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 sciences, clinical 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:
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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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 Abroad, Master’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.
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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.
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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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MSc by Research in Pharmacology
University of Oxford, UK
The MSc by Research in Pharmacology offered by University of Oxford is an advanced Masters course designed for students aspiring to become professionals in Pharmacy. Students will gain hands-on experience through practical exercises and real-world projects, allowing them to apply the concepts learned in class. The curriculum is carefully designed to ensure that students develop a strong foundation in Pharmacy and acquire the skills needed to solve complex problems in the industry. Upon completion of this course, students will be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of Pharmacy and pursue rewarding career opportunities such as Retail Pharmcist, Hospital Pharmcist, Clinical Pharmcist, Reserach Pharmcist, Industrial Pharmcist.
DURATION
1 YearFEES
INR 33.37L/yrEXAMS
-INTAKE SESSION
OCT 2025
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Master of Science in Pharmacology
University of Michigan, USA
DURATION
1 YearFEES
INR 46.80L/yrEXAMS
-INTAKE SESSION
AUG 2025
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DURATION
1 YearFEES
INR 46.80L/yrEXAMS
-

Pharmacology (M.Sc.)
McGill University, Canada
DURATION
1 Year 6 MonthsFEES
INR 12.39L/yrEXAMS
-INTAKE SESSION
SEP 2025

MPharm Pharmacy
University of Manchester, UK
DURATION
4 YearsFEES
INR 96.72L/yrEXAMS
IELTS-7.0INTAKE SESSION
SEP 2025
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Master of Science in Applied Clinical Pharmacology
University of Toronto, Canada
DURATION
2 YearsFEES
INR 19.44L/yrEXAMS
-INTAKE SESSION
SEP 2025
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Master of Pharmacy
The University of Sydney, Australia
The Master of Pharmacy offered by University of Sydney is an advanced Masters course designed for students aspiring to become professionals in Pharmacy. Students will gain hands-on experience through practical exercises and real-world projects, allowing them to apply the concepts learned in class. The curriculum is carefully designed to ensure that students develop a strong foundation in Pharmacy and acquire the skills needed to solve complex problems in the industry. Upon completion of this course, students will be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of Pharmacy and pursue rewarding career opportunities such as Retail Pharmcist, Hospital Pharmcist, Clinical Pharmcist, Reserach Pharmcist, Industrial Pharmcist.
DURATION
2 YearsFEES
INR 33.52L/yrEXAMS
-INTAKE SESSION
-

Master of Science in Pharmacology (MSc)
The University of British Columbia, Canada
University of British Columbia offers the Master of Science in Pharmacology (MSc), a comprehensive Masters course designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills in Pharmacy. The course combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, enabling students to solve real-world challenges in Pharmacy. With access to cutting-edge resources and mentorship from industry professionals, students will gain invaluable experience and emerge ready to excel in Pharmacy careers in jobs such as Retail Pharmcist, Hospital Pharmcist, Clinical Pharmcist, Reserach Pharmcist, Industrial Pharmcist.
DURATION
2 YearsFEES
INR 6.03L/yrEXAMS
-INTAKE SESSION
SEP 2025
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DURATION
2 YearsFEES
INR 6.03L/yrEXAMS
-

Graduate Certificate in Pharmaceutical Industry Practice
The University of Queensland Australia, Australia
Break into the pharmaceutical industry by getting the competitive edge to succeed in your career with the Graduate Certificate in Pharmaceutical Industry Practice. This program will provide you with industry-ready skills to support a career in the medicines and devices development sector. You'll gain insight into contemporary industry practice, studying ethics, governance, regulatory, business, health economics, drug design and formulation, manufacturing and packaging, clinical drug development including safety (pharmacovigilance) and biometrics from preclinical (animal research) to post-registration. Courses on project management and commercialisation in the pharmaceutical industry will develop business acumen and the ability to work in global teams across various disciplines. Program highlights Learn from award-winning lecturers and internationally renowned researchers. Join the highest ranked Australian university for research impact in pharmacy and pharmacology. Study ethics, governance, regulatory, business, health economics, drug design and formulation, manufacturing and packaging, clinical drug development including safety (pharmacovigilance) and biometrics from preclinical (animal research) to post-registration Courses on project management and commercialisation in the pharmaceutical industry will develop business acumen and the ability to work in global teams across various disciplines.
DURATION
6 MonthsFEES
INR 13.45L/yrEXAMS
IELTS-6.5INTAKE SESSION
JUL 2025
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DURATION
2 YearsFEES
INR 26.90L/yrEXAMS
IELTS-6.5

