaining our consultancy’s reputation for high-quality applications and impressive success rates include a strong focus on client collaboration, rigorous quality control processes, and ongoing professional development. By fostering open communication with clients, we ensure that we capture their unique needs and aspirations, allowing for tailored, impactful applications.
Additionally, systematic reviews and feedback mechanisms help maintain high standards of quality throughout the application process. Investing in continuous training and development for the team also enables our consultants to stay updated on industry trends and best practices, further enhancing their expertise and success rates.
Q. What do you see as the biggest challenges students face when pursuing education abroad, and how does your team help them navigate these obstacles?
Students pursuing education abroad often encounter significant challenges, such as cultural adjustments, language barriers, financial concerns, and finding suitable accommodation and part-time job opportunities. My team is dedicated to helping them navigate these obstacles by providing tailored guidance and resources. Having lived in Australia, I leverage my network within the local community to support students in finding accommodation and job placements. This local insight not only helps students adapt more easily but also enriches their overall study abroad experience.
Q. As a leader, how do you ensure your team provides accurate and authentic information to students while maintaining the integrity and values of your consultancy?
Ensuring my team provides accurate and authentic information while upholding our consultancy’s integrity involves several key strategies. First, I prioritise regular training sessions for my team on the latest educational trends, policies, and cultural nuances relevant to studying abroad, equipping them with up-to-date knowledge. Second, I promote a culture of transparency and ethics, encouraging team members to double-check sources and provide evidence-based guidance. Additionally, I implement peer reviews where team members can vet each other’s advice to ensure alignment with our core values. Finally, I actively seek feedback from students to continuously improve our services and reinforce trust. By fostering an environment of collaboration and accountability, I ensure our consultancy maintains its commitment to quality and integrity.
Q. What are your long-term objectives for Study Abroad Consultancy, and how do you plan to adapt to the changing dynamics of international education in the coming years?
Our long-term objectives focus on enhancing access to international education, offering personalised guidance, and fostering partnerships with educational institutions worldwide. We aim to develop a holistic approach that prioritises each student’s unique needs, helping them navigate the complexities of applying to and succeeding in foreign educational systems. To adapt to the evolving dynamics of international education, we plan to leverage technology by implementing digital platforms for virtual consultations, webinars, and interactive resources. We will stay informed about global educational trends and immigration policy changes to provide accurate advice. Building strong networks with universities and participating in international fairs will also be integral to our strategy, ensuring we remain a trusted resource for students seeking enriching educational experiences abroad.
