A pharmacist in Canada, one of the most structured yet also one of the most rewarding pathways for internationally educated pharmacists. If you plan to move, study, or work as a pharmacist in Canada, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything, including licensing, study programs, costs, and permanent residency pathways.
Why Becoming A Pharmacist in Canada Is Great For Your Career
A pharmacist in Canada is more than just a dispenser of medication; they are frontline healthcare providers.
A pharmacist in Canada plays a vital role in the healthcare system. They not only counsel patients on the safe and effective use of medications but also help manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Many pharmacists provide immunizations and other preventive healthcare services, which expand access to care. By taking on these responsibilities, pharmacists help reduce pressure on hospitals and physicians, making the overall healthcare system more efficient and patient-focused.
With Canada’s aging population, a growing number of retirees, and rising demand for healthcare, pharmacists are now listed among the priority occupations in immigration draws and provincial programs.
Step 1: Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada
Your first stop is Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada, managed by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA). Registration here is mandatory for all internationally educated pharmacists.
Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada serves as your central hub throughout the licensing journey. It issues your unique Gateway ID number, which you’ll use at every stage of the process. The platform also securely stores and shares your documents, ensuring you don’t have to resubmit them multiple times. Most importantly, it connects you directly with the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) and the provincial regulatory authorities, streamlining your path toward licensure.
Important: You only submit documents once, avoiding duplication when applying to provinces.
Step 2: PEBC Certification – National Licensing
The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) evaluates international credentials and ensures they meet Canadian standards. The PEBC process has two main stages:
1. Document Evaluation
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of degree
- Evidence of professional standing with your licensing body
2. Examinations
- Evaluating Exam: 200 multiple-choice questions, twice yearly, 3 attempts allowed.
- Qualifying Exam Part I: Knowledge-based, MCQs.
- Qualifying Exam Part II (OSCE): Practical exam simulating real-life pharmacy cases.
2025 Update:
Many internationally educated pharmacists may be eligible to skip the Evaluating Exam altogether. This exemption applies to those who graduated from a pharmacy program accredited by CCAPP or ACPE, as well as pharmacists trained in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or South Africa. In addition, if you already hold an unrestricted license and have at least one year of professional practice in any of these countries, you can move directly to the Qualifying Exam stage.
Passing earns you the PEBC Certificate of Qualification, required to move to provincial licensing.
Step 3: Provincial & Territorial Licensing
Once PEBC-certified, you must register with the provincial or territorial College of Pharmacists. Requirements vary:
- Structured Practical Training (SPT): 500–640+ hours under supervision.
- Jurisprudence Exam: Tests knowledge of local pharmacy laws.
- Language Tests: IELTS, TOEFL, or OET.
- Additional Requirements: Criminal background check, liability insurance.
Examples by Province/Territory
Licensing requirements for pharmacists vary across Canada, so it’s important to understand the provincial and territorial nuances.
In Ontario, internationally educated pharmacists who do not pass both parts of the PEBC Qualifying Examination on their first attempt are required to complete the International Pharmacy Graduate (IPG) Program at the University of Toronto’s Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy. This bridging program helps candidates gain the practical knowledge and skills needed to meet Canadian practice standards.
In British Columbia, pharmacists must complete the Canadian Pharmacy Practice Program (CP3) at the University of British Columbia. This program combines academic learning with 500 hours of structured practical training (SPT) in regulated pharmacy environments, ensuring graduates are practice-ready for BC’s healthcare system.
Alberta requires pharmacists to complete 640 hours of SPT across at least two different settings, typically including both community and hospital pharmacies. Candidates must also pass the Alberta Jurisprudence and Ethics Exam, which covers provincial regulations and the ACP Code of Ethics.
In Manitoba, bridging programs may be required depending on the outcome of your credential and knowledge assessment. Candidates then complete 600 hours of SPT under supervision and must pass a series of Jurisprudence Modules before taking the final Manitoba Jurisprudence Exam. Both English and French language proficiency are required.
Prince Edward Island offers a unique pathway: there is no separate provincial jurisprudence exam. Instead, jurisprudence and ethics are evaluated through the Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE), which assesses decision-making and professional judgment during supervised practice. Candidates still need their PEBC Certificate, language proficiency, and valid work authorization or PR.