Master of Pharmaceutical Science
Monash University, Australia
The Master of Pharmaceutical Science offered by Monash University is an advanced Masters course designed for students aspiring to become professionals in Pharmacy. Students will gain hands-on experience through practical exercises and real-world projects, allowing them to apply the concepts learned in class. The curriculum is carefully designed to ensure that students develop a strong foundation in Pharmacy and acquire the skills needed to solve complex problems in the industry. Upon completion of this course, students will be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of Pharmacy and pursue rewarding career opportunities such as Retail Pharmcist, Hospital Pharmcist, Clinical Pharmcist, Reserach Pharmcist, Industrial Pharmcist.
DURATION
2 YearsFEES
INR 29.30L/yrEXAMS
-INTAKE SESSION
FEB 2026

Master of Pharmacy (coursework)
The University of Western Australia (UWA), Australia
Our program differs in many respects from others, most notable are: Our small yearly intake on average of 50 students are selected from a pool of applicants each year, which fosters an excellent learning culture. Our students study in small groups with ready access to academic and professional staff, plus a great level of peer support. Our students benefit from a lot of one-to-one interaction with academic and professional staff, particularly in the area of Pharmacy Practice, which greatly enhances our students' professional interpersonal skills. We are also in the very fortunate position to be able to offer every student the opportunity of work place based training not only in community but also in a number of major hospitals and aged care facilities. This provides students with insight into the various career pathways and exposes them to the very diverse range of health care in our society (primary, acute, women, children and aged care). For eligible students we offer alternative placements in rural Australia and International locations.
DURATION
2 YearsFEES
INR 27.70L/yrEXAMS
IELTS-7.0INTAKE SESSION
JAN 2026
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The University of Sheffield, UK
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University of Montreal, Canada
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Pharmacy MPharm Honours (B230)
Newcastle University, UK
DURATION
4 YearsFEES
INR 24.34L/yrEXAMS
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SEP 2025
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Master of Science in Clinical Trial Management
University of Southern California, USA
DURATION
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INR 39.54L/yrEXAMS
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Master of Pharmacy (Research)
University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia
This course is intended for registered pharmacists, or students who have completed a registrable pharmacy degree, and wish to pursue a career in pharmacy research or gain a competitive advantage in their career by completing an additional postgraduate qualification. Students gain research skills and expertise in their area of research interest, and demonstrate their outstanding academic ability and commitment to pharmacy through the completion of the degree. This course gives students the opportunity to work with leading national and international researchers in their area of interest to develop and complete an original research project which contributes to knowledge. Students gain research training and skills, as well as developing extensive knowledge and expertise in an area of research. Students are supported by a strong and vibrant research culture, both within the school and the university, and have access to other researchers, a wide variety of workshops, the university library and research facilities.
DURATION
2 YearsFEES
INR 11.02L/yrEXAMS
IELTS-7.0INTAKE SESSION
AUG 2025
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DURATION
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INR 44.07L (Total)EXAMS
IELTS-7.0

Pharmacy Administration (MS)
St Johns University, USA
DURATION
1 YearFEES
-EXAMS
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Masters of Science in Social and Administrative Pharmacy
University of Minnesota, USA
DURATION
-FEES
INR 33.57L/yrEXAMS
IELTS-6.5INTAKE SESSION
SEP 2025

Master of Philosophy (Pharmacy)
The University of Newcastle, Australia, Australia
DURATION
2 YearsFEES
INR 48.87L/yrEXAMS
IELTS-7.0INTAKE SESSION
-

MSc by Research Pharmacy
University of Reading, UK
DURATION
1 YearFEES
INR 24.64L/yrEXAMS
IELTS-6.5INTAKE SESSION
SEP 2025

MPhil in Pharmacy
Queens University Belfast, UK
DURATION
1 YearFEES
INR 22.17L/yrEXAMS
IELTS-6.0INTAKE SESSION
SEP 2025
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Disclaimer
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.