🌱 OUR STORY. OUR PROMISE.
Building a better way tosupport students
Why We Exist
From our founder, Shabaz Syed
When I was younger, I did not have the money to move forward in education. I worked multiple jobs for more than 80 hours each week just to make ends meet. Education was not easy for me. It was uncertain, stressful, and often overwhelming. But it changed my life.
Education gave me opportunity, confidence, and a future I could not see before. It showed me that where you start does not have to define where you end.
But it also showed me something else.
It showed me that access to education is often shaped more by money than by ability.
The Problem We Saw
Value that isn't shared
After more than 12 years working in international education across student recruitment, IELTS testing, and language training, I learned how the system works from the inside.
Universities pay commission to education agents after students enrol. This is standard across the sector. But students rarely benefit from this value, even though they carry the highest financial burden.
International education has become increasingly expensive. Many families stretch themselves financially. Many students work long hours while studying. Many worry constantly about money.
Yet the value already exists in the system. It is just not shared.
Our Decision
A different approach
Co Lab Education was created to change that.
We chose to use the same standard industry model, but apply it differently.
- We chose to return a significant part of university commission back to students as education grants.
- We chose transparency over complexity.
- We chose trust over short-term profit.
- We chose long-term impact over quick wins.
If we serve students well and build genuine value, we believe the business will grow naturally. The money can follow later.
Access Movement
Supporting students directly
Through Access Movement, students who enrol through Co Lab Education receive education grants funded from university commission after enrolment.
This model is designed to support students who may face financial challenges, while remaining open to all. There are no eligibility checks. Any international student can apply.
Our aim is simple: Make studying abroad more accessible, fair, and transparent.
Access Tree
Building sustainability for the future
Access Tree is how we keep this model sustainable.
It brings together corporate partners, community initiatives, and long-term programmes that support students beyond applications.
Access Tree ensures that we can continue supporting students today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
It is the foundation that allows Access Movement to grow.
Meet Lumi
Our guiding light
Lumi is our mascot and symbol. Lumi is a lantern. A source of light. A guide in uncertain moments. A reminder that no one should walk alone.
For many students, applying abroad feels confusing and intimidating. There are forms, deadlines, finances, and big life decisions.
Lumi represents what we aim to be: Clear guidance. Honest support. A steady light when things feel overwhelming.
Our Promise
What we commit to
At Co Lab Education, we promise:
- To always explain how our model works
- To be transparent about money and fees
- To recommend universities based on student fit, not commission
- To treat every student with respect and dignity
- To support students beyond enrolment
- To never pressure students for promotion or publicity
- To keep this model open and fair to all
We are not a charity. We are not a sales operation. We are a purpose-led business built to serve students properly.
Our Vision
What we believe
We believe education should open doors, not create debt and fear.
We believe students deserve honesty.
We believe businesses can be commercially strong and socially responsible.
One day, we hope to help improve the wider university education system. Today, we are taking the first step. And we are committed to doing it properly.
A Message from our Founder
Shabaz Syed
I would not be here without the people who supported me along the way. Mentors. Colleagues. Teachers. Friends.
This company is my way of passing that support forward.
If Co Lab Education can help even one student feel more confident, more secure, and more hopeful about their future, then this work is worth it.
We are just getting started.
Ready to partner with us?
Whether you're a student looking for support or an organisation wanting to make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.