To practise as a pharmacist in South Africa you need a four-year Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm), a pre-registration internship of at least 12 months (365 days) under an approved tutor, one year of pharmaceutical community service and registration with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC). It is an offence to practise as a pharmacist if you are not registered.
These are the requirements for a pharmacist at each stage. The degree is set by the university; the internship, community service and registration are set by the SAPC and the National Department of Health.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- A four-year full-time BPharm degree from a university
- A pre-registration internship of at least 12 months or 365 days under an approved tutor
- Success in the pre-registration examination and six portfolio of evidence (PoE) entries
- One year of pharmaceutical community service in a gazetted public sector institution
- Registration with the SAPC
Education and Subject Requirements
The internship follows a four-year full-time BPharm degree. Each university sets its own admission requirements for the BPharm, including the subjects and scores it wants, so read the prospectus of every university you apply to before choosing your Grade 11 and 12 subjects.
The national minimum for admission to a bachelor’s degree is an NSC with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching and an achievement rating of 4 (50-59%) in four 20-credit subjects. Universities may, and for competitive programmes do, ask for more.
Age, Fitness, Licence and Background Requirements
The SAPC sources set no age limit or fitness test. What they do set is a sequence you cannot skip: the internship, then community service, then registration.
Community service is compulsory for everyone registering as a pharmacist for the first time (it has applied since 20 November 2000). The National Department of Health decides where community service pharmacists are placed, so you may not be able to choose your province. Registration during community service is conditional: you may practise only to perform community service, for a maximum of two years, until the health authority confirms you completed it satisfactorily.
Documents and Evidence Required
For community service registration the SAPC’s Intern and Tutor Manual lists the following.
- An online application
- A certified copy of your BPharm certificate
- A certified copy of your ID or passport
- Your placement or appointment letter and the National Department of Health placement allocation letter
- The registration fee and annual fee
- A work permit, if you are not a South African citizen
Ask the SAPC for the current fee amounts, and for the documents it wants at the other stages.
Application and Selection Process
The internship is a minimum of 12 months or 365 days under an approved tutor, as described on the SAPC intern year page. To be released from internship you must pass the pre-registration examination, be successful in six PoE entries, complete 365 practical training days and have favourable tutor progress reports.
Under the 2025 manual, pre-registration examinations are held in March, August and October, and you must be in your sixth month of internship before you attempt one. Confirm the dates for your year with the SAPC.
Community service placement is determined by the National Department of Health; see the SAPC community service pharmacist page. Once you have completed it, you can be registered as a pharmacist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for a pharmacist in South Africa?
A four-year BPharm, a 365-day internship under an approved tutor including the pre-registration exam and six PoE entries, one year of community service, and registration with the SAPC.
How long does it take to become a pharmacist?
The degree takes four years, the internship at least 12 months and community service one year, so at least six years before registration as a pharmacist.
Can I study pharmacy with Mathematical Literacy?
That is decided by each university’s BPharm admission requirements, not by the SAPC. Check the prospectus of the universities you want to apply to before you choose your subjects.
Is community service compulsory?
Yes. Everyone registering as a pharmacist for the first time must complete one year of pharmaceutical community service in a gazetted public sector institution, with placement decided by the National Department of Health.
Can I practise without registering with the SAPC?
No. It is an offence to practise as a pharmacist if you are not registered as one.
Confirm degree accreditation, internship, community service and fees with the South African Pharmacy Council. See job requirements and browse all career requirements.