Last Updated on October 24, 2024
From your local drugstore to hospitals and research labs, pharmacists play a vital role in keeping communities healthy. Whether helping patients understand their medications, providing specialised care, or researching new healthcare treatments, Pharmacy is one of the most important degrees for those who wish to make a positive impact on society.Â
Recent events have shown just how important pharmacists are to global health, especially during the pandemic when they worked alongside other healthcare professionals to bring hope through vaccines and treatments. By choosing the right country to study pharmacy, you are preparing for a rewarding career that makes a real difference in people’s lives. Let’s explore the top 10 countries to study pharmacy with specific requirements, top courses, top colleges, etc.Â
List of Countries to Study Pharmacy
| Country | Available Courses | Top Universities |
| United States | PharmD, MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences | University of California, San Francisco, Johns Hopkins University, University of Michigan |
| United Kingdom | MPharm, MSc in Pharmacy | University of Oxford University College London University of Edinburgh |
| Australia | MPharm, BPharm | Monash University University of Sydney University of Queensland |
| Canada | PharmD, MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences | University of Toronto University of Alberta McGill University |
| Germany | BSc in Pharmacy, MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences | Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, University of Bonn |
| Sweden | MSc in Pharmacy, BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences | Karolinska Institute Uppsala University |
| Singapore | BSc in Pharmacy, MSc in Pharmaceutical Science | National University of Singapore Nanyang Technological University |
| Netherlands | BSc in Pharmacy, MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences | Utrecht University, Leiden University |
| Japan | BSc in Pharmacy, MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences | University of Tokyo, Kyoto University |
| Ireland | BSc in Pharmacy, MPharm | Trinity College Dublin |
United States
The United States is one of the most sought-after countries to study pharmacy, known for its rigorous educational standards and top-ranked universities. Students can pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) or a Master of Science (MS) in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
How to Study Pharmacy in the U.S.
- Undergraduate Pathway: Complete a pre-pharmacy program or obtain a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- Graduate Pathway: Hold a relevant bachelor’s degree and meet GPA requirements; GRE scores may be required for some graduate programs.
| Requirements | Eligibility | Available Courses | Top Universities |
| High school diploma with science subjects | SAT/ACT scores; TOEFL/IELTS for international students | PharmD, MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences | University of California, San Francisco; Johns Hopkins University; University of Michigan |
GRE Information
- GRE scores are often required for master’s programs, with typical minimums around 1,000 combined for verbal and quantitative sections and 4.0 for analytical writing.
United Kingdom
The UK boasts some of the oldest and most prestigious pharmacy schools globally. It is one of the best countries to study Pharmacy in. The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) accredits pharmacy programs, ensuring high educational standards.
How to Study Pharmacy in the UK
- Undergraduate Pathway: Complete A-levels in Chemistry and Biology.
- Graduate Pathway: Hold an undergraduate degree in pharmacy or related fields; GRE is generally not required.
| Requirements | Eligibility | Available Courses | Top Universities |
| A-levels in Chemistry and Biology | UCAS application; IELTS/TOEFL scores | MPharm, MSc in Pharmacy | University of Oxford; University College London; University of Edinburgh |
Australia
Australia is renowned for its high-quality education system and research , thus making it one of the top countries to study Pharmacy. The Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) typically lasts two years for graduates.
How to Study Pharmacy in Australia
- Undergraduate Pathway: Complete Year 12 with Chemistry and Biology.
- Graduate Pathway: Hold a relevant bachelor’s degree; GRE is not commonly required.
| Requirements | Eligibility | Available Courses | Top Universities |
| Completion of Year 12 with science subjects | IELTS/TOEFL scores for international students | MPharm, BPharm | Monash University; University of Sydney; University of Queensland |
Canada
Canada’s public healthcare makes it one of the top countries to study Pharmacy. The PharmD program usually lasts four years, with various universities providing quality education.
How to Study Pharmacy in Canada
- Undergraduate Pathway: Complete high school with science courses.
