Master’s in Pharmacy in Canada: Top Universities, Course Fees, Eligibility, and Job Prospects

The field of pharmacy has witnessed immense growth in the past decade, owing to which the requirement of skilled experts for developing and designing medical therapy has also seen a surge. Therefore, a two-year Master's in Pharmacy program presents an excellent opportunity to leverage your competence and put your career in fast-track mode. The course is well-suited for experienced pharmacists and students who aspire to further their skills and learning. It prepares them to assume leadership roles in the healthcare sector and play an integral part in preparing and distributing pharmaceutical drugs.

Canada is the right choice for an MS in Pharmacy for international students. Universities in the country have strong academic reputations, research opportunities, and a welcoming environment for international students.

Why Study Master’s in Pharmacy in Canada?

Advanced studies in Pharmacy are popular among the international student community. Cited below are some reasons why they choose to pursue a Master’s in Pharmacy in Canada:

• Students completing an MS in Pharmacy at a Canadian university will likely find suitable job roles in the pharmaceutical industry quickly.

• International students applying for the program can avail of scholarships that offer financial aid for the course.

• Canadian universities are known for their high academic standards and exemplary infrastructure facilities that attract students from all parts of the world.

• The Canadian healthcare sector is short of skilled pharmacists in relation to the demand for these professionals. An Pharm in Canada for students will help provide for this shortage.

Pharmacy Courses in Canada for International Students

A Master’s in Pharmacy at a Canadian university is a two-year full-time postgraduate course designed to help students gain advanced learning skills in the preparation and disbursement of prescription drugs. Some of the core areas covered as part of Pharmacy courses in Canada include:

• Medicinal Chemistry

• Pharmacy Education

• Geriatrics and Aging

• Advanced Pharmacokinetics

• Drug Development

• Health Services Design

• Chronic Disease Management

Besides the Master’s in Pharmacy degree, there are several other Pharmacy courses in Canada after Graduation for international students. A few examples include:

• MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences

• MSc in Pharmacy

• Postgraduate Certificate in Cannabis Applied Science

Cost of Studying M.Pharm in Canada for Indian Students

The average M.Pharm fees in Canada will likely range between 20,000 and 60,000 CAD per annum (varies between different universities; Source: https://collegedunia.com/canada/article/masters-in-pharmacy-in-canada-top-universities-eligibility-course-fees-admissions-and-scope ).

Note that this fee includes only the tuition expense for the program and is exclusive of the cost of living in Canada , which consists of an estimate of rent on accommodation, food, local sightseeing/travel, and other miscellaneous expenditure during your educational stay in the country.

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements to Study Master of Pharmacy in Canada

International applicants for MS in Pharmacy courses in Canada must complete the minimum requirements for admission into a university of their choice. Different universities usually have different sets of criteria for the admission process. It is a good idea to have a fair understanding of some of the common requirements, such as:

• A Bachelor of Pharmacy from a recognised university either in Canada or from the applicant’s home country (in the case of international students) equivalent to the Canadian academic standards

• A scorecard for the IELTS qualifying score, which is generally in the range of 6.5-7.0

• Professional experience in a related and relevant work area in addition to completing a pharmacy residency course at the applied university

Visa Requirements for Indian Students to Study in Canada

In addition to fulfilling some or all of the above-defined eligibility requirements for admission to the Master’s in Pharmacy course in Canada, international students must adhere to certain additional criteria for obtaining a Canada student visa . These requirements are standard and defined for all Indian students applying to Canadian universities. Some of the commonly acceptable Canada student visa requirements are outlined below:

• Official transcripts of all academic certificates held so far for all the institutions studied

• A valid passport legible for travel to Canada

• Proof of prior work experience (if applicable)

• Letter of Acceptance from a DLI in Canada

• Proof of no criminal history of the applicant

• Proof of receipt of tuition fee payment for the first academic year at the applied university

• Complete medical checkup report as proof of good health suitable for international travel

• Recent photographs of the applicant (passport size)

Top Universities / Colleges for Pharmacy Master’s in Canada

Choosing which university to study abroad is critical for any international student. To simplify your decision, listed below are some of the top Pharmacy colleges in Canada that rank well in global university rankings.

Source: https://www.idp.com/global/search/all-pharmacy/postgraduate/canada/?q=:popularity:studySector:Postgraduate:destination:Canada&page=1

https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2023/world-ranking#!/page/0/length/25/locations/CAN/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats

Scholarships to Study MS in Pharmacy in Canada

The universities in Canada are quite affordable; however, a little financial assistance from the government or the applied university does not hurt. On the contrary, it helps the student apply with more confidence. Some of the most coveted Canadian scholarships for Indian students include the following:

• Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship & Thesis/Course-based Master’s Recruitment Scholarship - University of Alberta

• Ontario Graduate Scholarship & Ontario Trillium Scholarship - University of Toronto

• University Dean’s Scholarship - University of Saskatchewan

• Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarships

• Ontario Graduate Scholarship-Ontario Trillium Scholarship International Master’s Award of Excellence - University of Waterloo

• University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship

Career Prospects in Canada After Pursuing Master’s in Pharmacy

Upon completing the Master's program in Pharmacy from a Canadian university, you can join any organisation or assume a job role of your choice. The MS course opens up ample opportunities for you to consider in the pharma sector. A few examples are:

• Clinical Research Associate

• Educator in Pharmacy

• Consultant Pharmacist

• Pharmaceutical Chemist

In addition, you can always consider pursuing a Ph.D. in Pharmacy after completing the Master's program. Moreover, the Canadian work permit allows international students to work in Canada for up to 20 hours a week along with their studies.

The average M.Pharm salary in Canada for graduates starts at CAD 83,772 per annum at the entry level. With the gain in experience, pharmacists are likely to make up to CAD 124,280 per annum too.

FAQs

1. Is an M.Pharm degree from Canada valid in India?
   Yes, an M.Pharm secured from an accredited Canadian university holds validity and recognition in India.

2. Can Indian students practice Pharmacy in Canada after completing a Master’s in Pharmacy?
   Yes, international students may be entitled to practice as a pharmacist in Canada after completing their MS program in Pharmacy from a recognised university in Canada. However, all international students must first qualify in an examination held by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada or PEBC.

3. What is the required IELTS score for an MS in Pharmacy in Canada?
   International applicants interested in applying for a Master's course in Pharmacy in Canada must qualify for IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 or higher.

4. Can Indian students get PR in Canada after pursuing M.Pharm?
   Yes, the Canadian government allows international students to apply for Permanent Residency in Canada while pursuing their Master’s studies in Pharma or after the course completion.

5. What is the average acceptance rate for a Master’s of Pharmacy in Canada?
   On average, Canadian universities have a 70-80% acceptance rate for international students applying for Master's programs.

6. What is the difference between PharmD and M.Pharm in Canada?
   PharmD or Doctor of Pharmacy is a Ph.D. degree in the field. The course graduates must only work in hospitals and serve patients, not in the pharmaceutical sector. M.Pharm or Master's in Pharmacy graduates, on the other hand, are authorised to work in the pharma industry, responsible for preparing and dispensing medicinal drugs to the common public.

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