General Questions
How long is the degree program?
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.
What would be the average income I could expect to earn as a licensed pharmacist?
Please refer to the WorkBC website for more information on earnings and outlook as a pharmacist in BC.
How much does the program cost?
Refer to the Entry-to-Practice Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) Program page for details on tuition and fees.
Where can I get advice on student loans, awards, and bursaries?
UBC students can direct questions about student finances to their assigned Enrolment Services Advisor. Prospective students can find out how to connect with an Enrolment Services Advisor here.
Eligibility
I expect to receive my permanent residency status in Canada soon. Can I still apply to the program?
The PharmD program is only available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. You must have obtained permanent residency status by the application deadline to be eligible to apply for the program.
You may also be eligible for the program if you have received “protected person” status from the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada by the application deadline.
I will be graduating from my secondary school at this end of this academic year. Can I apply directly to the PharmD program?
No, high school students are not able to apply to the PharmD directly. You should first apply to other direct-entry bachelors’ programs and submit an application to the PharmD after having completed (or registered to complete) all the prerequisite courses.
Does it matter which degree or major I choose if I eventually want to apply to the PharmD program?
No, we do not have a preference for your prior program of study. You should, however, ensure that you can meet all the admission prerequisites in your program of choice.
I am not a resident of BC. Can I still apply to the PharmD program?
Yes, all qualified Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada can apply for admission to the PharmD program. Preference is given to qualified applicants who are residents of BC, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Refer to the Applicant Group Information section on the Admission Information page for details.
Prerequisite Requirements
What if I do not meet the minimum average? Can I still be considered for admission?
No, you must meet the minimum average to be eligible for admission consideration. The minimum average is considered a program prerequisite.
If I complete a pharmacy technician or a graduate program, will it be recognized?
Only transferable undergraduate coursework will be considered. You should consult the BC Transfer Guide to confirm whether your program is recognized for transfer credits to UBC Vancouver.
What is the English Language Admission Standard (ELAS) required for admission to UBC?
All applicants to UBC are required to demonstrate a minimum level of English competency in order to be eligible for admission. The English Language Admission Standard (ELAS) is a University requirement and is separate from the English prerequisite for the PharmD program. You can see more about the ELAS requirement here.
Selection Process
Do you give preference to students who carry full course loads?
No, there are no minimum course load requirements.
Do I have an advantage if I am a degree holder?
No, degree holders are not prioritized.
Do UBC applicants receive priority in the admissions process?
No, UBC applicants are not prioritized in the admissions process for the PharmD program.
Is graduate coursework included in the average calculation?
No, only transferrable undergraduate coursework is used to calculate admission averages.
Can I defer my offer of admission?
As a limited-enrolment professional program, the PharmD program does not defer offers of admission.