New Zealand has quickly become an attractive destination for international students who want to pursue quality medical education, and pharmacy is no different. New Zealand has a high-quality education system that is recognized internationally. The best universities to study pharmacy in New Zealand offer a range of courses and qualifications that meet the standards of the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand. New Zealand also has a supportive and inclusive culture that welcomes students from different backgrounds and cultures. According to Education New Zealand, the number of international students studying pharmacy in New Zealand increased by 25% from 2018 to 2019, reaching 1,035. This reflects the growing demand for pharmacy education and the reputation of New Zealand as a preferred study destination. International students who study pharmacy in New Zealand benefit from exposure to different healthcare settings and practices, the opportunity to learn from experienced and qualified pharmacists, and the chance to develop their intercultural and communication skills.
Pharmacy is also a diverse field that offers many opportunities for career development and specialization. The pharmacy sector in New Zealand is also booming, with many opportunities for pharmacists to work in various settings, such as community pharmacies, hospitals, GP practices, hospices, etc. The demand for pharmacists is expected to grow as the population ages and the need for medicines and health services increases.
As such, there has never been a better time to study pharmacy in New Zealand. Whether you are interested in becoming a pharmacist, advancing your career, or pursuing further research, New Zealand offers a range of options and pathways to suit your goals and aspirations. In this article, we will look at some of the best pharmacy programs in New Zealand.
Overview of Pharmacy in New Zealand
| No of Programs | 3 |
| No of Universities | 2 |
| Degrees Awarded | Bachelor of Pharmacy, Master of Clinical Pharmacy |
| Duration of Study | Undergraduate: 4 years, Post-graduate: 2 years. |
| Tuition Fees (2023/24) | 40,000-50,000 NZD |
Why Study Pharmacy in New Zealand?
Quality Education: New Zealand’s universities offer reputable pharmacy programs known for their high academic standards.
Regulated Healthcare System: The country’s well-regulated healthcare system provides valuable clinical exposure and practical experience for pharmacy students.
International Recognition: A pharmacy degree from New Zealand is internationally recognized, offering opportunities for a global career in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.
Research Opportunities: New Zealand’s universities often provide research opportunities in pharmaceutical sciences, contributing to advancements in the field.
Clinical Placements: Pharmacy students benefit from extensive clinical placements, gaining practical skills in real healthcare settings.
Work Opportunities: New Zealand allows international students to work part-time during the academic year and full-time during scheduled breaks, providing opportunities to gain practical work experience and offset living expenses.
Post-Study Work Options: After completing their studies, international students may be eligible for post-study work visas, allowing them to work in New Zealand and gain additional practical experience.
Top Universities to Study Pharmacy in New Zealand
University of Otago
The University of Otago is the oldest university in New Zealand, founded in 1869 in Dunedin, a city known for its Scottish heritage and student culture. The university has a reputation for excellence in research and teaching and ranks among the top 250 universities in the world according to the QS World University Rankings. The university has about 20,000 students, representing more than 100 nations, and offers a wide range of courses in four divisions: health sciences, sciences, humanities, and business. The School of Pharmacy at the University of Otago is the most innovative pharmacy school in New Zealand and one of the leading pharmacy schools in the world. The school offers a four-year Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) degree, which is the entry qualification for practicing as a pharmacist in New Zealand. The BPharm degree is a broad-based program that covers the physical, biological, social, and health sciences, as well as the practice, legal, and ethical aspects of pharmacy5. The school also offers postgraduate programs in clinical pharmacy, medicines optimization, and pharmacist prescribing, as well as research degrees at the master’s and doctoral levels6. The school has a strong focus on person-centered care, interprofessional education, and experiential learning, and provides students with opportunities to learn in different types of pharmacy environments alongside practicing pharmacists.
| Program Name | Duration of Study | Tuition Fees (2023/24) |
| Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science | 3 years | 39,609 NZD |
| Master of Clinical Pharmacy | 18 months | 23,777 NZD |
Admission Requirements
BPharmSc:
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Applicants must complete the Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) program at Otago, which is a common first year for all health science degrees. There are no subject requirements for entry into HSFY, but it is strongly recommended that applicants take chemistry, physics, and biology to Year 13
- Applicants must provide evidence of their English proficiency, with tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or other approved tests. The minimum IELTS score required for pharmacy is 7.0 overall, with no band less than 6.5. The minimum TOEFL score required for pharmacy is 100 overall, with a minimum of 22 in writing and 20 in the other sections.
