Regent’s University London has found a somewhat unlikely partner for a private scholarship for its fashion journalism degree, in the Pakistani version of popular celebrity magazine OK!. The independent institution in London and the celebrity brand say they are looking for a student who is “keen to help present the modern face of Pakistan to the rest of the world”.
OK! Pakistan has teamed up with the university to offer the student a role covering Pakistani fashion events in the British capital and an internship lasting for a month at the magazine’s Karachi office.
Applicants for the OK! Pakistan Fashion Journalism Scholarship must submit an essay on fashion marketing, hold a Pakistani passport and have already been accepted on to the program.
OK! Pakistan’s chairperson, Shamaela H Paracha, said, “The internship offers brilliant experience working in our Karachi office, mentoring from one of our senior staff members, as well as the opportunity to cover Pakistani fashion events in London.”
OK! Pakistan’s CEO and Regent’s alumna, Saher H Paracha, is happy that the magazine can aid students gain journalism experience, as well as reducing the full tuition fee from £18,000 to £14,000.
“It gives me great pleasure to think that we can help and encourage young students to forge a career in fashion journalism,” she said. “I have only the fondest memories of my time at Regent’s and I’m really looking forward to working with the university again.”
“The internship offers brilliant experience working in our Karachi office, mentoring from one of our senior staff members”
Neil Herrington, head of student recruitment at Regent’s, said Pakistani interest in Regent’s University London continues to rise.
“We’re delighted to be welcoming increasing numbers of dedicated students to join us each year,” Herrington said.
“This exciting scholarship offering with OK! Pakistan is the latest initiative we’ve launched and we’re extremely grateful to Saher Paracha and her team for their support and eagerness to work with us in this way,” he added.
Around 50 Pakistani students are currently enrolled at the university and it receives over 100 applications from Pakistani nationals each year.
The university also offers a scholarship in partnership with a private firm for its International Fashion Marketing master’s degree program. Bloomsbury Publishing Plc offer mentoring, a summer internship, and crucially, £4,000 for the successful applicant.