10 Best Pharmacy Courses In Canada

If you're considering pharmacy studies in Canada, you're in for a great experience. Canadian universities offer diverse programs, from diplomas to doctorates, blending academics with hands-on learning. With an average IELTS requirement of 6.5 and tuition fees of around CAD $130,000, it's a practical choice for international students. Standout schools like the University of Toronto and McGill University provide top-notch courses. Canada's high quality of life is an added bonus. If a pharmacy career is your goal, Canada is worth considering!

Top 10 Pharmacy Courses In Canada

1. Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), University of Toronto

Fees: CA $47,120
Duration: 4 years 
Acceptance rate: 43%
Employability Rate: 85%

Ranking first on this list of the best Pharmacy Courses In Canada, PharmD from the University of Toronto unlocks diverse health and healthcare career paths, providing the required licensing for Canadian pharmacists. Recognised as Canada's leading pharmacy faculty, the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, UoT, stands atop national rankings. With a global QS ranking of 34, UoT offers a dynamic program integrating over 40 weeks of hands-on learning in various pharmaceutical sectors. Collaborating with the Rotman School of Management, the Faculty presents a unique PharmD-MBA option for aspiring professionals.

Eligibility for this Pharmacy Courses In Canada

• PharmD is a second-entry professional program.
• Eligibility requires completion of specific courses in Chemistry, Biology, and Maths.
• Applicants must have at least 8.0 FCEs at the university level.
• Cumulative average of at least 70%.
• Completion of CASPer and PCAT tests.
• Minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100 or IELTS Academic score of 6.5.
• Successful completion of Admissions Interview.
• For PharmD-MBA, an undergraduate degree is required.

Admission Process for this Pharmacy Course in Canada

You can apply by early January for September admission to this pharmacy course in Canada for international students. CASPer Test registration has separate deadlines. Pay a CA $300 application fee. Submit supporting documents later.

2. MSc Pharmaceutical Sciences, UBC

Fees: CA $10,000
Duration: 3 years
Acceptance rate: 54%
Employability Rate: 81.2%

Study Pharmacy in Canada at UBC. Embark on UBC's research-focused graduate program for a career in pharmaceutical research, spanning industries, policy, regulation, academia, government, or health professions. Although it doesn't grant pharmacy licensure in Canada, ths pharmacy program in Canada delves into therapeutic principles. With over 50% international students, UBC ranks 3rd in Canada and 47th globally. Starting in September 2024, the university will introduce a one-year Diploma in Pharmacy Leadership, helping you apply organisational principles, grasp policy-making, and enhance communication and problem-solving skills for the pharmaceutical world. 

Eligibility for this Pharmacy Course in Canada

To qualify for UBC's MSc program, you need:

• A 4-year Bachelor’s or a Bachelor’s and Master’s in a relevant field with a first-class or 8/10.
• Minimum TOEFL iBT 90, IELTS 6.5, or equivalent.

Admission Process for this Pharmacy Course in Canada

You can apply by the second week of January for the September intake. Submit your application online via UBC's Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website. International applicants pay a CA $168 application fee. Upon receiving an offer letter from UBC, initiate your study permit application.

3. MSc in Pharmacology, McGill University

Fees: CA $30,000
Duration: 18-24 months
Acceptance rate: 48.66%
Employability Rate: 98%

Ranked as Canada's best and 31st globally, McGill assures a top-notch postgraduate experience. This course is considered among the best pharmacy courses In Canada. Focused on pharmacology and research fundamentals, the program offers training in Research Professionalism, Scientific Communication, and Statistics. Exploring drug-organism interactions, the mandatory thesis equips you for a PhD or a professional role in understanding new drug targets. Now you know where you can pursue your master's in pharmacy in Canada!

Eligibility for this Pharmacy Course in Canada

Applicants must:

• Hold a degree in B.Sc., M.Sc., M.D., D.D.S/D.D.M, or D.V.M in fields like Health Sciences, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or Physical Sciences.
• Maintain a score of 3.0 on 4.0 or equivalent during undergraduate study.
• Achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 86 or IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.
• Complete the GRE (General Test) with minimum requirements: Quantitative: 150; Verbal: 154; Analytical: 3.5.

Admission Process for this Pharmacy Course in Canada

Your application should be:

• Completed, including the online form and all supporting documents.
• Submitted by the deadline: January 15 for Fall admissions, July 15 for Winter admissions.
• Supported by a statement of purpose, two recommendation letters, and an interview with the Graduate Training Committee (online for international students).

4. Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), University of Alberta

Fees: CA $54,060
Duration: 4 years
Acceptance rate: 58%
Employability Rate: 83%

In Alberta, pharmacists have extensive roles, offering health advice, precision medicine, disease screening, injections, prescriptions, and referrals. This pharmaceutical course in Canada emphasises communication skills and patient sensitivity, crucial for practising pharmacists. Two terms of experiential training provide real-world experience, and international students are welcome in the program.

Eligibility for this Pharmacy Course in Canada

• Completed 60 credit units of transferable university work.
• Prerequisite courses with minimum grade C in English, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Human Physiology, Mathematics, Statistics, Cell Biology, and Microbiology.
• A competitive GPA is typically 3.5 or higher.
• Minimum TOEFL iBT 90, IELTS 6.5, or equivalent.

Admission Process for this Pharmacy Course in Canada

For September admissions, apply from October 1 to March 1. Submit high school transcripts, university certificates, language proficiency tests, letters, and CA $125 fee before the deadline. Includes a web-based interview.

