whatsapp

MS in Pharmacy in Canada: Everything You Need to Know

 

The two-year Masters in Pharmacy course in Canada involves the study of chemicals and biological systems in order to develop formulations for medicinal medications. A degree in pharmacy combines academic study, practical training, and expert pharmacy abilities.

A student pursuing a Master’s in Pharmacy will be able to find employment as soon as they graduate because pharmacy is one of the most in-demand majors in Canada. According to a poll conducted by the Canadian Pharmacists Association, the demand for pharmacy postgraduates is increasing since there is a shortage of qualified pharmacists (CphA). In specialties like pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacology, master’s degrees in pharmacy are available as MPharm or MS in Pharmacy degrees.

 

Why Study Masters in Pharmacy in Canada

An entry-level pharmacist usually makes roughly 33,000 USD per year.
According to reports, six Canadian colleges are among the top 600 universities worldwide. They have a good MS pharmacy ranking.
The number of pharmacists in Canada is expected to rise by 8% between 2016 and 2020. International graduates made up about 34% of the pharmacists who were on hand.

The majority of pharmacy students are retail pharmacists, according to %.
The aging Canadian population’s greatly increased medical needs have boosted the demand for postgraduate pharmacy students.

 

Top Pharmacy Universities and Courses in Canada

Some of the top-ranked Canadian universities offer master’s degrees in pharmacy. International applicants may choose to enroll in programs equivalent to the Canadian MS in pharmacy, such as the masters in pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences. A list of the institutions that offer a master’s program in pharmacy is shown below:

Country Ranking World Ranking University Course Fees/ year (USD)
1 25 University of Toronto MSc in Pharmaceutical science 39,926
5 119 University of Alberta MS in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical science 12,670
7 166 University of Waterloo MSc Pharmacy 11,300
16 458 University of Saskatchewan Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) 10,096
20 601 – 650 University of Manitoba MSC/PhD in Pharmacy 19,648
23 751 – 800 Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) MSC (Pharm) 7,248

 

Benefits of Pursuing Masters in Pharmacy in Canada

Canadian colleges are renowned for their constant offering of high-quality education. Very famous for their integrated education across the world. Canada also provides a variety of cultural experiences. People from varied ethnic and cultural backgrounds help to represent the nation.

 

Easy Migration

If you’re thinking about going into pharmacy, you should know that it’s going to soon rank among the most in-demand professions in Canada.

If you are a qualified foreign pharmacist, you must submit an application for immigration to Canada using one of these job titles.
Some of the job titles are

  1. Industry Pharmacist
  2. Retail Pharmacist
  3. Community Pharmacist
  4. Hospital Pharmacist
  5. Clinical Pharmacist

The Canadian Pharmacy Examining Board (PEBC) requires the second stage of validation of a pharmacist’s credentials before they can enter Canada.

 

Renowned Universities

Canada’s universities have a distinguished history and a superb reputation for academic achievement and excellent employment rates. Several Canadian institutions compete with those in the United Kingdom and the United States in terms of higher education facilities and services. But some of the best universities in Canada are

  1. University of Toronto
  2. University of Alberta
  3. McGill University
  4. University of British Columbia
  5. University of Montreal

 

Employment Opportunities

While studying in Canada, you are allowed to work part-time at any of the on- or off-campus positions. Students have the option to work 20 hours per week without requiring a work visa.

In Canada, it’s possible to get off-campus employment doing tasks like general labor, tutoring, or working in hostels. However, you won’t be able to apply for employment until after you’ve finished your studies. Jobs are more plentiful and better paying for international students.

 

Educational Openings

The main reason why so many students travel to Canada for higher education is the outstanding high-class education the country delivers each year. A Canadian degree certificate has equal worth as a degree certificate from the United States, Australia, or Europe because this education is highly respected worldwide.

Both the institution and the government offer considerable benefits to foreign students who come to Canada for higher education. Additionally, because academic fees and expenditures are reasonable in comparison to other countries, international students can acquire a quality and worthwhile education.

 

Campus Lifestyle

You’ll have lots of possibilities to travel the nation in addition to your studies. Canada’s students participate in a wide range of cultural activities as a result of the university hosting several events.

