149 Masters Programs in Pharmacy - Universities, Deadlines, Eligibility & Fees

Master's in pharmacy abroad is a 1–2 year program for students from pharmacy, life sciences, or biotechnology backgrounds who want to advance into global pharmaceutical roles. It focuses on areas like pharmaceutical sciencesclinical research, and drug regulation—helping students build specialised skills beyond the undergraduate level. 

In 2025, the United States is expected to generate the highest pharmacy revenue globally, reaching USD 403.08 billion, driven by demand for online and advanced healthcare solutions. The top countries for Master's in pharmacy include the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany. 

This page covers best pharmacy universities abroad, curriculum, eligibility, and global career options.

Read: Explore top international courses related to pharmacy and medicine:

Master's in Pharmacy in USA

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Medical Courses Abroad

Pharmacist roles are set to grow by 5% between 2023 and 2033, keeping pace with most other careers. Around 14,200 positions will open each year as older professionals retire or move on.

Highlights of Master's in Pharmacy Abroad 

Feature Details
Program Duration 1–2 years full-time
Common Backgrounds B.Pharm, BSc in Chemistry, Biology, or Biotechnology
Top Specializations Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Drug Discovery, Regulatory Sciences
Admission Exams (if required) GRE (mostly USA), IELTS/TOEFL (for English proficiency)
Popular Countries USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia
Estimated Tuition Fees ₹15–40 lakhs per year
Career Scope Pharmaceutical companies, research labs, hospitals, regulatory agencies
Post-Study Visa Options 2–3 year Graduate Visa/PGWP in most countries

Suggested Read: Need a wider view of course options in the field?
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MPharm Abroad

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Course Curriculum of Master’s in Pharmacy Abroad

Top pharmacy postgraduate programs abroad offer a balance of advanced theoretical knowledge and applied pharmaceutical science. The curriculum of of Master’s in Pharmacy abroad is built to prepare students for regulatory roles, research, and clinical practice. Most programs require a research project or thesis in the final semester.

Core Subjects Covered in Master’s in Pharmacy Abroad:

Key Area Topics Included
Pharmacokinetics Drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination
Pharmacology Drug action mechanisms, therapeutic use, side effects
Pharmaceutics Formulation, drug delivery systems, dosage forms
Quality Assurance GMP standards, regulatory guidelines, quality control processes
Clinical Pharmacy Patient care, drug interactions, clinical decision-making

Intakes for Master’s in Pharmacy Abroad

Application timelines for Master’s in pharmaceutical sciences abroad vary by country. Most universities abroad accept students once or twice a year, depending on course structure and lab intake limits. Indian students should apply at least 8–10 months in advance to meet visa and scholarship deadlines.

Country Main Intakes
USA August/September (Fall)
UK September; some in January
Canada September; limited January
Germany October; some April
Australia February, July (Semester 1 & 2)

Also see: Interested in studying in the UK? Start here.
Pharmacy Courses in UK

Top Countries to Study Master’s in Pharmacy Abroad

Planning to pursue a Master’s in pharmacy abroad? Each country offers a different route to becoming a licensed pharmacist or pharmaceutical professional.

  • USA: Offers MS in pharmaceutical sciences with research-heavy tracks. Programs often require GRE and follow strict licensing via NABP and NAPLEX. OPT allows up to 3 years of work post-study.
  • UK: Best for clinical pharmacy and regulatory training. Programs meet General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) standards, allowing pathway to registration. Graduate Route Visa offers a 2-year stay-back option.
  • Canada: Demand in hospital and community pharmacy. International students need PEBC certification to practice. Pharmacy postgraduate programs abroad in Canada also include co-op terms for real-world training.
  • Australia: Focuses on clinical and hospital pharmacy. Indian BPharm holders may need to complete a bridging program and register with AHPRA. PSW visa allows up to 3 years for full-time work.
  • Germany: Offers low-cost or public-funded Master’s in pharmacology abroad. Emphasis on industrial pharmacy, drug development, and biotech. Most roles require German language proficiency for licensure.

These destinations are worth shortlisting for Master’s in Pharmacy Abroad in 2025.

Top Universities for Master’s in Pharmacy Abroad

The best pharmacy universities abroad consistently appear in global rankings for medical and pharmaceutical sciences. Over 400 global institutions were ranked this year, with leading representation from the US, UK, Australia, and Canada.

Best Universities for Master’s in Pharmacy Abroad

University (Location) QS Pharmacy & Pharmacology Rank 2025 Estimated Annual Tuition (INR)
Harvard University (USA) 1 ₹60–65 lakhs
University of Oxford (UK) 2 ₹45–52 lakhs
UCL (UK) 3 ₹35–42 lakhs
Monash University (Australia) 4 ₹30–38 lakhs
Johns Hopkins University (USA) 5 ₹60–70 lakhs
University of Cambridge (UK) 6 ₹50–55 lakhs
University of California, San Diego (USA) 7 ₹40–50 lakhs
National University of Singapore (NUS) 8 ₹28–35 lakhs
University of Toronto (Canada) 9 ₹32–40 lakhs
Karolinska Institutet (Sweden) 10 ₹12–18 lakhs (public university)

Tuition is approximate and may vary by intake, scholarship, or program type (research vs. clinical).

