Shreyashi Pathak Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist
PharmD in Canada is a 2 to 4-year professional program that prepares students for clinical practice, research, and pharmaceutical industry roles. Canada is home to some of the world’s best pharmacy schools, with 11 universities ranked in the Top 200 (QS World University Rankings 2025), including University of Toronto (Ranked 25), McGill University (Ranked 29), and University of British Columbia (Ranked 38). With tuition fees ranging from C$4,600 to C$47,200 per year, graduates can secure high-paying jobs, earning between C$88,860 – C$194,000 annually. For those looking to advance their expertise, pursuing a PhD in Pharmacy from a top Canadian university can be a great option.
To get into a PharmD program in Canada, students typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in pharmacy, a GPA of 3.0 – 3.5 (70-80%), and English proficiency scores like IELTS (6.5 – 7.5) or TOEFL (88 – 100). Since tuition costs can be high, international students can apply for scholarships like the Vanier Graduate Scholarship (C$50,000/year) and Ontario Graduate Scholarship (C$15,000/year). Many universities also offer funding, paid internships, and co-op programs, helping students manage expenses while gaining valuable experience.
Explore: Best Pharma in Canada
Top Universities for PharmD in Canada
The table below showcases the top universities in Canada offering PharmD programs, along with their course details, duration, and annual tuition fees for international students:
| University Name | Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees (CAD) | Annual Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) | 4 years | C$ 47,120 | ₹ 28,32,854 |
| McGill University | Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology | 3-5 years | C$ 8,596 | ₹ 5,16,791 |
| University of British Columbia | Entry-to-Practice Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) | 4 years | C$ 9,500 | ₹ 5,71,140 |
| University of Alberta | Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) | 4 years | C$ 8,874 | ₹ 5,33,504 |
| University of Waterloo | Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) | 4 years | C$ 14,792 | ₹ 8,89,295 |
| Dalhousie University | Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) | 4 years | C$ 6,714 | ₹ 4,03,554 |
| Université de Montréal | Doctorat en pharmacie (PharmD) | 4 years | C$ 13,956 | ₹ 8,39,734 |
| Université Laval | Doctorat en pharmacie (PharmD) | 4 years | C$ 22,304 | ₹ 13,40,796 |
| University of Manitoba | Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) | 4 years | C$ 6,287 | ₹ 3,78,085 |
| University of Saskatchewan | Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) | 4 years | C$ 4,698 | ₹ 2,82,376 |
Why Choose PharmD in Canada?
Here are the reasons why pursuing a PharmD in Canada is a great choice for international students:
1. High Demand for Pharmacists
Canada has a growing demand for pharmacists, with job openings expected to increase by 5-10% in the next five years (Job Bank Canada). Provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta are actively hiring pharmacists due to an aging population and expanding healthcare services.
2. Competitive Salaries & Career Growth
Pharmacists in Canada earn C$95,000 – C$120,000 per year on average. In cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, experienced pharmacists can earn up to C$140,000 annually, making it one of the highest-paying healthcare professions.
3. Global Recognition & Quality Education
Canada is home to some of the world’s best universities for pharmacy. As per QS World University Rankings 2025, 11 Canadian universities rank in the Top 200 globally, including the University of Toronto (Ranked 25), McGill University (Ranked 29), and University of British Columbia (Ranked 38). This global recognition enhances job prospects worldwide.
4. Strong Licensing & Regulatory Framework
The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) regulates the profession to maintain high standards. After earning a PharmD, graduates must pass the PEBC Qualifying Exam to obtain a pharmacist license, ensuring credibility and professional excellence.
5. Opportunities for Permanent Residency (PR)
Pharmacists are listed under high-demand occupations, making it easier to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) through Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). Healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, often receive priority processing for PR applications.
6. Wide Career Options
A PharmD degree opens doors to multiple career paths, including hospital pharmacies, retail chains, pharmaceutical research, government regulatory agencies, and academia. Graduates can also explore clinical pharmacy and entrepreneurship, creating their own independent pharmacies.
7. Scholarships & Financial Aid
Many Canadian universities offer scholarships for PharmD students, covering C$5,000–C$50,000 of tuition fees. Additionally, several programs include paid internships and co-op placements, providing financial relief and hands-on experience.
Also Check: MBBS in Canada for International students
Admission Process for PharmD in Canada
The admission requirements for PharmD in Canada are highly university-specific and have been detailed below. The specifications include exams to study in Canada, their respective test scores and list of mandatory documents.
Admission Requirements:
The eligibility requirements for the program are usually university-specific, some common admission requirements for PharmD in Canada are as mentioned below.
