Masters in Pharmacy in Canada : Top Universities, Fees & More

Thinking of applying for a master's in pharmacy in Canada? Numerous institutions and universities offer an MS/MSc in pharmacy/pharmaceutical sciences in Canada for aspirants. Some also award MPharm degrees. The country is a major global pharmaceutical hub offering attractive employment opportunities for skilled graduates. Canada has a shortage of qualified pharmacists, and hence the demand for these professionals is steadily on the rise. 

Reasons for Studying Master’s in Pharmacy in Canada

There are many reasons for studying master’s in pharmacy in Canada, including the following: 

• Canada is home to the world’s highest-ranked institutions for pharmaceutical studies. 
• There are excellent postgraduate pharmacy courses in Canada for international students that lead to rewarding careers with attractive salaries. 
• The scope of pharmacy in Canada is vast in terms of research prospects and job positions in both the public and private sector entities.

Recommended Read: How to study in Universities in Canada without IELTS test?

Reasons for Studying Masters in Pharmacy in Canada

There are many reasons for studying master’s in pharmacy in Canada, including the following: 

• Canada is home to the world’s highest-ranked institutions for pharmaceutical studies. 
• There are excellent postgraduate pharmacy courses in Canada for international students that lead to rewarding careers with attractive salaries. 
• The scope of pharmacy in Canada is vast in terms of research prospects and job positions in both the public and private sector entities.

Recommended Read: Exams required to study in Canada for international students

Best Universities Offering Top Masters in Pharmacy in Canada

Here are the leading institutions for master’s in pharmacy in Canada for international students:

*2023 Rankings

Course Highlights of Masters in Pharmacy in Canada

At master’s, there is a wide range of potential specializations available and some of the modules taught in these include pharmacy law, practice and ethics, pharmacy mathematics and calculations, drug and vaccine delivery, medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry, biotechnology, and molecular biology, pharmacokinetics, among others. 

Recommended Read: Exams required to study in Canada for international students

Course Curriculum for MS Pharmacy in Canada

Due to the requirement for highly advanced training and knowledge-gathering in pharmaceutical sciences, an MS in pharmacy goes deeper into the core subject and several multi-disciplinary aspects as well. This includes analysis of policies, health-based communications, primary care technologies, and more. Here are some of the topics that are covered: 

• Gene therapy
• Medicinal chemistry
• Drug development
• Advanced pharmacokinetics
• Systemic cancer treatment practices and principles
• Science grant writing
• Pharmacy education, geriatrics, health services design and aging
• Management of chronic diseases 
• Strategic biopharmaceutical technology management
• Applied pharmaco-economics and health economics 

Cost of Studying MS in Pharmacy in Canada

The major expense is obviously the tuition fee, followed by living costs. Students will have to pay around $9000 per term. Mostly, one academic year will have two years. Living expenses are dependent upon where students live; on campus or off campus, sharing with roommates. As per the University of Toronto, the estimated living expenses are $2,000 per month, including rent, food, transportation, cell phone, internet connection, personal items, and so on.

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Pre-Arrival Costs For Masters in Pharmacy in Canada

Application fees, visa costs, travel fares, and health insurance are some of the pre-arrival costs that students need to consider. While applying to Canadian universities, the registration fee can be anywhere from $100-200. Similarly, health insurance premiums will vary as per the provincial policy and may cost anywhere between $600-$900 per year. 

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Requirements/Eligibility Criteria for Masters in Pharmacy in Canada

Here are the eligibility criteria for admissions: 

• Four-year undergraduate course in science or any relevant area of study. These may include degrees in Natural/Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences, or Health Professions such as Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, or Pharmacy.
• Minimum GPA score requirement. Most universities will require a minimum 75% average, or GPA of at least 3.0 (4.5 scale), in year undergraduate program. 
• Scores in standardized tests like GRE may  be required. 
• Scores in English language proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS. 

Documents Needed for Masters in Pharmacy in Canada

Here are the documents needed for admission: 

• CV/Resume.
• Standardized score sheets
• English language proficiency score sheets
• Official academic transcripts and mark sheets
• Valid passport and photograph
• Personal statement and references wherever required 

Job Prospects After MS in Pharmacy in Canada

The average salary of pharmacists in Canada has been rising over the last few years, indicating rising demand alongside. As per Glassdoor, the average salary for a Pharmacist is $1,17,503 per year in Canada. 

Job profiles available to pharmacy graduates include hospital pharmacists, medical sales representatives, community pharmacists, pharmacy practice assistants, medical sales representatives, QA/QC executives, regulatory affairs officers, research scientists, process development scientists, and pharmacy practice assistants. Sectors like biotechnology, retail, and health, and medicine absorb skilled graduates every year. At the same time, there are new jobs available in fields like clinical research, education, and more. 

Student Visa Procedure for Canada

You can apply offline or online for your student visa. You will have to visit the nearest visa application center in your city for submitting documents if you are choosing the offline format. If you choose the online mode, you must submit all documents online and visit to provide biometrics. After that, you may be called for a visa interview. The study permit from Canada will cover the duration of your course and three months thereafter. 

You must provide proof of funds for supporting yourself throughout the course. You should be able to pay the minimum prescribed every month for studying in Canada. You will have to take a medical test before arrival as well. 

Study in Canada with upGrad Abroad

With upGrad Abroad, pursue BBA in Canada at Yorkville University, Canada, and save upto INR 25 lakh as compared to a regular degree course in Canada. Bachelor of Business Administration is a four-year course where in the first two years you will be studying online with an Indian Partner University. For third and fourth year you will be going to Canada and study in Yorkville University. To know more, get in touch with our counsellors.