Frequently Asked Questions

The Entry-to-Practice PharmD is the only program that gives students the education requirement to become a licensed pharmacist in British Columbia. The curriculum has an emphasis on pharmacology, therapeutics, medication management, case-based learning, and clinical rotations (practicums). 

The Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, offered by the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, focuses on discovery and development of drugs and therapies, formulations, nutraceuticals, supplements, and personal care products. 

The Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology, offered by the Faculty of Science, explores sources, chemical properties, biological effects, mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and adverse effects of drugs. This program is offered through UBC’s Faculty of Medicine, with initial classes in the Faculty of Science.

There is only one intake per year for the Entry-to-Practice PharmD program. The program starts in September.

At UBC, "Winter Session" refers to the regular academic session that runs from September to April. Each Winter Session has two terms: Term 1 (September to December) and Term 2 (January to April).

The Entry-to-Practice PharmD program is only available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. Permanent residents of Canada must hold a valid PR card by the application deadline.

The Entry-to-Practice PharmD program does not give preference to applicants with any particular pre-pharmacy or other educational background. As the applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have met the admission prerequisites regardless of the academic program or major you have chosen prior to applying.

No, there are no minimum course load requirements.

No, degree holders are not prioritized.

We admit up to 224 new students each year.

The Entry-to-Practice PharmD is a four-year full-time program. There is no option to complete this program on a part-time basis.

No, UBC applicants are not prioritized in the admissions process for the Entry-to-Practice PharmD program.

Yes, all qualified Canadian Citizens and permanent residents of Canada can apply for admission to the Entry-to-Practice PharmD program. Preference is given to qualified applicants who are residents of BC, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. 

Please refer to the WorkBC website for more information on earnings and outlook as a pharmacist in BC.

You must complete your prerequisite coursework by the end of the regular academic session prior to your desired entry date. For example, if you are applying to the 2025 Winter Session intake, your prerequisite coursework must be completed by the end of Term 2 of the 2024 Winter Session (see "Winter Session" definition above).

UBC will consider transferable coursework that you completed in previous Summer Sessions, but not those taken in the Summer Session immediately prior to the desired program start date (i.e., 2025 Summer Session courses will not be considered if you are applying for the 2025 Winter Session [September] intake).

UBC awards transfer credits for certain successfully completed AP, IB, and British A-level courses. These credits will be recognized when you apply to the Entry-to-Practice PharmD program. You can find information about how first-year credit is awarded here. You will be required to submit official AP, IB, or British A-level transcripts to the Undergraduate Admissions office when you apply. AP, IB, and British A-level course grades will not be included in your admission average calculation.

No, you must meet the minimum average in order to be eligible for admission consideration. The minimum average is considered a program prerequisite.

Only transferable undergraduate coursework will be considered. Students who have completed a pharmacy technician or graduate program do not receive preference in the admission process.

Only recognized undergraduate coursework that was completed within 10 years of the intake session will be considered, with the exception of the humanities and elective requirements. Prerequisite coursework completed more than 10 years prior to the desired program start date will need to be repeated regardless of your academic background, degree credentials, or career experience.

No, only transferrable undergraduate coursework is used to calculate admission averages.​​​​​​

All transcripts are to be sent to the Undergraduate Admissions Office and not the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. More information on how to send transcripts can be found here. If you have any questions concerning your transcripts or application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office directly. Transcripts sent to the Faculty will not be processed.

UBC applicants are not required to submit their UBC transcript as the Undergraduate Admissions Office has access to their academic record.

Transfer credit assessment is completed by the Undergraduate Admissions Office, not the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, after you apply to UBC. You can use the UBC Transfer Credit Search Tool or the BC Transfer Guide to see if your coursework has previously been assessed for transfer credit.

Please see our Admissions Information page for more details.

All prerequisite coursework must be completed for graded credit with the exception of courses completed during the January–April 2020 term which was affected by COVID-19.

UBC students can direct questions about student finances to your assigned Enrolment Services Advisor. Prospective students can find out how to connect with an Enrolment Services Advisor here.

As a limited-enrolment professional program, the Entry-to-Practice PharmD program does not defer offers of admission.

When you apply to UBC, you will be able track your application status through your Applicant Service Centre (ASC) account. The Faculty also sends out time-sensitive emails requiring action or responses to the email address listed on your UBC Application. It will be your responsibility to check your email for updates.

All applicants are required to demonstrate a minimum level of English competency in order to be eligible for admission to UBC. There are nine ways to meet UBC’s minimum English Language Admissions Standard (ELAS)—more information can be found here.

The English Language Admission Standard (ELAS) is a University requirement and is separate from the English prerequisite for the PharmD program.