Ibrahim Gardner
Canada is a great place for international students to pursue a degree in pharmacy. The country offers a high quality of life, diverse programs, and a blend of academics with hands-on learning. To study pharmacy in Canada, international students must meet certain requirements, including English proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL, and academic transcripts. The University of Waterloo, ranked 7th in Canada, offers a unique co-op pharmacy program with significant hands-on experience. The University of Toronto's Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy is another top-ranked option, providing excellent hands-on learning opportunities through partnerships with affiliated teaching hospitals. The cost of tuition for international students can vary, with average fees ranging from 130,000 CAD to 170,000 CAD. Additionally, scholarships are available from universities, the government, and private trusts. After completing a Bachelor of Pharmacy, graduates can pursue further education or careers in healthcare, with an average salary of 65,000 CAD.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Course Type | Bachelors, Masters, PhD |
| Course Duration | 3-4 years |
| Course Fees | CA $10,000-CA $54,060 |
| Application Fee | CA $300 |
| Acceptance Rate | 43%-58% |
| Employability Rate | 81.2%-85% |
| IELTS Score | 6.5 or above |
| TOEFL Score | 86 or above |
| GRE Score | Verbal: 154, Quantitative: 150, Analytical: 3.5 |
| Undergraduate Score | 3.0 on 4.0 |
| Licensing | Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) |
| Co-op Degree | Available at University of Waterloo |
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What You'll Learn
Entry requirements for international students
To study pharmacy in Canada as an international student, you must meet certain entry requirements. These may vary depending on the university and program you choose, but here is a general overview:
Academic Requirements:
- A bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as a BSc (Bachelor of Science) in Pharmacology, Biomedical Toxicology, or a similar life science program. Some universities may require you to have completed a certain number of years of undergraduate study, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Specific subject prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Science Labs, and English.
- Minimum academic scores: An overall average of 70% or higher in your previous studies.
English Language Proficiency Requirements:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5 or above.
- TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 89 or above.
- Some universities may also accept other English language proficiency tests and set their own minimum scores.
Standardized Tests:
GRE (Graduate Record Examination): Quantitative (150), Verbal (154), and Analytical Writing (3.5).
Additional Requirements:
- Altus Suite Assessments (Casper and Snapshot).
- Pharmacy Admission Information Form.
- Statement of Purpose.
- Letters of Recommendation (usually two).
- Interview with the Graduate Training Committee, which may be conducted online for international students.
It is important to note that the University of Waterloo, which offers Canada's sole co-op pharmacy program, has a higher IELTS requirement of 7.0 and a TOEFL iBT requirement of 90. Additionally, they require applicants to have completed two years of university science studies with a minimum average of 75%.
Furthermore, becoming a licensed pharmacist in Canada requires additional steps beyond obtaining a degree. You will need to pass national board examinations, such as those conducted by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC), and complete practical experience through an apprenticeship or internship program. Regulatory authorities at the provincial and territorial levels are responsible for granting pharmacist licenses and assessing competency.
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English language proficiency tests
If you obtained your pharmacy degree outside of Canada, you are required to complete an English Language Proficiency (ELP) assessment. The results of the test must be forwarded directly by the examiner to the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA).
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most popular English proficiency tests for studying pharmacy in Canada. The test is accepted by the University of Waterloo, which requires a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 for admission to its pharmacy program. Other universities, such as McGill University and the University of Toronto, have an average IELTS requirement of 6.5. The IELTS Academic format, taken at an IELTS test centre, is accepted by the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia. The IELTS General Training test is also accepted by some institutions, but it is important to note that there is no online version of this test.
Another widely accepted English proficiency test is the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The University of Waterloo accepts the TOEFL iBT test with a minimum score of 90. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition test is also accepted by the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia.
Other accepted English proficiency tests include the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) – General and the Test d’Evaluation de Français (TEF) or TEF Canada. It is important to note that the provinces of Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Ontario have significant French-speaking populations, so English or French language fluency is acceptable in those provinces.
The ELP requirements must be met prior to applying for certain pharmacy programs in Canada. The specific scores required may vary, so it is important to check the requirements of your desired institution.
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Application fees and deadlines
The application deadlines, course duration, and tuition fees for studying pharmacy in Canada vary from university to university. Therefore, it is important to check the specific details for the intake you are interested in by visiting the official website of the university.
Application Deadlines
For September admissions, some universities have an application deadline from October 1 to March 1. The University of Waterloo has a January deadline for September admissions. The University of Saskatchewan has an application deadline of March 15, 2025.
Application Fees
Application fees for pharmacy schools in Canada can range from 54 to 104 USD (non-refundable). Some universities charge a CA $125 application fee, while others charge CA $300.
