The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is undoubtedly a great place to study medicine, pharmacy, and medical sciences. There are several top-ranked medical universities that offer degrees in Pharmacy. Many medical professionals have been immigrating to the UAE since the early 80s, and continue to do so till now. Pharmacy is an ever-evolving field that is crucial in the healthcare industry. As such UAE is a popular destination for students seeking to pursue their pharmacy education, especially with pharmacy graduates in such high demand across the field.
UAE offers students a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in pharmacy. However, choosing the right university can be daunting, given the variety of options available. In this article, we will delve into some of the top universities to study pharmacy in UAE, providing detailed insights about the best programs, application deadlines, annual fee structures, etc. Check out our guides to pharmacy programs in Europe, Canada, Ireland, and Cyprus.
Overview: Study Pharmacy in UAE
No of Universities | 5 + |
No of programs | 10+ |
Degrees Offered | BPharm, DPharm, MPharm, BSc, MSc etc |
Average Annual Tuition Fees | Bachelor’s: 45000 – 65000 AED
Master’s: 50000 – 85000 AED |
Why Study Pharmacy in the UAE?
High-Quality Education: UAE has a reputation for offering high-quality education, with many world-class universities, including those offering compelling pharmacy programs.
Growing demand: The demand for pharmacy professionals in UAE is increasing rapidly, with the government investing heavily in the healthcare sector. This has led to more job opportunities and attractive salaries for prospective students.
Multicultural environment: UAE is a cosmopolitan country with a diverse population, making it an excellent destination for students from different backgrounds. Studying pharmacy in a multicultural environment can broaden students’ horizons and expose them to different cultures and perspectives.
Advanced facilities: Most universities and colleges in UAE have state-of-the-art facilities, including well-equipped laboratories and research centers. This will provide you with hands-on training and research opportunities, giving you a competitive advantage in the job market.
Career opportunities: Graduates of pharmacy programs in UAE have a wide range of career options, including clinical pharmacy, research, academia, pharmaceuticals, and regulatory affairs. With the growing demand for pharmacy professionals, graduates are well-positioned to secure employment in various sectors.
Top Universities to Study Pharmacy in UAE
University Name | Programs Offered | Duration of Study | Application Deadline | Annual Tuition Fees (2023/24) |
University of Sharjah | Bachelor of Pharmacy | 5 years | 13 July 2023 | 61379 AED |
Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences | 2 – 4 years | 4 June 2023 | 65000 AED | |
Gulf Medical University | Bachelor of Pharmacy | 4 – 5 years | August 2023 | 63000 AED |
Master in Clinical Pharmacy | 2 years | 66150 AED | ||
Ajman University | Bachelor of Pharmacy | 4 – 5 years | June 2023 | 67725 AED |
Master of Science in Clinical Pharmacy | 2 years | 84375 AED | ||
Dubai College of Pharmacy for girls | Bachelor of Pharmacy | 6 years | September 2023 | 45000 AED |
MSc Clinical Pharmacy | 2 years | 50000 AED | ||
RAK Medical and Health Sciences University | BSc in Pharmacy | 4 – 5 years | 31 July 2023 | 61750 AED |
MSc in Clinical Pharmacy | 2 years | 75000 AED |
Admission Requirements to Study Pharmacy in UAE
Bachelor of Pharmacy
- Completion certificate for Higher secondary education with a good academic record, somewhere around 60 -70 percent in grade 12 or equivalent examination.
- English language proficiency certification in a test like IELTS (6.5) or TOEFL iBT (80)
- Some universities require subjects like chemistry, biology, and mathematics at the grade 12 level.
- Additional requirements might include Letters of recommendation, entrance tests, etc.
Master in Clinical Pharmacy
- Completed Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from a recognized institution with a minimum CGPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- English language proficiency certification in a test like IELTS (6.5) or TOEFL iBT (80)
- Some universities require relevant work experience in the field of pharmacy or clinical pharmacy.
- Additional requirements might include letters of recommendation, interviews, resumes, or CVs.
Cost of Studying Pharmacy in UAE
Studying pharmacy in the UAE involves expenditure at various levels from immigration, transportation, tuition, living costs, etc. As such, pursuing a pharmacy program in the UAE depends on various factors such as institution type, program type, duration, etc.
However, on average, for most BPharm programs, the cost ranges from 45000 – 65000 AED, whereas a master’s degree in clinical pharmacy costs around 50000 to 85000 AED. Although these costs can be steep, the quality of education offered in UAE as well as the numerous scholarships available for international students makes up for it. The cost of living for international students in the UAE, on the other hand, can range from AED 25,000 to AED 50,000 per year, depending on the location and lifestyle.
Here is a breakdown of some of the basic monthly expenses in the UAE:
Expense Type | Monthly expense |
Accommodation | 1,500 – 3,500 AED |
Food | 500 – 1,000 AED |
Transportation | 250 – 350 AED |
Misc. | 100 – 150 AED |
Career Opportunities for Pharmacy Graduates in UAE
With a growing and evolving healthcare industry in the UAE, there is a high demand for skilled pharmacy professionals who can provide expert advice regarding pharmaceutical development and dissemination. Pharmacy graduates in the UAE have a wide range of career opportunities available to them, including working in community and hospital pharmacies, the pharmaceutical industry, academia, government organizations, medical writing, etc.
The average salary for pharmacy graduates in UAE can vary depending on factors such as the job role, level of experience, and employer. According to salary data from GulfTalent, the average salary for a pharmacist in UAE is around AED 85,000 per year, while the average salary for a clinical pharmacist is around AED 120,000 per year. However, salaries usually range from AED 50,000 to AED 200,000 or more depending on the above-mentioned factors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many reasons to study in UAE, making it an excellent destination for students seeking to pursue their pharmacy education. With a range of accredited universities and colleges, students can choose from various undergraduate and postgraduate programs that cater to their interests and career aspirations. Studying pharmacy in UAE offers students a unique opportunity to receive a high-quality education in a multicultural environment, gain hands-on experience, and access a range of career opportunities in a growing sector. While there are many options available in the UAE, it is important to carefully consider your priorities and calibrate your career plan accordingly. For more help regarding admissions and program details, do not hesitate to contact our admission experts at Gyanberry.