- Academic Transcripts
- A personal statement of no more than 500 words
- Two reference letters from people who can comment on the applicant’s academic ability, personal qualities, and potential as a pharmacist. One referee must be an academic staff member from HSFY or another tertiary institution, and the other referee must be a pharmacist or another health professional.
MClinPharm:
- Applicants must hold the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy or have an equivalent qualification or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences).
- Applicants must be registered for practice as a pharmacist in their country of residence.
- Applicants must meet the English language requirements, which are IELTS, with a minimum score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0) TOEFL iBT: A minimum score of 95 with a writing score of 22.
- A certified copy of their academic transcript and degree certificate
- A curriculum vitae (CV) outlining the applicant’s relevant work experience and achievements A personal statement explaining their motivation and goals for pursuing the MClinPharm program
- Two academic or professional references
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University of Auckland
The University of Auckland is the largest and most comprehensive university in New Zealand, with over 40,000 students and 13,000 staff. It was founded in 1883 as a constituent college of the University of New Zealand and became an independent university in 1961. The University of Auckland is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world by QS World University Rankings and has a strong reputation for excellence in research, teaching, and innovation. The University offers a wide range of programs and courses across eight faculties and two large-scale research institutes. The Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) is a four-year degree that prepares students for a career in pharmacy, a vital health profession that supports the health of people and communities through better medicines and usage. The BPharm is developed in consultation with leading New Zealand pharmacists and reflects the needs of contemporary and future pharmacy practice. It incorporates aspects such as drug development, patient use, and the optimization of pharmacists’ patient care through interaction with other health professionals. The BPharm also includes a series of practice placements in various clinical settings and a dissertation in the final year. The BPharm is a limited entry program, with 100 places available each year. Applicants are selected based on academic merit and personal qualities exhibited during the admission interview. After graduation, students must complete a year-long pre-registration training program to become registered pharmacists.
| Program Name | Duration of Study | Tuition Fees (2023/24) |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy | 4 years | 50,564 NZD |
Admission Requirements
- Entry into BPharm is limited and competitive. There are 100 places available each year. Applicants are selected based on academic merit and personal qualities exhibited during the admission interview (MMI).
- There are two application categories for entry into the BPharm: First Year entry and Alternative Admission entry.
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- To apply for the BPharm as a first-year student, applicants must complete the first year of the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) or the Bachelor of Science (BSc) at the University of Auckland.
- To apply for the BPharm as an Alternative Admission student, you must have completed a minimum of two years of full-time study in a relevant degree from a recognized university. The Applicant’s last year of full-time study must be no more than five years before the year of application.
- English language competency has to be demonstrated with tests such as IELTS (6.0) and TOEFL iBT (80).
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Career Opportunities for Pharmacy Graduates in New Zealand
Pharmacy is a diverse and rewarding profession that offers many options for graduates who want to make a difference in people’s health and well-being. Pharmacy graduates in New Zealand have a range of career opportunities in different settings, such as community pharmacies, hospitals, GP and hauora practices, hospices, and organizations. They can work as pharmacists, clinical pharmacists, dispensary technicians, or quality pharmacists, depending on their qualifications and experience. Furthermore, pharmacy graduates can also pursue further education or research in pharmacy-related fields, such as pharmacology, pharmacotherapy, pharmaceutics, or pharmacy practice, to enhance their knowledge and skills and advance their careers.
According to Careers New Zealand, the chances of getting a job as a pharmacist are good due to the increasing demand for their services. The average salary for qualified pharmacists is between 58,000 NZD and 86,000 NZD per year, while senior pharmacists who supervise staff can earn between 87,000 NZD and 119,000 NZD per year.
Conclusion
In conclusion, even though there are limited options, it can be an enriching decision to study pharmacy in New Zealand. Studying pharmacy in New Zealand can also expose students to the rich and diverse culture, history, and nature of the country, as well as its friendly and welcoming people. However, before making such a crucial choice, students should also explore the opportunities and challenges of pursuing pharmacy education in other countries as well such as Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, etc. Therefore, students should compare and contrast the various factors that affect their decision and select the best option that suits their goals and preferences. Studying pharmacy abroad can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it also requires careful planning and research. By making an informed decision, students can ensure that they get the most out of their pharmacy education and prepare themselves for a successful future in the field. For more information and guidance regarding the same, reach out to our admission experts at Gyanberry. Book your free video call appointment now!