- Graduate Pathway: Hold a bachelor’s degree; some programs may require GRE or PCAT scores.
| Requirements | Eligibility | Available Courses | Top Universities |
| High school diploma with science courses | PCAT/GRE may be required; IELTS/TOEFL for international students | PharmD, MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences | University of Toronto; University of Alberta; McGill University |
Germany
Germany is known for its affordable tuition fees and high-quality education in pharmacy. Because of its public-funded universities, Germany stands out in the list of top countries to study Pharmacy. Let’s delve into how you, too, can study Pharmacy in Germany at a nominal cost:Â
How to Study Pharmacy in Germany
- Undergraduate Pathway: Complete Abitur or equivalent secondary school diploma.
- Graduate Pathway: Hold a relevant bachelor’s degree; GRE is not typically required but may be accepted by some institutions.
| Requirements | Eligibility | Available Courses | Top Universities |
| Abitur or equivalent secondary school diploma | Language proficiency (German); entrance exams may apply | BSc in Pharmacy, MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences | Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich; University of Bonn |
Sweden
Sweden provides innovative pharmacy education with an emphasis on research. Many programs are available in English, making it accessible for international students.
How to Study Pharmacy in Sweden
- Undergraduate Pathway: Complete high school with science subjects.
- Graduate Pathway: Hold an undergraduate degree related to pharmacy or life sciences; GRE is generally not required.
| Requirements | Eligibility | Available Courses | Top Universities |
| High school diploma with science subjects | IELTS/TOEFL scores required for non-native speakers | MSc in Pharmacy; BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences | Karolinska Institute; Uppsala University |
Singapore
When researching the best countries to study Pharmacy, Singapore is one of the best options for students. The country’s advanced healthcare model makes it an ideal place to pursue Pharmacy and healthcare courses. Below is a detailed analysis on how to study Pharmacy in Singapore.Â
How to Study Pharmacy in Singapore
- Undergraduate Pathway: Complete high school with relevant science subjects.
- Graduate Pathway: Hold a relevant bachelor’s degree; GRE is not usually required.
| Requirements | Eligibility | Available Courses | Top Universities |
| High school diploma with science subjects (A-levels preferred) | A-levels or equivalent qualification; IELTS/TOEFL scores required for international students | BSc in Pharmacy MSc in Pharmaceutical Science | National University of Singapore Nanyang Technological University |
Netherlands
The Netherlands is known for its diverse culture and high-quality education system, with many pharmacy programs offered in English. Thus, this makes Netherlands one of the top countries to study Pharmacy as it offers english-taught programs.Â
How to Study Pharmacy in the Netherlands
- Undergraduate Pathway: Complete VWO diploma or equivalent secondary school diploma.
- Graduate Pathway: Hold an undergraduate degree related to pharmacy or health sciences; GRE is generally not required but can be a requirement for some universities.Â
| Requirements | Eligibility | Available Courses | Top Universities |
| VWO diploma or equivalent secondary school diploma | IELTS/TOEFL scores required for non-native speakers | BSc in Pharmacy MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences | Utrecht University; Leiden University |
Japan
Japan is one of the top countries to study in pharmacy in, offering both undergraduate and master’s degrees in pharmacy. Below is a detailed description on how to study pharmacy in Japan:Â
How to Study Pharmacy in Japan
- Undergraduate Pathway: Complete high school with relevant science subjects (Japanese proficiency may be required).
- Graduate Pathway: Hold an undergraduate degree related to pharmacy or life sciences; GRE may be required by some universities.
| Requirements | Eligibility | Available Courses | Top Universities |
| High school diploma with science subjects (Japanese proficiency may be required) | Entrance exams may apply; IELTS/TOEFL scores for international students may be needed | BSc in Pharmacy; MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences | University of Tokyo; Kyoto University |
Ireland
Ireland offers a friendly environment and high-quality education in pharmacy, with Trinity College Dublin being one of the leading institutions.
How to Study Pharmacy in Ireland
- Undergraduate Pathway: Complete the Leaving Certificate or equivalent secondary school diploma in science subjects.