Other Fees
There are other costs to consider when applying to study pharmacy in Canada, such as English proficiency test fees, PCAT and CASPer exam fees, and visa fees. Students should also budget for books, phones and internet, utilities, clothing, shoes, and surprise expenses. The average cost of living in Canada for students studying in pharmacy schools can range from 20,264 to 29,876 USD per year.
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Course structure and content
Canada offers a range of pharmacy courses for international students, from diplomas to doctorates. The University of Toronto's Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, Canada's leading pharmacy faculty, offers a PharmD program that provides the required licensing for Canadian pharmacists and unlocks diverse health and healthcare career paths. The University of Waterloo also offers a highly regarded co-op pharmacy program, providing significant hands-on experience.
The Bachelor of Pharmacy is a four-year, full-time program that teaches students about pharmaceutical production, dosages, patient safety, and drug interactions. The minimum eligibility criteria for international students include a minimum score of 70% in the 12th grade, an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, and original transcripts. Some universities may also require a minimum TOEFL score of 89 or above. Additionally, students are expected to have completed certain prerequisite subjects, such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, and English.
The University of Toronto's PharmD program offers hands-on learning opportunities through partnerships with 12 affiliated teaching hospitals. The University of British Columbia (UBC) also offers a research-focused graduate program in pharmacy, delving into therapeutic principles. While this program does not grant pharmacy licensure in Canada, UBC will introduce a one-year Diploma in Pharmacy Leadership in September 2024, covering organisational principles, policy-making, and communication and problem-solving skills for the pharmaceutical world.
After completing a Bachelor of Pharmacy in Canada, graduates can pursue further education, such as an MSc in pharmacy or a Masters in Pharmacology. Additionally, Canada's immigration policies and low unemployment rate enhance the job prospects for international students holding a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree. Graduates can explore career paths such as Clinical Research Associate (CRA), Healthcare Scientist, or Laboratory Manager, with an average annual salary of 65,000 CAD.
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Career prospects and salary expectations
The career prospects for pharmacy graduates in Canada are promising, with a projected labour demand and supply balance for pharmacists expected to be maintained over the 2022-2031 period. This indicates that there will be a sufficient number of job openings to match the number of new job seekers in the field.
To become a licensed pharmacist in Canada, individuals typically need to obtain a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) or a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an accredited program. After graduation, a structured practical training period, including an internship, and successful completion of the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) Qualifying Exam are required. The final step is to obtain a license from the provincial or territorial regulatory authority in the intended province of practice.
The salary expectations for pharmacists in Canada vary based on several factors, including location, experience, and specialization. Pharmacists in urban centres like Toronto and Vancouver tend to earn higher salaries, ranging from CAD 100,000 to CAD 110,000, due to the higher cost of living. In contrast, pharmacists in rural areas may have lower base salaries but could receive additional incentives.
Experience also plays a significant role in salary expectations, with pharmacists having a minimum of two years of work experience earning approximately 31% more than fresh graduates. Additionally, pursuing a master's degree can further enhance earning potential, with salaries around 77% higher than those with only a bachelor's degree.
Specializing in areas such as oncology or paediatrics, or obtaining advanced certifications like the Board-Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS), can also lead to increased earnings. Furthermore, the public sector in Canada tends to offer slightly higher salaries than the private sector, with provinces like Alberta and Ontario generally providing higher salaries due to demand and the cost of living.
Overall, Canada offers attractive salary packages and benefits for pharmacists, with the potential for higher earnings in specialized fields. The growing demand for pharmacists in the country ensures job stability and the opportunity for career advancement.
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Frequently asked questions
The requirements for admission to a pharmacy course in Canada for international students typically include a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or above, a TOEFL score of 89 or above, and academic transcripts showing completion of relevant subjects such as biology, chemistry, and mathematics. Some universities may also require additional tests, such as the GRE, and may conduct interviews as part of the admissions process.
The average tuition fees for a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree in Canada range from 130,000 CAD to 170,000 CAD. However, fees can vary depending on the university, and additional costs such as living expenses should also be considered.
Yes, there are several reputable universities in Canada that offer pharmacy courses. The University of Toronto's Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy is recognised as Canada's leading pharmacy school. Other notable universities include McGill University, the University of Waterloo, and UBC, which offer a range of pharmacy programs with high employability rates.
International students graduating with a pharmacy degree from Canada can pursue various career paths, including working as a Clinical Research Associate (CRA), Healthcare Scientist, or Laboratory Manager. The average annual salary for these positions is approximately 65,000 CAD. Additionally, the Canadian government's immigration policies can enhance job opportunities for international pharmacy graduates.
To become a licensed pharmacist in Canada, you must complete an accredited university-level pharmacy degree program and pass a national board examination through the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC). The profession is regulated provincially, so specific licensing requirements may vary. International Pharmacy Graduates (IPGs) can enrol in the Pharmacists' Gateway Canada program through the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) to facilitate the licensure process.