These universities offer degrees such as MS in Pharmacy AbroadMaster’s in Pharmacology, and MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences, designed for Indian students looking to advance in R&D, regulatory affairs, and global pharma practice.

Eligibility for Master’s in Pharmacy Abroad

To apply for a Master's in pharmacy abroad, Indian students must hold a recognized 4-year BPharm or equivalent degree. Entry requirements differ by country, especially for programs involving clinical rotations. Here's a summary of what most pharmacy postgraduate programs abroad expect:

Eligibility Criteria for MS in Pharmacy Abroad

Requirement Details
Academic Background BPharm, BSc in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, or related fields
Minimum GPA or Score First class (60–70%+); GPA of 3.0/4.0 (USA)
English Proficiency IELTS 6.5–7.0 / TOEFL iBT 90–100 (varies by country)
Entrance Tests (if any) GRE required by many US universities; waived in other countries
Clinical Practice Add-ons For MSc Clinical Pharmacy, some programs ask for prior internship/licensure

Some top pharmacy universities abroad may also prefer students with industry experience, especially for regulatory or clinical science tracks.

Check this out: Most pharmacy programs require English proficiency.
IELTS Overview

Admission Steps for Master’s in Pharmacy Abroad

Top universities abroad follow a multi-step admission process for MS in pharmacy programs. Applicants must prepare academic transcripts, a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP), 1–2 Letters of Recommendation (LORs), and proof of English proficiency. Some also require GRE scores and interviews—especially in the USA and Canada.

Application Process for Pharmacy Master’s Abroad

Step Action Item
1. Shortlist Universities Select 4–6 top universities for pharmacy based on fees, research, and location
2. Check Entry Criteria Review GPA, language test needs, and GRE (for US programs)
3. Prepare SOP and Resume Focus on pharmacy interests, clinical exposure, long-term career goals
4. Gather LORs Two references—preferably academic or professional in pharmaceutical fields
5. Apply Online Use portals like UCAS (UK), ApplyWeb (US), or direct university applications
6. Attend Interview (if any) Some UK, Canadian, or German programs require video or panel interviews
7. Track Offers and Deadlines Accept offer and apply for visa 4–6 months before course start

Apply early—especially for clinical programs or when targeting top countries for Master’s in pharmacy like the USA, UK, and Canada. Many scholarships are tied to early admissions.

Suggested Read: Writing your LOR or SOP? Start with these formats:
Letter of Recommendation Format
Statement of Purpose Format

Scholarships for Master's in Pharmacy Abroad

Funding options for pharmacy postgraduate programs abroad include government-funded awards, university merit scholarships, and pharma-industry grants. 

Top scholarships like Chevening (UK), Fulbright (USA), DAAD (Germany), and Erasmus Mundus (EU) support Indian students pursuing a Master's in pharmaceutical sciences abroad. Many require a GPA above 3.5/4 or First Class scores and an early application.

Popular Scholarships for Indian Students in MS Pharmacy Abroad

Scholarship Name (Country) Coverage
Chevening (UK) Full tuition + living costs
Fulbright-Nehru (USA) Tuition + monthly stipend
DAAD PG Scholarships (Germany) Tuition + €861/month (₹78K)
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree Tuition + travel + stipend
University/Departmental Grants Partial fee waivers

Check university deadlines—funding applications often close 3–6 months before the admission round.

Also read: Still comparing healthcare paths? This is a helpful one.
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Jobs and Salary After Master's in Pharmacy Abroad

Graduates of a Master's in pharmacy abroad can pursue high-impact roles across clinical practice, pharmaceutical R&D, regulatory science, and drug safety monitoring

Career Roles After MS in Pharmacy Abroad

Job Role Key Work Areas
Clinical Pharmacist Dispensing, patient counseling, hospital pharmacy services
Regulatory Affairs Manager Compliance, product registration, documentation
QA/QC Analyst Laboratory quality control, GMP audits, documentation
Pharmacovigilance Officer Drug safety monitoring, adverse event reporting
R&D Associate Formulation development, drug testing, innovation research

Country-Wise Average Salary After Master's in Pharmacy Abroad

Country Average Salary (INR/year) Licensing Required for Clinical Roles
USA ₹60–80 lakhs Yes – NABP/NAPLEX
UK ₹40–60 lakhs Yes – GPhC Registration
Canada ₹45–65 lakhs Yes – PEBC Certification
Australia ₹40–55 lakhs Yes – AHPRA Registration
Germany ₹35–50 lakhs Often not required for industrial roles

Pharmacy postgraduates also move into non-clinical roles—especially in QA, regulatory affairs, and pharmacovigilance—where licensing may not be mandatory. These tracks are ideal for students who want to avoid lengthy exams and still build strong global careers.