5. Honours Biology and Pharmacology, McMaster University

Fees: CA $51,445
Duration: 5 years
Acceptance rate: 58.7%
Employability Rate: 94%

This pharmacy course in Canada for international students blends science and health sciences, delving into biology and pharmacology. It covers the theory and practical applications of drug actions in human physiology and pathophysiology. With a significant co-op element, students gain hands-on experience in academia, research, or large companies through this pharmacy course in Canada. The small class size ensures a close teacher-student relationship (1:11 ratio), and problem-based learning is a key focus.

Eligibility for this Pharmacy Course in Canada

• Apply after 2 years of science or health science with a GPA of 8.0.
• Common entry is after 2 years of Honours Biology or equivalent.
• Health Sciences stream entry is also accepted.
• Second-degree students with a completed university degree can apply.
• Minimum IELTS score of 6.5, TOEFL score of 86 or equivalent.

Admission Process for this Pharmacy Course in Canada

Your acceptance depends on your grades, a written statement, and an interview. Apply by March 1.

6. PharmD, University of Waterloo

Fees: CA $48,000
Duration: 4 years
Acceptance rate: 53%
Employability Rate: 100%

This is Canada's sole co-op pharmacy program, offering significant hands-on experience. Ranked 7th in Canada and 154th globally, the University of Waterloo is highly regarded. It excels in graduate employment rates among Canadian universities. No wonder this is one of the best pharmacy courses in Canada for international students.

Eligibility for this Pharmacy Course in Canada

• Apply after completing two years of university science studies with a minimum 75.0% average.
• Required courses: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Science Labs, and English.
• Altus Suite assessments (Casper and Snapshot), Pharmacy Admission Information Form.
• Minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or TOEFL iBT of 90.

Admission Process for this Pharmacy Course in Canada

Apply through OUAC starting in mid-September with a January deadline. Attend a virtual interview with an admissions committee member.

7. PharmD International Pathway (PIP), Western University

Fees: CA $50,675
Duration: 3.5 years
Acceptance rate: 58%
Employability Rate: 95.2%

Tailored for international students, this intensive pharmacy program in Canada makes you eligible for a Canadian pharmacist license. Coming from a pharma backgrounds, you can enter the second year directly, completing the degree in three years. The advanced curriculum and modern classrooms offer hands-on experience working alongside healthcare professionals.

Eligibility for this Pharmacy Course in Canada

To get admitted, you need:

• A Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy or equivalent, with foreign degrees evaluated by a service like WES.
• Minimum overall GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Minimum TOEFL iBT score of 79.

Admission Process for this Pharmacy Course in Canada

Apply between July 1 and May 1. Submit the form online, then provide academic records, a letter of intent, recommendations, and test scores. If shortlisted, an interview invitation will follow.

8. MSc Pharmaceutical Science, Dalhousie University

Fees: CA $20,993
Duration: 2 years
Acceptance rate: 78%
Employability Rate: 84%

Embark on a research-focused journey in pharmaceuticals. Tailored for aspiring scientists, the program lets you explore your interests with top-notch faculty guidance. Choose between full-time and part-time study, enjoying access to cutting-edge research labs. 

Eligibility for this Pharmacy Course in Canada

• Complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum GPA of 3.3.
• Achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 92 or IELTS score of 7.0.

Admission Process for this Pharmacy Course in Canada

Apply by April 1 for September admission, submitting the online form, a CA $115 fee, and required documents, including transcripts. Find a faculty supervisor for your research.

9. MBA - Pharmaceutical Management, Université Laval

Fees: CA $35,107
Duration: 2 years
Acceptance rate: 59%

Designed for those eyeing the managerial side of pharmaceuticals, this program offers flexibility with distance, hybrid, full-time, or part-time options. Accredited by AACSB and EQUIS, it provides courses in both English and French, allowing language proficiency development.

Eligibility for this Pharmacy Course in Canada

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent diploma from a recognised university
• Minimum CGPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale
• Completion of college-level mathematics or MAT-1950 (Mathematics for Business) or equivalent
• French proficiency: TCF-TP test with a score of 600 or higher, and 14 or higher on the written expression test
• English proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS scores

Admission Process for this Pharmacy Course in Canada

The usual deadline for the Fall intake is February 1. Ensure you submit the completed application and necessary documents on time.

10. PharmD, University of Saskatchewan

Fees: CA $22,984
Duration: 4 years
Acceptance rate: 72.3%
Employability Rate: 87%

This program involves 40 weeks of hands-on experience in community pharmacies, hospitals, or specialty settings like research labs or clinical psychiatry. Access to a state-of-the-art skills and simulation lab is provided. Additionally, there's a Pre-Pharmacy club for interaction with current students during prerequisite courses.

Eligibility for this Pharmacy Course in Canada

• Complete 60 credit units in university courses like Biology, Chemistry, and others.
• Maintain a minimum average of 70% for admission consideration.
• Submit CASPer test scores.
• Achieve a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 86 or equivalent.

Admission Process for this Pharmacy Course in Canada

• Submit an online application with a non-refundable CA $125 fee.
• Attend a Personal Video Interview.
• Provide CASPer test scores.
• Submit transcripts.
• Show proof of English proficiency.
• The application deadline is usually March 15.

Scholarships you can apply for Pharmacy courses in Canada

Embarking on a pharmacy journey in Canada isn't just about textbooks and lab coats; it's an exploration of diverse programs, cutting-edge research, and a vibrant student life. With top universities like the University of Toronto and McGill leading the way, you're not just gaining an education – you're stepping into a world of possibilities. So, get ready to blend knowledge with experience, and don't forget to enjoy the maple-flavoured adventure of studying pharmacy in the Great White North!