- Transcripts: master’s degree from a reputed institute in the field of pharmacy or equivalent.
- In some cases, the candidate is required to begin their course in the master's program with the intention of transferring to the Ph.D. program in Pharmacy later. In this case, a 3 to 4 year undergraduate degree must be presented.
- GPA required: 3.0 to 3.5 GPA (~70 to 80% or 1st class degree)
- English proficiency scores like
- IELTS: 6.5 - 7.0
- TOEFL: 88 - 100
- Additional test scores like GRE might be required by some universities under certain circumstances
- Work Experience of 2 to 3 years is a recommended requirement for some universities.
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of recommendation (three; from someone familiar with candidate’s research and professional work)
- Updated CV/Resume
- Candidates will have to appear for an interview for most courses. Due to the given pandemic situation, these interviews will be conducted online.
Eligibility for PharmD in Canada
| University Name | Admission Requirements | IELTS Score | TOEFL Score | Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | Min 78% in MSc degree or equivalent | 6.5 | 100 | N.A |
| McGill University | A BSc degree or MD in a related field; Min GPA of 3.0 (at least 3.2 in the last 2 years of study) | 6.5 | 86 | Personal statement |
| University of British Columbia | A Master’s degree in a related field | 7.0 | 100 | Three letters of reference |
| University of Alberta | Bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 or equivalent | 6.5 | 88 | Three letters of reference |
| University of Waterloo | MSc. degree or equivalent with a min of 78% or more | 7.0 | 90 | Three letters of reference |
| Dalhousie University | GPA of 3.7 or above (1st class thesis master’s degree or equivalent) | 7.5 | 100 | Two letters of reference |
| Université de Montréal | Master’s degree in a relevant field with the GPA of 3.2 out of 4 | 6.5 | 90 | Three letters of referenceStatement of Interest Acceptance by a research director prior to admission |
| Université Laval | Master’s degree in a relevant field with Minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4. | 6.5 | N.A | Three letters of referenceUnderstanding of french for research |
| University of Manitoba | MSc. degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in a related field | 6.5 | 86 | Immunisation Certificate |
| University of Saskatchewan | Master's degree or equivalent in Pharmacy or a related field with an avg GPA of 70% or more | 6.5 | 86 | Persona Video Interview |
PharmD in Canada Visa Requirements
After receiving your letter of acceptance and having confirmed your place with a university in Canada, international students must waste no further time and should apply for a visa to study in Canada. Note that the visa can be obtained from the nearest Canadian Embassy in your country of residence.
- Application Mode: Both online and offline (paper application)
- Time Required to obtain a Canadian Student Visa: up to 12 months (differs between various visa offices)
- Documents Required: The list of essential documents required when applying for a permit are as follows-
- Application for Study Permit.
- Letter of acceptance.
- Standardised test scores like IELTS (6.5 or equivalent), TOEFL etc.
- Proof of financial support.
- Passport photos.
- Valid passport.
- Visa Interview: International candidates will have to appear for a visa interview with the nearest Canadian Embassy in order to obtain a student visa successfully.
Cost of Studying PharmD in Canada
To help plan your finances, a detailed distribution of the cost of living in Canada comprising tuition fee and pre- and post-arrival costs is as compiled below.
