Are you passionate about the world of pharmaceuticals? Then a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy would be a good start. A bachelor of pharmacy in Australia might just be the key to unlocking a myriad of professional and personal opportunities. Australia, with its world-renowned education system, cutting-edge research, and vibrant multicultural environment, provides an ideal setting for aspiring pharmacists to flourish. Australian Pharmacy Council accredits pharmacy courses by Australian universities. The council has set 38 criteria in the accreditation standards that these universities must meet to be eligible for accreditation. The Pharmacy Board of Australia then approves these programs. Monash University, the University of Sydney, the University of Queensland, the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), and Curtin University are some of the most prestigious and highly-ranked universities for their bachelor of pharmacy courses in the country.
Overview: Bachelor of Pharmacy in Australia
| Number of universities | ~20 (source: Australian Pharmacy Council) |
| Course level | Undergraduate and combined (bachelor’s and master’s) |
| Duration | 4-6 years |
| Degree awarded | Bachelor of Pharmacy and Bachelor of Pharmacy/Master of Pharmacy |
| Annual tuition fees for international students | AU $38,000 to 56,000 |
Why Study for a Bachelor 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 Bachelor 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 (APC), 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 bachelor of pharmacy in Australia provides opportunities for students to build international networks and collaborate with professionals from around the world.
Top Bachelor of Pharmacy Universities in Australia
| University Name | QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023: Pharmacy & Pharmacology |
| Monash University | 2 |
| The University of Sydney | 16 |
| The University of Queensland | 23 |
| The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) | 63 |
| Curtin University | 101-150 |
Best Bachelor of Pharmacy Universities in Australia
Monash University
It is one of the largest universities in Australia and is a member of the Group of Eight universities renowned for their research-intensive academic programs. Monash University was founded in 1961 as the first university in Victoria. The main campus, Clayton has over 26,000 students. The university also has international campuses in Malaysia, India, Indonesia, China, and Italy. Monash University has 10 faculties including teaching departments and research centers.
It is ranked #2 in the world and #1 in Australia in the QS World University Rankings 2023 in Pharmacy and Pharmacology. It offers two courses: Pharmacy Bachelor degree (honors) and Pharmacy Bachelor degree/Master degree. The latter is a combined degree course, where the student graduates with a master’s as well as a bachelor’s. Students with a relevant science-based bachelor’s degree can apply for accelerated entry into the third year of the Pharmacy Bachelor degree/Master degree (graduate entry).
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Pharmacy Bachelor degree (honors) | 4 years | AU $52,500 |
| Pharmacy
Bachelor degree/Master degree |
5 years | AU $52,500 |
The University of Sydney
The University of Sydney was founded in 1850 in Sydney, Australia. It is one of the top public universities in Australia and is highly ranked among the best universities in the world. It is a member of the Group of Eight universities. The eight faculties of the university offer the widest range of academic programs of any university in Australia.
The University of Sydney delivers a vertically integrated coursework degree in pharmacy with both bachelor’s and master’s components combined into one. The graduate component of the degree requires the completion of supervised practice hours which are counted toward the 1,824 hours of internship as required by the Pharmacy Board of Australia for registration.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honors) / Master of Pharmacy Practice | 5 years | AU $56,000 |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy and Management (Honors) / Master of Pharmacy Practice | 6 years | AU $56,000 |
The University of Queensland
Established in 1909, the University of Queensland is a public research university located in Brisbane. It is ranked in the top 50 universities in the world. The University of Queensland has 6 faculties, 8 globally recognized research institutes, and over 100 centers renowned for their academic excellence. The university offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including science, engineering, business, health sciences, humanities, and more. It has several campuses based all over the country.
The Faculty of Health & Behavioral Sciences at the University of Queensland is popular for its Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honors) course. The course focuses on building a solid foundation in subjects such as chemistry, biology, physiology, anatomy, and pharmacy practice starting in their first year. Additionally, the curriculum offers six integrated study tracks, including dosage form design, drug discovery, biological fate of medications, social and professional aspects of pharmacy, and data analysis in pharmacy. Additionally, students can choose to complete a brief research project in a community or hospital pharmacy.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honors) (BPharm(Hons)) | 4 years | AU $51,200 |
The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
The University of New South Wales was established in 1949 as a leading Australian public research university located in Sydney, New South Wales. It is one of the founding members of the Group of Eight universities in the country. UNSW Sydney has its main campus in New South Wales and additional campuses like the Paddington Campus (College of Fine Arts), Randwick (UNSW Medicine campus), and a CBD campus. The university has 6 faculties and several schools that offer a multi-disciplinary approach to research and learning.
The UNSW Sydney’s Faculty of Medicine and Health delivers a Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Medicine/Master of Pharmacy course as a combined degree. The program includes 40 courses and seven professional practice courses.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Medicine/Master of Pharmacy | 5 years | AU $48,450 |
Curtin University
The university is named after John Curtin, the Prime Minister of Australia, and is one of the largest universities in Western Australia. It was initially established in the 1900s as the Perth Technical School which later became Curtin University. It teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses to over 50,000 students. Curtin University received a five-star rating for overall experience in the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honors) from the Good Universities Guide (2024). In the first year, students will learn the fundamentals of biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacy practice. They will also study other healthcare subjects alongside students from other health science degrees. The course includes at least 10 weeks of clinical placements at community pharmacies and hospitals with national and international placement opportunities. Graduates also have to complete an internship of 1,824 hours to register as a pharmacist in the country.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honors) | 4 years | AU $38,146 |
Admission Requirements to Study Bachelor of Pharmacy in Australia
Minimum eligibility and entry requirements for international students
High school/undergraduate education: Applicants who have completed 12 years of schooling (up to high school education) are eligible to apply for a bachelor in pharmacy course in Australia. Biology, chemistry, mathematics, and/or physics are prerequisite subjects to be able to apply for admission. The diploma must be equivalent to Australian year 12 education or ATAR requirement.
English language proficiency: International students from non-English speaking countries must submit English proficiency test scores. Accepted test scores are IELTS (Academic): 6.0, 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 in pharmacy will be well-positioned to work in a variety of settings, such as community or hospital pharmacies, the pharmaceutical sector, governmental organizations, or academic research and teaching. Some typical job roles for a pharmacist include
- 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
Australian universities are globally recognized for their high academic standards. Pursuing a bachelor of pharmacy in Australia means immersing yourself in a comprehensive curriculum that is aligned with international standards. The emphasis on practical skills and hands-on experience ensures that you graduate well-prepared for the dynamic field of pharmacy. The Australian Pharmacy Council meticulously accredits pharmacy programs, assuring students of a curriculum that meets the highest standards. Graduating from an accredited program not only enhances your credibility within Australia but also opens doors to global career opportunities. If you are considering pursuing a bachelor of pharmacy in Australia, check out the OneApply platform by Gyanberry. This one-stop platform will help you apply to multiple universities to increase your chances of admission. To know more about it, get in touch with our admission counselors by booking a free video appointment.