As a result, a setting is created where people from all backgrounds can interact. These occasions are equally important for easing any tension or worry related to school. Universities also provide a wide range of co-curricular activities to assist students in identifying their strengths and talents.

 

Course Details

Due to the need for specialized knowledge and training necessary to operate in the field of Pharmaceutical Sciences, a master’s in Canada dives deep into the foundations of pharmacy and various well as a variety of multidisciplinary subjects.

Policy analysis, health communication, rural pharmacy, technology in primary care, and many more issues are covered. Check out the list of topics below to have a better idea of what to expect from the course:

  1. Gene Therapy
  2. Advanced Pharmacokinetics
  3. Medicinal Chemistry
  4. Drug Development
  5. Principles and Practices in Systemic Treatments in Cancer
  6. Strategic Management of Biopharmaceutical Technology
  7. Applied health Economics and Pharmacoeconomics
  8. Management of chronic diseases

 

Admission and Eligibility

International applicants must submit extra paperwork, evidence of language ability, and study permission in order to study in Canada. The following information outlines the requirements and admissions procedure for a master’s in pharmacy in Canada:

  1. It is necessary to have a four-year Canadian degree with a minimum mid-B average from an accredited university and a BSc in a related discipline (as per Canadian standards).
  2. Bachelors in Pharmacy from a recognized university in the candidate’s home country.
  3. Both completion of a pharmacy residency program at a university and relevant pharmacy experience is required.
  4. A resume, a declaration of intent, two or three letters of recommendation, IELTS or TOEFL scores, and other materials are also required. Additionally, certain universities could require GRE scores.

 

Eligibility for Masters in Pharmacy in Canada

  1. A four-year bachelor’s degree in science in a suitable discipline.
  2. The required minimum GPA must be achieved.
  3. GRE test scores are not necessary for master’s applicants.

 

University-Specific Eligibility Criteria and Application Requirements

University GPA CV SOI/SOP LOR IELTS TOEFL
University of Toronto 77 – 79% Required Required 2 7.0 100
University of Alberta 78 – 81% Required Required 2 6.5 88
University of Waterloo 78% Required Not Required 2 7.0 90
University of Manitoba 78 – 81% Required Required 2 6.5 86
University of Saskatchewan 70% Required Not Required 2 6.5 86
MUN 75% Not Required Not Required 2 6.5 80

 

Cost of Studying MS in Pharmacy in Canada

Studying abroad is now more expensive due to a 4% increase in tuition costs for international students in Canada. The tuition costs for international applicants are roughly 13,500 USD. The following expenses are specific to international applicants:

 

Pre-arrival Costs

An applicant for a master’s program overseas must spend a certain amount of money on assessments, visa applications, insurance, travel, etc. The following table provides a rough estimate of these costs:

Types of Expenses Cost (USD)
Program Application Fees 90 – 112
Visa Application Fees 235
Health Insurance 10,000
IELTS Fees 185 – 190
TOEFL Fees 160 – 250
Airfare 450 – 1400

Tuition Fees is also included in expenses which are already shown above.

 

Cost of Living in Canada

In Canada, the cost of living covers things like lodging, food, transportation, and beverages. The list of expenses is shown below:

Types of Expenses Cost (USD)
Books and Material 756 – 1510
Transportation 600 – 1280
Food and Beverages 3000 – 4000
Accommodations 4500 – 10,500

 

Scholarship for MS in Pharmacy in Canada

Even though studying in Canada is less expensive than in the US or the UK, the rising cost of tuition for international students and other factors make it difficult for talented students who want to study there. The scholarships that are available to Canadian students seeking a master’s in pharmacy are listed below.

University Scholarship Amount (USD)
University of Toronto Ontario Graduate Scholarship Ontario Trillium Scholarship 11,280/Session 20,000/Session
University of Alberta University of Alberta Thesis/ Course based Masters recruitment Scholarship Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship 16,550 for first term only. 26,000/Year
University of Waterloo Ontario Graduate Scholarship Ontario Trillium Scholarship International Master’s Award of  Excellence  11,280/sessions 20,000/Sessions 1,800/Sessions
University of Manitoba University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship 10,500/ year
University of Saskatchewan University Dean’s Scholarship 13,500
MUN School of Graduate Studies Fellowship 3000 – 9000/year

 