Pre-Arrival Costs
For the students who have decided to pursue their higher studies in Canada, the immediate list of expenses to be taken into account is as follows:
| Type of Fee | Cost (CAD) | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fees | C$150 (for Indian applicants) | 9,055 |
| Health Insurance | C$10,000 | 6.03 lakhs |
| IELTS Fees | C$282 | ₹17,000 |
| TOEFL Fees | C$281 | ₹16,900 |
| Airfare | C$450 - 1400 | 27,166 - 84,517 |
Cost of Living in Canada
The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the monthly cost of living in Canada for international students:
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost Range (CAD) | Monthly Cost Range (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (On-Campus) | C$ 800 – C$ 1,250 | ₹ 48,096 – ₹ 75,150 |
| Accommodation (Off-Campus - Rent) | C$1,300 to C$3,500 | ₹ 78,480 - ₹ 2.11 lakhs |
| Food & Groceries | C$ 300 – C$ 500 | ₹ 18,036 – ₹ 30,060 |
| Public Transport | C$ 80 – C$ 150 | ₹ 4,810 – ₹ 9,018 |
| Health Insurance | C$ 50 – C$ 100 | ₹ 3,006 – ₹ 6,012 |
| Books & Study Materials | C$ 50 – C$ 125 | ₹ 3,006 – ₹ 7,515 |
| Utilities (Internet, Phone, Electricity, etc.) | C$ 125 – C$ 250 | ₹ 7,515 – ₹ 15,030 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | C$ 166 – C$ 417 | ₹ 9,978 – ₹ 25,063 |
PharmD in Canada with Scholarships
Since pursuing a doctoral program in Canada can be a great toll on the pocket for many, Canada being the student friendly country provides a range of financial awards for the prospective aspirants. Some of the popular scholarships in Canada for international students are tabulated as follows:
| Scholarship Name | Benefit Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Vanier Graduate Scholarships | 50,000 CAD per year (renewable up to 3 years) | Meritorious applicants pursuing research/doctoral program having strong leadership skills |
| University of Waterloo International Funding | 2,045 per term for 2 years | Multiple award for international students pursuing masters or doctoral courses in Canada |
| University of Alberta Doctoral Recruitment Scholarship | 5,000 | International candidates pursuing doctoral program at UAlberta |
| UAlberta Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship | 45,000 CAD for two years | An international applicant enrolled in a doctoral program at the university |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship | 15,000 CAD per year | Meritorious enrolled in master's or doctoral programs |
| IDRC Research Awards | up to 15,000 CAD | Applicants from developing countries pursuing masters or doctoral programs |
| Killam Predoctoral Scholarships | 30,000 ( for 2 to 3 years) | Students pursuing doctoral or master’s degrees at Dalhousie University |
| Connaught International Scholarship | Varies | International students pursuing doctoral programs at University of Toronto |
| University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship | 18,000 per year | Meritorious students pursuing doctoral or master’s program at the university |
| JN Tata Endowment Scholarship | varies | Indian students with a min of 60% wishing to pursue master’s or doctoral programs overseas |
| Abdul Majid Bader Graduate Scholarship- Dalhousie University | 51,158 | Outstanding candidates enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree at Dalhousie University |
Job Opportunities after PharmD in Canada
It is a world-known fact that Canada as a country is highly devoted to its healthcare sector and thus, a degree like PharmD in Canada is bound to be the heavily demanded courses in the country. As per Canadian Occupational Projections System, the nation is expected to see a labour surplus in the field of pharmaceuticals by 2028.
Students with a degree in pharmacy can earn a range of high paying jobs in Canada. A comparison of salaries of graduates in various fields post their PharmD in Canada are as mentioned in the table below.
| Designation | Average Annual Salary (CAD) | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Pharmacy Director | 194,000 | 1.17 Crores |
| Director Clinical Services | 133,482 | 80.58 lakhs |
| Hospital Pharmacist | 99,834 | 60.26 lakhs |
| Healthcare Consultant | 92,960 | 56.11 lakhs |
| Pharmacist | 88,860 | 53.64 lakhs |
| Clinical Research Scientist | 77,717 | 46.91 lakhs |
| Registered Dietitian | 72,502 | 43.76 lakhs |
The latest trends across various states of Canada for the field of pharma representing their corresponding wages are depicted in the chart below (Job Bank Canada).
Also Check: Work Study in Canada
On the concluding part, Canada as a nation is ensuring best of opportunities for its graduates which is reflected in how it added nearly 84,000 jobs in October with its unemployment rate dropping down to 8.9%. Since healthcare professionals are always in demand in the country but the supply for the deserving candidates is low, there are endless and great opportunities for students with degrees in Pharmacy and related fields.
Thus, if PharmD in Canada is a program that fascinates you and you are considering pursuing it, then think no more because if the trends and statistics are to be considered, then PharmD in Canada can be a great choice for studying abroad.
FAQs
Ques: Is PharmD in Canada different from a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)?
Ans: Yes, PharmD is a professional doctorate that focuses on clinical practice, patient care, and advanced pharmacy knowledge, whereas BPharm is an undergraduate degree covering the basics of pharmaceutical sciences.
Ques: Can international students work while pursuing a PharmD in Canada?
Ans: Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during scheduled breaks on a valid study permit.
Ques: Is a PharmD degree required to become a licensed pharmacist in Canada?
Ans: Yes, a PharmD is mandatory for pharmacist licensure in Canada. Graduates must also pass the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) Qualifying Exam to practice.
Ques: Can PharmD graduates work in countries like the USA or UK?
Ans: Yes, Canadian PharmD degrees are internationally recognized, but graduates may need t
Ques: What are the research opportunities for PharmD students in Canada?
Ans: PharmD students can engage in clinical research, drug development, and pharmaceutical sciences, often collaborating with hospitals, biotech firms, and research labs.
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