Pursuing a master of pharmacy in Australia provides access to unmatched learning opportunities and career advancement for individuals hoping to advance their professional standing in the sector. It is a postgraduate program and admission to it requires a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy or an equivalent degree from a recognized institution. It usually takes two years of full-time study to complete. Some universities may offer an accelerated pathway for students with a relevant undergraduate degree. This blog seeks to introduce you to Australia’s finest universities that have made a name for themselves in the pharmaceutical educational sector.
- University of Sydney
- Curtin University
- University of Technology Sydney
- The University of Western Australia
- Griffith University
- University of Canberra
- Charles Darwin University
The programs they offer are accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council. This ensures that graduates meet the necessary standards for registration as a pharmacist.
Overview: Master of Pharmacy in Australia
| Number of universities | ~20 (source: Australian Pharmacy Council) |
| Course level | Master’s/postgraduate |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Degree awarded | Master of Pharmacy |
| Annual tuition fees for international students | AU $38,000 to 56,000 |
Why Study for a Master of Pharmacy in Australia?
Quality education: Australian pharmacy universities are known for their high academic standards and rigorous quality assurance processes. The education system is well-regulated, ensuring that students receive a quality education.
Global recognition: Degrees obtained from Australian universities are widely recognized and respected globally. A master of pharmacy from an Australian institution can enhance your chances of employment internationally.
Professional accreditation: Australian pharmacy programs are accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council, which ensures that graduates meet the necessary standards to practice pharmacy in Australia and internationally.
Research opportunities: Australia is at the forefront of pharmaceutical research and technology. Studying pharmacy in Australia allows students to access state-of-the-art facilities and participate in innovative research projects.
Quality of life: Australia offers a high standard of living and a diverse, multicultural environment. Students benefit from a well-developed healthcare system, a safe and welcoming society, and numerous extracurricular activities.
Work while studying: International students can work full-time during semester breaks and part-time while studying in Australia. This helps students acquire real-world experience and can partially alleviate their living costs.
Global networking: Australia’s pharma community is well-connected globally. Studying for a master of pharmacy in Australia provides opportunities for students to build international networks and collaborate with professionals from around the world.
Top Master of Pharmacy Universities in Australia
| University Name | QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023: Pharmacy & Pharmacology |
| University of Sydney | 16 |
| Curtin University | 101-150 |
| University of Technology Sydney | 101-150 |
| The University of Western Australia | 101-150 |
| Griffith University | 151-200 |
University of Sydney
The University of Sydney is one of Australia’s leading universities and is well-regarded globally. It came into existence in 1850 as the first university of higher learning in the country. It is a public university renowned for its wide range of academic programs, superior research, and multicultural student body. It houses over 50,000 students from all over the world.
The university offers a postgraduate program in pharmacy called Master of Pharmacy. It is a full-time course that lasts for 2 years. A variety of topics in clinical pharmacy, pharmacy practice, and pharmaceutical sciences are included in the curriculum.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Master of Pharmacy | 2 years | AU $56,500 |
Curtin University
Previously known as Curtin University of Technology and Western Australian Institute of Technology, Curtin University is a public research university in Western Australia. It was founded in 1967 and currently teaches over 50,000 students of which 13,332 are from around the world.
The university offers a 2-year long postgraduate research degree in pharmacy called Pharmacy Master by Research (MPhil). It is a research degree and two-thirds of the study program involves research (a thesis written under the guidance of a supervisor).
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Pharmacy
Master by Research (MPhil) |
2 years | – |
University of Technology Sydney
This public university in New South Wales, Australia was founded in 1988 as a technical institution. The University of Technology Sydney ranks in the top 100 universities worldwide. It offers more than 130 undergraduate and 210 postgraduate courses in diverse study fields like business, communication, architecture, built environment, design, education, engineering, information technology, etc.
The university delivers a three-year graduate-entry degree program and includes a one-year overseas clinical placement. The overseas placement takes place in countries like Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The entire course is taught with an innovative and practical approach.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Master of Pharmacy (International) | 3 years | AU $53,092 |
The University of Western Australia
This public research university in Australia is located in the western part of the country. The University of Western Australia was established in 1911 and is one of the top universities in Perth, Australia. It is one of the sandstone universities in the country.
The University of Western Australia delivers a postgraduate in pharmacy at Perth (Crawley campus). In addition to practical training, this course offers advanced study in the fields of clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry, pharmacotherapy, and pharmacy practice. The course has a small intake of 50 students ensuring that students receive one-to-one interaction. is fully accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Master of Pharmacy | 2 years | AU $46,100 |
Griffith University
Founded in 1975, Griffith University is a prestigious institution located in South East Queensland, Australia. It has a student community of 55,000 students spread across five campuses throughout the country. The university is known for its comprehensive range of programs, including those in health, science, business, arts, and social sciences.
The Master of Pharmacy program at Griffith University is offered full-time and part-time on the Gold Coast campus of the university. The curriculum covers a range of pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacy practice, and clinical pharmacy topics. Students are required to complete a minimum of eleven weeks (392 hours) of full-time professional placements as part of their credit requirements.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Master of Pharmacy | 2 to 2.5 years | AU $38,500 |
Admission Requirements to Study Master of Pharmacy in Australia
Minimum eligibility and entry requirements for international students
A bachelor’s degree: Students applying for a master of pharmacy in Australia require an undergraduate degree in pharmacy (5.0 GPA or higher, on a 7.0 scale) from an Australian institution or equivalent. They must have biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacology, statistics, anatomy, and physiology as prerequisites.
English language proficiency: International students from non-English speaking countries must submit English proficiency test scores. Accepted test scores are IELTS (Academic): 7.0, TOEFL Internet-based test: 85, Pearson Test of English (Academic): 61, etc.
Interview: Pharmacy universities in the country might undertake personal or online interviews as a part of their admission process for international students.
Other requirements: Students must have a valid student visa to be admitted. They must also provide proof of financial support to cover both tuition fees and living expenses for pharmacy courses in Australia.
Suggested reading: Best Medical Universities in Australia, Cost of Medical Studies in Australia, Scholarships to Study Medicine in Australia for International Students, Admission and Eligibility for Medical Studies in Australia, Job Opportunities After Medical Studies in Australia, Study Dentistry in Australia
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the master of pharmacy program in Australia can pursue careers in various settings, including community pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, research institutions, and regulatory bodies in the following roles.
- Community pharmacist
- Primary care pharmacist
- Hospital pharmacist
- Retail pharmacist
- Compounding pharmacist
- Clinical trials pharmacist
- Research
- Regulatory affairs
- Manufacturing and quality control
- Industry sales
- Marketing
- Pharmacologist
However, to practice as a pharmacist in Australia, graduates must pass the Pharmacy Board of Australia’s registration exam and meet their registration standards (one-year internship) to be eligible for general registration. Once, registered, graduates are eligible to practice as pharmacists in the country. The average salary of a pharmacist in Australia is AU $94,132 per year (Indeed).
Conclusion
In concluding our journey to the master of pharmacy in Australia, we discussed the prestigious universities that are leaders in the field of pharmaceutical education in the country. Their master of pharmacy degree is more than simply a credential; it’s a life-changing opportunity that gives you the abilities and know-how to improve healthcare significantly. Regardless of your professional goals, the groundwork these elite universities provide will surely be crucial to your success in the future. Remember, every institution has its areas of expertise, whether it’s emphasizing innovative research, international industrial collaborations, etc. If you need help finding the ideal fit for your academic and professional goals in this diversified landscape, then check out Gyanberry. Get in touch with our admission counselors by booking a free video appointment.