Scope of Masters in Pharmacy in Canada

Every year, postgraduates in pharmacy are offered excellent salaries due to the shortage of qualified pharmacists in small areas and the rising demand for medical writers. Following are some of the top data science occupations and median earnings in Canada for a postgraduate pharmacy degree:

Job Role Median Salary (USD/year)
Regulatory Affairs Officer 43,388
QA/QC 58,000 – 60,000
Hospital Pharmacist 64,453
Community Pharmacist 95,550
Research Scientist 92,352
Process Development Scientist 144,651
Medical Sales Representative 90,000
Pharmacy Practice Assistant 253,216

For pharmacy graduates, Canada offers a wide range of employment prospects. Many of them are incorporated into sectors including biotechnology, retail, and the health and medical fields. A pharmacy postgraduate with entry-level experience typically makes 70,000 USD annually. Canadian colleges provide some of the greatest master’s in pharmacy programs in the entire globe.
Opportunities with a master’s in pharmacy are not just restricted to retail, biotechnology labs, or pharmacy. Candidates are also hired by universities, clinical research facilities, and other organizations for study on novel medications and interactions.

 

Job Prospects After MS in Pharmacy in Canada

Over the past few years, pharmacists’ average pay in Canada has increased, reflecting concurrently rising demand. Typical earnings range from USD 95,000 to USD 253,000 with experience and skills (roughly INR 71.25 lakh to INR 1.90 crore). Hospital pharmacists, medical sales representatives, community pharmacists, pharmacy practice assistants, regulatory affairs officers, research scientists, process development scientists, and pharmacy practice assistants are just a few of the job profiles. Each year, skilled graduates are employed in industries like biotechnology, retail, health care, and medicine. New positions are also being created in a variety of industries, including education and clinical research.

 

Visa Procedure

You can apply for a student visa either offline or online. If you choose the offline option, you will need to go to the closest visa application center in your city to submit your documents. If you select the online option, you must visit to give biometrics and submit all documentation online. You might then be contacted for a visa interview. The three months following the end of your course are covered by the Canadian study permit.

You must show evidence of your financial ability to support yourself for the whole course. You must be able to afford the required monthly minimum to attend school in Canada. A medical examination will also be required before you arrive.

 

Manya – The Princeton Review Advantage

Manya – The Princeton Review offers end-to-end study abroad services encompassing admissions consulting services, test preparation, English language training, career assessment, and international internship opportunities to study abroad aspirants. Founded in 2002, Manya holds an impeccable track record of enabling more than 4 lac students to accomplish their study abroad dreams through its network of 47+ centers across India.

Manya has formed long-lasting global alliances with several market leaders in the education industry in order to maximize the benefits of its large service portfolio. Their list of esteemed partners and affiliations includes – The Princeton Review (TPR), Cambridge University Press (CUP), Cogito Hub, British Council, Tuding to name a few. Manya has also forged 600+ partnerships with international universities across top study abroad destinations.

Sharing is caring:
Book your Free Counselling Session now!

FAQs

How long is a Masters in Pharmacy in Canada?

An MS in pharmacy program in Canada typically lasts two to three years. In comparison to many master’s programs in other fields, the framework of a typical master’s course in the nation differs slightly. Students can often choose between a non-thesis and thesis-based curriculum. This is the main distinction between these two programs.

What is the Salary of MPharm in Canada?

Pharmacists in Canada make an average of $91,661 a year ($47.01 an hour). The starting salary for entry-level positions is $84,541, while the highest-paid employees can make up to $106,592.

Which exam is required for MPharm in Canada?

A four-year bachelor’s degree in science is needed, preferably in a relevant field. A minimum GPA requirement must be attained. Standardized exam scores, like the GRE, are not necessary for master’s applicants.

Is Canada Good for Pharmacy?

The top universities in Canada, which are together rated #600 in the world, provide the highly desirable degree in Pharmaceutical & Pharmacy.

What is the Difference Between MS in Pharmacy and MSc in Pharmacy in Canada?

Canada offers two-year graduate programs in pharmacy for both the MS and MSc degrees. The only difference is in the terminology; the course modules are the same regardless of whether some colleges give MS degrees or MSc programs. In some regions, it is also referred to as MPharm.

Planning to study abroad?
Get free 1-on-1 counselling with our experts

Subscribe to this blog