One of the most liveable countries in the world, Canada is also known to be a perfect destination to study as intricate a field as pharmacy. Diploma in pharmacy in Canada is one course which has been in demand since the past 5-8 years. Lower tuition fee, but a similar educational experience makes PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada, one of the most sought after courses. Specially known to offer a high-tech infrastructure, postgraduate pharmacy courses in Canada for international students are definitely one of a kind. Keep reading, as this blog will take you through all about Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada and all other things related to it!
Why Study PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada?
An abundance of PG diploma courses after B Pharmacy in Canada are available for not just but international students. Let us make you explore the reasons why PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada is considered to be so popular among the international population:
- Growth of pharmacy as a market: The pharmacy market in Canada is set to increase rapidly because of a high consumption of pharma products. Also, the healthcare expenditure is even set to increase more than 11% of Canada’s overall GDP.
- Lack of pharmacists: Canada as a country has a greater demand for pharmaceutical products, and services, but lacks a professional workforce for the same. And so, according to the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CphA), there is a dearth of skilled pharmacists in Canada.
- Excellent job opportunities: Through various studies, it has been concluded that 90% of students applying for pharmacy related courses in Canada are expected to land a job by the year 2028, with an increase of 13,000 job openings in the pharmaceutical sector. Diploma in pharmacy in Canada can also very easily land you a decent paying job.
- Quality Education: Canada is known to offer international students with an education which is exemplary and academic standards which are the best in the world. Pharmacy universities in Canada are especially known for their ground breaking research, and so a PG diploma will provide you with an equally beneficial education.
- Low tuition fee: Studying PG Diploma courses in pharmacy in Canada is definitely low cost as compared to a Masters degree in pharmacy.
Suggested: Complete cost of studying in Canada as an international student!
Difference between a 1-year and a 2-year PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada
- A 1-year PG Diploma course in pharmacy will provide you with adequate skills to improve your work experience, and cost somewhere between CAD 10,000 to CAD 20,000 annually.
- The 2-year PG Diploma in pharmacy in Canada, on the other hand, gives you more educational and academic experience, and is considered to be more valuable.
- The cost of 2 year PG diploma courses in Canada for pharmacy ranges from CAD 15,000 to CAD 25,000 annually.
- Also, unlike a 1 year Diploma course, the 2-year PG diploma in pharmacy in Canada can grant you a work permit.
Suggested: Requirements to get a post graduate work permit in Canada!
Eligibility and Admission Requirements to Study PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada
The requirements for PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada are quite basic. Most of the universities in Canada require the completion of an evaluation exam by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC), so as to register as a pharmacist in Canada.
Let us check out the diploma in pharmacy in Canada eligibility:
- Academic transcripts along with bachelors/masters degree
- English proficiency test scores
Let us now talk about the Pharmacy requirements in Canada briefly:
1. Academic transcripts along with bachelors/masters degree
For international students applying to Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada, are required to start the application process with the most basic prerequisite which is submission of high school and bachelors degree transcripts, along with a bachelor's degree from a recognised university.
2. English proficiency test scores
It is essential for you, as international students, to have an English proficiency proof in terms of IELTS, TOEFL or other tests. The minimum IELTS requirement to study pharmacy related courses in Canada for Indian students is a score of 6.5 or above.
Suggested: Colleges Accepting IELTS 6 Score in Canada!
Application Process to Study PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada
The admission process for PG diploma pharmacy courses in Canada for international students is quite simple, and is not at all considered to be tedious, provided you have all the required documents, and follow the steps given below:
- Choose your PG Diploma courses after B Pharmacy in Canada and a university to start your journey.
- Submit the application form along with the application fee.
- Submit all the required documents and requirements asked by the particular university.
- Apply for a scholarship or financial aid, if available at the university.
- Wait for the admission decision.
Cost of Studying PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada
The diploma in pharmacy in Canada fees generally lies somewhere between CAD 15,000 to CAD 35,000 for the top colleges and universities.
The diploma in pharmacy in Canada fees along with the cost of attendance has been tabulated below:
|
Expenses |
Cost/year (in CAD) |
|
Tuition |
15,000-35,000 |
|
Books and Supplies |
1,500 |
|
Accommodation |
3,000 |
|
Health Insurance |
150 |
|
Meal plans |
500 |
Suggested: Best ways to finance your education in Canada!
Top Colleges to Study PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada
With high-tech labs, excellent hands-on experiences, and outstanding placement opportunities, pharmacy universities in Canada have stood out like never before.
We have curated a list of universities in Canada offering masters in pharmacy:
|
University/ College |
Programs Offered |
Tuition Fee for international students (in CAD) |
|
Pharmaceutical regulatory affairs & quality operations graduate certificate (Full time and Part time) |
10,000/ year |
|
|
Pharmacy Technician Diploma |
16,414/ year |
|
|
Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning |
Ontario Graduate certificate in regulatory affairs |
16,414/ year |
|
Pharmacy Technician Diploma |
8,560/ year |
|
|
Bredin Institute |
International Pharmacy Bridging program |
11,650/ year |
Some of the top PG Diploma courses after BPharmacy in Canada are:
- Diploma in pharmacy technician
- Pharmacy technology certificate
- Pharmacy technician program
- Graduate certificate in Pharmaceutical regulatory affairs & quality operations
- Pharmacy assistant diploma/certificate
Difference between PG Diploma and Masters in Pharmacy in Canada
Considered to be stronger, a masters in Pharmacy in Canada is much more valuable than a PG diploma in pharmacy in Canada.
- Though the diploma has a lower cost of attendance associated with it, a masters degree has its own advantages in terms of value of the degree along with a 3-year work permit as compared to a 1-year work permit in case of PG diploma.
- The MPharm fees in Canada can approximately cost you around 30,000 CAD to 50,000 CAD, and a PG diploma lies in the range of 20,000 CAD to 30,000 CAD.
Job Prospects after Pursuing PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada
Courses after diploma in pharmacy in Canada can present you with ample career opportunities upon graduating in the field of pharmacy. Some regions in Canada like British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta, Brunswick etc, particularly have a shortage of pharmacists. This very well increases your chances to get hold of a job after pursuing pharmacy in Canada.
Let us make you explore some career options after pursuing Masters of Pharmacy in Canada:
- PhD or PharmD in various specialisations like pharmacology, pharmaceuticals, pharma business
- Commercial or business research
- Health focussed business/ startups
- Clinical research associate
- Consultant pharmacist
- Pharmaceutical chemist
- Get placed in health institutions/ hospitals/ clinical organisations
- Become an educator in the field of pharmacy
Some job profiles for PG diploma courses after B Pharmacy in Canada are:
- Clinical pharmacist
- Consultant pharmacist
- Drug inspector
- Drug controller
- Pharmacy assistant
- Quality analyst
A 1-2 year program, PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada is one of the most popular diploma programs among the international population on the graduate level. Upon graduating from pharmacy PG courses in Canada, you as an international student can get hold of an ample amount of job opportunities in Canada.
