Accountancy student calculating success thanks to prestigious award
A GCU student is set for the final part of her university course after winning a prestigious scholarship that allows her to balance her studies alongside her life as a professional athlete.
Third year BA (Hons) Accountancy student Nayma Sheikh became the first ever cricketer to be recognised by Winning Students 100, who annually provide scholarships to 100 of the most talented athlete at higher and further education institutions in Scotland.
Nayma said: “Being the first cricketer to receive a scholarship from Winning Students 100 really is a big deal. I was ecstatic because I remember reading more about it afterwards and it really hitting home that I had actually won. So many people were messaging me about it because Cricket Scotland posted on their Instagram. I was just so happy, and I still am!”
The programme has been running since 2008 and already supported over 1500 athletes, including world and Olympic champions. Nayma is the latest student to benefit and she can’t wait to reap the rewards throughout the remainder of her degree.
“They give you funding to help with equipment and travel cost. I train in Edinburgh four times a week, so that really helps with my fuel. My cricket bat costs over £800 so to repair it would obviously be a lot of money – it’s great I’ve now got this support.
“They also support me academically. When I was in Dubai playing cricket for Scotland this year I had coursework to submit and there was quite a bit of time difference between there and the United Kingdom. It was a group task and my job was basically to bring everyone’s work together but I had a game the next day and was up late working in the toilet so I didn’t disturb my room-mate! Basically I now get extensions on my submissions and a bit of extra support, as well as free gym membership.”
Nayma added: “Bryan Barclay from Winning Students 100 actually met with me and a GCU staff member to discuss the challenges I faced and how they can help. It seems like Winning Students 100 and GCU are really trying to provide support in every way – that really means a lot to me.”
2025 saw Nayma make her second appearance at an Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, and she’s hoping to continue her development throughout 2026.
She said: “It was absolutely amazing to play against the best teams in the world, including India and Australia. I was one of the senior members of the squad, which was a big honour for me because I was really young when I went to my first World Cup and wanted to be able to pass on my experience.
“For the full national team we also had the World Cup Qualifiers in Pakistan in March, which was great because my family came to watch. I also played a lot for the Scotland A team, which is basically the level between the U19s and the full national team. It was a real honour to play and be captain.
“I injured myself near the end of the season and missed the last full national team tour in Thailand but the next aim is definitely to play at my first full World Cup in England next year. I’m hoping the support from GCU and Winning Students 100 will play a part in helping me get there.”
By Ross Clark
Achieved something related to your course or in your personal life? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk