PharmD in Canada is a 2 to 4 year program that costs around 17,000 to 63,000 CAD (10.62 lakhs - 38 lakhs INR) per year. Pharmacist is currently the 4th most coveted job industry in Canada for 2020 (ImmiLaw Global) and thus, a PhD in pharmacy from one of the top universities in Canada can be an ideal choice for international aspirants.
To be eligible for PharmD in Canada, a background in the health sciences is highly essential. However, candidates with conceptual knowledge of biology, chemistry, maths and physical sciences are also acceptable. Graduates with PharmD in Canada can expect an average salary of 87,000 CAD (52.52 lakhs INR) per year.
Also Check: Masters in Pharmacy in Canada
Highlights
| Duration | 2 to 4 years |
| Eligibility | Master’s degree in related field (preferred)*; SOP; 3 LORs; CV/Resume; GRE (recommended) |
| Exams Required | IELTS: 6.5 - 7.5 | TOEFL: 80 - 100 |
| Work Experience | 2 years (recommended) |
| Job Role Available | Pharmacist, Assistant Pharmacy Director, Healthcare Consultant, Biomedical Engineer |
| Top Recruiters | Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Apotex Inc., Biogen Canada, Opus Pharma |
| Tuition Fees | 17,000 to 63,000 CAD (10.62 lakhs - 38 lakhs INR) per year |
| Average Salary | 87,000 CAD (52.52 lakhs INR) per year |
Top Universities for PharmD in Canada
Compiled below is the list of top universities offering PharmD in Canada along with program, deadline and total program fees :
| University | Program offered | Deadline | TotalTuition Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | Doctor of Pharmacy | January 6, 2023 | 188,480 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences | December 9, 2023 | 26,207 | |
| McGill University | Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology | Fall [Jan 15, 2023 ] | Winter [Jul 15, 2023] | 51,578 |
| University of British Columbia | Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences | January 15, 2023 | 27,941 |
| University of Alberta | PhD in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences | Fall [Jun 1, 2023 ] | Winter [Oct 1, 2023] | 17,400 |
| University of Waterloo | Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacy | September Term Deadline [Feb 1, 2023] | January Term Deadline [Jun 1, 2023] | May Term Deadline [Oct 1, 2023] | 59,168 |
| Dalhousie University | Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology | April 1, 2023 | 20,142 |
| University of Saskatchewan | Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacy | February 15, 2023 | 18,792 |
| University of Manitoba | Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacy | March 1, 2023 | 21,363 |
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacy | Fall [Feb 28, 2023 ] | Winter [Jul 31, 2023] | 63,255 |
What Is PharmD in Canada?
PharmD in Canada is a 2 to 4 year program designed for candidates looking to work with world-class experts in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. Through the program, they have a chance to contribute their knowledge towards developing solutions that will shape the face of healthcare across the globe.
A certain skill set that acts as an added advantage when looking to pursue higher education in Canada in the field of pharmacy is as listed below.
- Basic familiarity with subjects like mathematics, biology, chemistry and knowledge of health services and Law and Public Safety is a must.
- Strong research, management and analysis skills.
- Familiarity with the latest digital technologies to be able to handle graphic softwares and databases of the individual organisations in the future is a highly recommended skill.
Why Study PharmD in Canada?
Some of the major reason why one should choose to study in Canada while seeking PharmD or Doctor of Pharmacy:
- Canada is listed among the top 10 global pharmaceutical markets. Its pharma sector spends nearly 1 billion CAD on research and development every year. It is the largest producer in the field that exports nearly 50% of its products to the United States (Statista 2020).
- Various top Pharma industries are located in Canada including Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson , etc. These companies currently employ nearly 28,000 candidates, including pharmacists. (Royal Pharmaceutical Society)
- There numerous High paying jobs in Canada for graduates of phd in pharmacy in canada. Since PharmD is a growing industry in the country, graduates in the field can expect an impressive salary of 87,000 CAD (52.52 lakhs INR) which can go as high as 236,000 CAD (1.42 lakhs INR) per year.
- As per JobBank Canada survey results, over 12,500 new jobs for medical graduates in Canada are expected to be added between 2019 and 2028. This is a huge addition to the last recorded employment statistics of 43,100 in the field of PharmD in Canada.
PharmD in Canada Admissions
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
Some of the institutes and their corresponding requirements in the form of eligibility scores and additional specifications for PharmD in Canada are as tabulated below.
| Institute | Admission Requirements | IELTS Score | TOEFL Score | Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | CV or Resume |
| University of Toronto | Min 78% in MSc degree or equivalent | 6.5 | 100 | N.A |
| University of Waterloo | MSc. degree or equivalent with a min of 78% or more | 7.0 | 90 | Three letter of reference | Resume |
| University of Manitoba | MSc. degree with GPA of 3.0 or higher in related field | 6.5 | 86 | Immunisation Certificate | Casper test (25% weightage) | 2 LORs | Statement of Chosen Advisor |
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | Undergraduate or graduate program with Eng as medium of instruction | 6.5 | 80 | N.A |
| University of Saskatchewan | Master's degree or equivalent in Pharmacy or related field Avg GPA of 70% or more in last 2 y of education | 6.5 | 86 | Persona Video Interview |
| McGill University | A BSc degree or MD etc. in the related field; Min GPA of 3.0 (at least 3.2 in last 2 years of study) | 6.5 | 86 | Personal statement | 2 letters of recommendation | Interview |
| University of British Columbia | A master’s degree in related field | 7.0 | 100 | Three letter of reference | Statement of interest | |
| Dalhousie University | GPA of 3.7 or above 1st class thesis master’s degree or its equivalent | 7.5 | 100 | Two letter of reference |
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 | 150 (for Indian applicants) | 9,055 |
| Health Insurance | 10,000 | 6.03 lakhs |
| IELTS Fees | 185 - 190 | 11,168 - 5,433 |
| TOEFL Fees | 160 - 250 | 9,659 - 15,092 |
| Airfare | 450 - 1400 | 27,166 - 84,517 |
Tuition Fee
Tuition fee for PharmD in Canada for Indian students is mentioned as follows:
| University | Tuition Fee (CAD) | Tuition Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Alberta | 17,400 | 10.50 lakhs |
| University of Toronto | 47,120 | 28.44 lakhs |
| 8,735 | 52.73 lakhs | |
| University of Waterloo | 14,792 | 8.92 lakhs |
| University of Manitoba | 5,340 | 3.22 lakhs |
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | 13,000 - 13,900 | 7.84 lakhs - 8.39 lakhs |
| University of Saskatchewan | 4,698 | 2.83 lakhs |
| McGill University | 16,750 | 10.11 lakhs |
| University of British Columbia | 9,313 | 5.62 lakhs |
| Dalhousie University | 6,714 | 4.05 lakhs |
Cost of Living in Canada
Additional charges forming cost of living in Canada when hoping to pursue PhD in Pharmacy from the country are as tabulated below. Students must note that the cost of living in Canada varies as per the choice of city you opt for and your lifestyle choices. Toronto and Vancouver are considered the most expensive yet best cities for international students in Canada. A detailed comparison of cost of living across different cities in Canada is as depicted below.
| Type of Expenditure | Monthly Costs (CAD) | Monthly Costs (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing/Accommodation | 1,300 to 3,500 | 78,480 - 2.11 lakhs |
| Food and Utilities | 250 to 800 | 15,092 - 48,295 |
| Transportation | 156 to 200 | 9,417 - 12,073 |
| Internet and Entertainment | 220 to 360 | 13,281 - 21,732 |
| Living expenses Guarantee Fund | 10,000 per year | 6.03 lakhs per year |
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:
| Name of the Scholarship | 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 |
PharmD in Canada: Jobs and Salaries
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.
- Canada is currently home to some 31,000 licensed pharmacists with some 7,000+ community pharmacies (Job Bank Canada).
- A professional with a PharmD in Canada has a great scope ahead and can expect a n average starting salary of 87,000 CAD (52.52 lakhs INR) per year. For applicants interested in research opportunities in Canada, this average can go over 200,000 CAD (1.20 Crores INR) per year.
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).
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 |
PharmD in Canada: Comparison By University
Comparison of top Phd in pharmacy universities in canada on the basis of program duration application fees and admission requirements:
| Basis | University of Toronto | McGill University | University of British Columbia | University of Alberta | University of Waterloo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3 and 4 years | 3 years | 3 years | 2 years | 4 years |
| Application Fees | 300 CAD | 160 CAD | 200 CAD | 125 CAD | 125 CAD |
| GPA required | 78% or 3.5 GPA | 3.0 | 3.0 or above | 3.0 | 78% or 3.5 GPA |
| ELP Scores | IELTS:6.5 | TOEFL-iBT: 100 | IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL-iBT: 86 | IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL-iBT: 100 | IELTS:6.5 | TOEFL-iBT: 88 | IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL-iBT: 90 |
| Scholarships | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
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. Where can I study PharmD in Canada?
Ans. PharmD in Canada is a sought-after program offered by most of the reputed universities in the country like University of Toronto, University of Alberta, McGill University, University of Waterloo, among others.
Ques. What GPA is required for PharmD in Canada?
Ans. A GPA of 3.0 or higher (70 to 78%) is the minimum GPA eligibility requirement for pursuing PharmD in Canada.
Ques. How much does it cost to study PharmD in Canada?
Ans. PharmD in Canada usually costs around 17,000 to 63,000 CAD per year or 11 to 40 lakhs per annum for Indian students. Other living expenses would range depending upon the lifestyle of the candidate.
Ques. Are MBBS and PharmD in Canada the same?
Ans. PharmD in Canada has detailed medical subjects related to the field of pharmacy whereas MBBS students only study a fraction of these courses. Thus, PharmD is definitely a better choice in many respects.
Ques. Is Work Experience required for PharmD in Canada?
Ans. Work experience is not mandatory but a professional experience of 2 to 3 years is highly recommended.
Ques. Are scholarships available for PharmD in Canada?
Ans. Yes, Canada offers a range of international scholarships for aspirants across the world. International students can claim both university-specific or country-specific scholarships and avail awards of up to 52,000 CAD (31.36 lakhs INR).
Ques. Is PharmD in demand in Canada?
Ans. PharmD in Canada is the 4th most sought-after program in the country. Canada is in the top 10 massive industries for pharmaceuticals and is expected to add some 12,500 new jobs to the field by 2028 which ensures heavy demand for pharmacists in the country.
Ques. What is a pharmacist salary in Canada?
Ans. The average salary of a candidate with a PharmD in Canada is approximately 87,000 CAD (52.52 lakhs INR) per year which can go as high as 200,000 CAD (1.20 Crores INR) when engaged at research level.
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