- Graduate Pathway: Hold an undergraduate degree related to health sciences or pharmacy; GRE is generally not required but could be accepted by some institutions.
| Requirements | Eligibility | Available Courses | Top Universities |
| Leaving Certificate or equivalent secondary school diploma (science subjects) required | IELTS/TOEFL scores are needed for non-native speakers; an interview may be required for some courses | BSc in Pharmacy; MPharm degree programs available at some universities | Trinity College Dublin |
Jobs and Salaries
The field of pharmacy offers numerous career opportunities across various sectors, including healthcare facilities, pharmaceutical companies, research organizations, and more. After choosing one of the above-mentioned top countries to study Pharmacy, graduates can expect rewarding jobs that will help them make a meaningful impact on society.
| Job Title | Description | Average Salary (USD) |
| Pharmacist | Dispenses medications and provides patient care | $120,000 – $150,000 |
| Clinical Research Associate (CRA) | Oversees clinical trials ensuring compliance | $80,000 – $100,000 |
| Pharmaceutical Sales Representative | Promotes pharmaceutical products to healthcare professionals | $70,000 – $90,000 |
| Regulatory Affairs Specialist | Ensures compliance with regulations governing pharmaceuticals | $90,000 – $110,000 |
| Quality Control Analyst | Tests drugs to ensure they meet quality standards | $60,000 – $80,000 |
| Pharmaceutical Scientist | Works on developing new drugs | $100,000 – $120,000 |
Conclusion
All in all, there are a plethora of options when it comes to top countries to study Pharmacy. Most importantly, students must conduct thorough research before they decide to study pharmacy abroad in order to ensure that their goals match. If you need help deciding on the best countries to study Pharmacy in, sign up for Admissify’s Personalised 1:1Â counselling now.
Read also:
Top 10 Best Countries to Study Psychology Abroad
Top 10 Countries to Study Biotechnology
7 Best Countries to Study Nursing
FAQs
What are the best countries to study Pharmacy?
The best countries to study Pharmacy include the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, and Sweden.
Do I need to take the GRE to study Pharmacy abroad?
GRE requirements vary by country and program. In the U.S. and Canada, some graduate programs may require it because of how pragmatic the course is.Â
What is the average salary for pharmacists in different countries?
While there are many countries to study Pharmacy in, salaries can vary for each of them. For example, pharmacists in the U.S. earn between $120,000 and $150,000 annually, while those in Germany earn between $34,277 and $72,100.
Can Indian students apply to Pharmacy programs?
Yes, many countries to study Pharmacy welcome international students and offer programs in English.
How long does it take to complete a Pharmacy degree?
A pharmacy degree typically takes 4-6 years to complete, depending on the country and whether you are pursuing an undergraduate or master’s degree. Hence, while choosing from the top countries to study Pharmacy in, students must make an informed choice and choose a degree that caters to them.Â
What are some top universities for studying Pharmacy?
Top universities include the University of California, San Francisco (U.S.), University of Oxford (UK), and Monash University (Australia), among others in various countries to study Pharmacy.
What are the GRE requirements for studying Pharmacy?
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) requirements for pharmacy programs vary by country and institution. In the U.S., many graduate pharmacy programs require a minimum combined score of around 1,000 in the verbal and quantitative sections, along with a score of at least 4.0 in the analytical writing section. Some countries to study Pharmacy may also accept alternative standardised tests like the PCAT or MCAT. However, many international programs, particularly in countries like Australia or the UK, do not require the GRE for admission to their pharmacy courses.
What job opportunities are available for pharmacy graduates?
Pharmacy graduates have a wide range of job opportunities across various sectors. Some top job roles that students can bag after studying pharmacy are pharmacist, clinical research associate, salesperson, quality control analyst, etc.
Manan is a graduate of the esteemed University of Delhi where he cultivated a taste for writing and research. His degree in Bachelor of Management Studies helps him guide students in their academic endeavours. Manan strives to spread excellent study abroad tips that can prove to be helpful.