In Saskatchewan, the Appraisal and Assessment Program determines the number of practical training hours needed, which can range from 800 to 4,000 hours, depending on prior experience and learning needs. Candidates must also pass the Saskatchewan Jurisprudence Exam and provide Letters of Standing from previous regulatory authorities.
For the territories: Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, pharmacists must first hold a full license in another Canadian province and be in good standing. This ensures inter-provincial mobility and allows qualified professionals to practice in northern regions once they meet the local requirements.
PharmD Programs for International Pharmacists
The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) is a second-entry degree, meaning applicants must first complete approximately two years of pre-pharmacy undergraduate coursework before applying. Most PharmD programs take four additional years, bringing the total academic path to 6–8 years. These programs are ideal for internationally educated pharmacists looking to enhance their clinical expertise and align their qualifications with Canadian standards.
In Ontario, notable PharmD options include the University of Toronto, University of Ottawa, and University of Waterloo. Other provinces such as Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Newfoundland also offer PharmD programs. However, the University of British Columbia does not currently accept international students into its PharmD program, and there are no PharmD programs in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Yukon, Northwest Territories, or Nunavut.
PharmD programs provide advanced training in clinical pharmacy, therapeutics, patient care, and healthcare systems, often including supervised clinical placements in hospitals and community pharmacies. Completing a Canadian PharmD can also support your PEBC certification, provincial licensure, and immigration pathways, giving you a strong advantage in the job market for a pharmacist in Canada.
Costs of Studying Pharmacy in Canada
Studying pharmacy in Canada is a serious financial commitment. Tuition for PharmD programs can range from CAD 60,000 to 72,000 per year, depending on the province and university. For example, studying in Toronto typically costs around $60,000 per year, while in Saskatchewan, tuition can reach $72,000 per year.
Beyond tuition, you should also budget for books, supplies, living expenses, licensing exams, and clinical placement costs, which can significantly add to the overall financial investment. Planning ahead and understanding these costs is essential to successfully pursuing a pharmacy career in Canada.
Immigration Pathways for a Pharmacist in Canada
1. Express Entry
Pharmacists fall under NOC 31120 (Pharmacists).
- FSWP (abroad applicants): Requires 1 year of skilled experience, CLB 7+, ECA.
- CEC (in-Canada): For those with Canadian work experience.
- Category-Based Draws: Healthcare-targeted draws since 2023 have lower CRS scores.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Ontario (OINP): Frequent healthcare-targeted draws.
- BC PNP: Health Authority Stream for job offers.
- Manitoba & New Brunswick: Strong preference for pharmacists in recruitment missions.
- Nova Scotia: Labour Market Priorities draws occasionally invite pharmacists.
- Saskatchewan: Healthcare-specific Expression of Interest pool.
A PNP nomination = 600 CRS points = guaranteed PR through Express Entry.
3. Employer-Supported Pathways for a Pharmacist in Canada
Canadian health authorities often:
- Offer job offers with LMIA-exempt work permits.
- Nominate pharmacists through PNP pathways.
- Recruit at international fairs in countries like the U.K., Ireland, and the Middle East.
Costs of Licensing & Immigration
Here’s what to budget for:
- PEBC Exams: $1,000–$2,000+ each stage
- Language Test: $300–$400
- Bridging Programs: $10,000–$20,000+
- Provincial Fees: $500–$2,000
- Immigration Fees: $2,000+ + Proof of Funds (~$13,757 for single applicant, higher for families)
Total Estimated Cost: $4,000–$19,000+ depending on your pathway.
Becoming a pharmacist in Canada is a detailed process, but absolutely achievable. Success comes down to three pillars:
- Start with Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada (your central application hub).
- Complete PEBC certification + provincial requirements (licensing pathway).
- Choose the right immigration pathway (Express Entry, PNP, or employer support).
With Canada’s demand for pharmacists continuing to rise, those who plan early and prepare their documents well are in a strong position to secure both a license and permanent residency.
Ready to Start Your Career As A Pharmacist in Canada?
If you’re an internationally educated pharmacist in Canada, now is the time to take action!
Begin your licensing journey, explore bridging or PharmD programs, and plan your path to Canadian Permanent Residency.
Book a consultation call to discuss your PR pathway, licensure, and study options tailored to your situation.
