Canada has become one of the fastest-growing study hubs for international students. Indians love to pursue higher studies in Canada due to the high standard of living and better educational environment. Individuals can pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in pharmacy in Canada if they fulfil the admission criteria in world-class universities in Canada. Let us divulge how to become a pharmacist in Canada from India without any further ado.
Top Universities to Apply for Degree in Pharmacy in Canada
The table below comprises the universities that provide Bachelor’s degrees in pharmacy courses in Canada and the fees per year.
| University | Fees per year (in CAD)** |
|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 54,848 |
| University of British Columbia | 56,415 |
| McGill University | 48,665 |
| McMaster University | 38,922 |
| University of Alberta | 28,405 |
| University of Ottawa | 54,000 |
| Laurentian University | 27,364 |
| University of Guelph | 28,305 |
| University of Ontario Institute of Technology | 22,443 |
Eligibility Criteria for Bachelor of Pharmacy in Canada
Underlying are the criteria that make a student eligible to apply to pharmacy universities in Canada –
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- Should possess a valid class 12th completion certificate from a recognised board.
- Candidates must pass class 12th with at least 70% or more aggregate marks.
- Should have mathematics as a core subject followed by physics, chemistry or biology.
- Various universities demand a fair knowledge of Calculus.
- English speaking skills would add proficiency and an additional requirement for international students.
Cost of Bachelor’s in Pharmacy
| Type of Expense | Cost (in CAD)** |
|---|---|
| Course Application Fees | 130 to 200 |
| Visa Application Fees | 235 |
| TOEFL Fees | 75 to 200 |
| Health Insurance | 13,084 |
| IELTS Fees | 242 to 250 |
| Airline tickets | 589 to 1,832 |
The above table breaks down the expenses an individual will face to study pharmacy in Canada.
Scope of Bachelor of Pharmacy Courses in Canada for International Students
Students cannot work as a pharmacist after acquiring a bachelor’s degree in this field, but they can pursue higher studies in Canada or other countries. To become a registered pharmacist, one must have done PharmaD in Canada. Furthermore, it opens global opportunities for students and can find employment in other segments of the healthcare industry in various quality control roles. With this, let us move on to becoming a pharmacist in Canada. The first and foremost step would be to enrol for the Master’s programmes in pharmacy colleges in Canada.
Eligibility Criteria for Master of Pharmacy in Canada
Underlying criteria make the students eligible for the Master’s programme in pharmacy technician courses in Canada –
- Should hold a valid BSC degree in the related field with at least mid-B average scores in the last two years of Canadian degree or equivalent to Canadian standards.
- Otherwise, must have a valid Bachelor of Pharmacy completion certificate from an accredited university or institution either from Canada or equivalent to Canadian standards.
- Further, relevant experience in the particular field and a completion certificate of a pharmacy residency program.
- Students need to submit IELTS and TOEFL scores, resume, recommendation letters, and purpose statements.
Cost of Studying Master’s in Pharmacy
| University | Course Fee per Year (in CAD)** |
|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 50,850 |
| University of Alberta | 16,136 |
| University of Waterloo | 14,391 |
| University of Saskatchewan | 12,858 |
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | 9,231 |
| University of Manitoba | 25,024 |
Scope of PharmaD in Canada For Indians
Students who complete their Pharma D course in Canada are eligible to work in various fields. Following are the job prospects and salary structure of individuals after the Pharma D course in Canada
| Job Profiles | Annual Salary (in INR)** |
|---|---|
| Clinical Research Associate | 37,34,930 |
| Medical Sales Representative | 40,28,973 |
| Regulatory Affairs Officer | 38,54,172 |
| Hospital Pharmacist | 70,43,926 |
| Research Scientist | 68,08,170 |
| Pharmacologist | 46,61,236 |
| Process Development Scientist | 1,06,63,642 |
| Pharmacy Practice Assistant | 1,86,67,032 |
Course Curriculum of Pharmacy Courses in Canada
The course curriculums for pharmacy are as follows –
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Advanced Pharmacokinetics
- Gene Therapy
- Drug Development
- Strategic Management of Biopharmaceutical Technology
- Principles and Practices in Systemic Treatments in Cancer
- Applied Health Economics & Pharmacoeconomics
- Grant Writing in Sciences
- Special Topics: Pharmacy Education, Health Services Design, Geriatrics and Aging, Chronic Disease Management, etc.
Also Read:Process to Become A Registered Nurse In Canada
Scholarship Schemes for Pharmacy Courses in India
The below table provides details about the scholarship scheme that various Universities approve for the admission of international students.
| University | Scholarship | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | International Scholar Award and Ontario Remembrance Scholarship | 100,000 over four years and 10,000 respectively |
| University of Ontario Institute of Technology | Global Leadership Awards | 72,000 over four years |
| University of British Columbia | International Major Entrance Scholarship and Outstanding International Student Scholarship | Varies |
| University of Guelph | Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships | 17,500 to 20,500 over four years |
| Laurentian University | Academic Excellence Scholarship (required score 80-100%) | 40,000 to 60,000 |
| University of Alberta | India First Year Excellence Scholarship | 5,000 |
| Trust/Government | Go Clean Scholarship | 5,000 |
Documents Required to Apply for Pharmacy Courses in Canada
Underlying are the documents that one needs to present –
- Completed application form
- Previous education completion certificates
- Scores of tests (IELTS, TOEFL) required to study in Canada
- Student visa to study in Canada
Conclusion
The structure of courses in pharmacy in Canada is slightly different from other course programs. With a 2 to 3 years running period, one can opt for a full-time and part-time course. It can be offered as research, thesis-based or non-thesis-based courses. It includes various course progressions and helps the native and international students gain expertise in various fields of their choice. One can gain expertise in pharmaceutics, bimolecular pharmaceutical sciences, clinical pharmaceutical sciences, and drug design. Furthermore, studying in Canada can open the door to global prospects for students from India and other countries.
Visit LeapScholar Canada specific blog for more information.
Related Articles:
- Universities & Course Details for Masters of Pharmacy In UK
- Average Salary of Doctor of Pharmacy in USA
- Study Guide for Pharmacy in UK: Top Colleges, Course details & Eligibility
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to become a pharmacist in Canada?
On average, it takes around 5 years to become a pharmacist in Canada.
2. Are pharmacists in demand in Canada?
In Canada, a pharmacist is among the highest in-demand occupations listed by the Canadian Government.