Check this out: Wondering what your future job might look like?
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Cost of Studying Master’s in Pharmacy Abroad

The total cost of studying a Master’s in pharmacy abroad can range between ₹25 lakhs to ₹50 lakhs per year, depending on the country, university type, and specialization. This includes tuition fees, research and lab expenses, student health insurance, travel, visa costs, and accommodation.

Estimated Annual Cost for Indian Students – MS in Pharmacy Abroad

Country Tuition Fees (INR) Living + Other Costs (INR)
USA ₹30–45 lakhs ₹11–16 lakhs
UK ₹22–35 lakhs ₹10–15 lakhs
Canada ₹20–30 lakhs ₹9–13 lakhs
Australia ₹22–32 lakhs ₹10–14 lakhs
Germany ₹0–3 lakhs (public) ₹8–10 lakhs

These costs include lab materials (₹40K–₹80K), licensing exam fees (if applicable), and student insurance (₹40K–₹70K). Students pursuing thesis-based or clinical modules may also pay higher university-affiliated hospital or research center fees.

Don’t miss: Want to explore the business side of pharma?
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Work Visa Options After Master’s in Pharmacy Abroad

Graduates of pharmacy postgraduate programs abroad have access to post-study work visas that allow them to gain industry experience or pursue licensing. Countries like the USA, UK, and Canada offer visa extensions through routes like STEM OPT, Graduate Route, or PGWP. Some roles, especially in clinical pharmacy, may require supervision until full licensure is completed.

Post-Study Work and PR Options – Pharma Graduates Abroad

Country Stay-Back Duration Visa/PR Pathways
USA 3 years (STEM OPT) H-1B, Green Card, NABP license required
UK 2 years (Graduate Route) Skilled Worker Visa, GPhC license required
Canada 3 years (PGWP) Express Entry, PEBC process for licensure
Australia 2–4 years (485 PSW) PR via healthcare stream, AHPRA license
Germany 18 months EU Blue Card, pharma jobs in demand

Clinical roles often require national registration (e.g., GPhC in the UK or PEBC in Canada), while research, regulatory, or QA roles are open to non-licensed graduates as well.

Read more: Curious how data analytics is changing pharmacy?
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Is Master's in Pharmacy Abroad Worth It for Indian Students?

Yes—if you’re planning a long-term career in global healthcare, regulatory sciences, or pharmaceutical innovation, a Master’s in pharmacy abroad offers good returns.

This path suits Indian students who:

  • Hold a BPharm and want international exposure
  • Aim to work in clinical, regulatory, or research settings
  • Are ready to invest ₹30–50 lakhs for global-level training
  • Prefer hands-on, industry-aligned learning over purely academic programs

It’s worth considering alternatives like pharmacology, regulatory science, or pharmaceutical management if you're looking for quicker ROI without clinical licensing requirements.

Don’t miss: Explore free courses to strengthen your pharmacy profile before applying.

Get help: Get free counseling from upGrad's experts to find the right pharmacy program abroad.

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149 results found

MSc by Research in Pharmacology

University of Oxford, UK

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 33.37L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    OCT 2025

Master of Science in Pharmacology

University of Michigan, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 46.80L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2025

Pharmacology (M.Sc.)

McGill University, Canada

  • DURATION
    1 Year 6 Months
  • FEES
    INR 12.39L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2025

MPharm Pharmacy

University of Manchester, UK

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 96.72L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-7.0
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2025

Master of Science in Applied Clinical Pharmacology

University of Toronto, Canada

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 19.44L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2025

Master of Pharmacy

The University of Sydney, Australia

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 33.52L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

Master of Science in Pharmacology (MSc)

The University of British Columbia, Canada

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 6.03L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2025

Graduate Certificate in Pharmaceutical Industry Practice

The University of Queensland Australia, Australia

  • DURATION
    6 Months
  • FEES
    INR 13.45L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.5
  • INTAKE SESSION
    JUL 2025

Master of Pharmaceutical Science

Monash University, Australia

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 29.30L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    FEB 2026

Master of Pharmacy (coursework)

The University of Western Australia (UWA), Australia

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 27.70L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-7.0
  • INTAKE SESSION
    JAN 2026

Genomic Approaches to Drug Discovery MSc

The University of Sheffield, UK

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 28.47L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2025

Pharmacy MPharm Honours (B230)

Newcastle University, UK

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 24.34L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2025

Master of Pharmacy (Research)

University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 11.02L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-7.0
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2025

Pharmacy Administration (MS)

St Johns University, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    -
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

Masters of Science in Social and Administrative Pharmacy

University of Minnesota, USA

  • DURATION
    -
  • FEES
    INR 33.57L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.5
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2025

Master of Philosophy (Pharmacy)

The University of Newcastle, Australia, Australia

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 48.87L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-7.0
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

MSc by Research Pharmacy

University of Reading, UK

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 24.64L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.5
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2025

MPhil in Pharmacy

Queens University Belfast, UK

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 22.17L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.0
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2025
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All information provided on this page is for general use and upGrad Abroad is not responsible for any errors or omissions. The Universities involved in this Program are accredited/recognized in the countries where they are established. Relevant terms and conditions apply.Any action taken upon the information found on this website is strictly at your own risk.