To study pharmacy in South Africa you need a matric with Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences at the levels each university sets, and a place on a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) approved by the South African Pharmacy Council. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted at the pharmacy schools checked.
The South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) list (as at June 2024) names nine approved BPharm providers: Nelson Mandela University, North-West University (Potchefstroom), Rhodes, Sefako Makgatho, TUT, the University of Limpopo, UKZN (Westville), UWC and Wits. Under the Pharmacy Act, no institution may provide pharmacy education without SAPC approval, so check any provider against the current SAPC list.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- A matric with Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences at the levels each university sets
- A points or score threshold set by the university, which varies by university and intake year
- An SAPC-approved BPharm, since only approved providers may offer pharmacy education
- Limited places and a university-specific selection process
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The four-year degree is followed by an internship. The SAPC intern page states that the pre-registration practical period is a minimum of twelve months (365 days) under an approved tutor. Interns also submit a CPD portfolio, write the pre-registration examination and have tutor progress reports before registering as a pharmacist. Confirm the full registration path, including any community service, with the SAPC.
Each university publishes its own threshold, and these change between intake years. The figures below come from the universities’ own pages; some do not state the intake year.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
- Wits (2027 intake): English, Mathematics and Life and/or Physical Sciences at Level 5, selected on a Composite Index of 75% matric subjects and 25% NBT.
- Nelson Mandela University: an Applicant Score of 410, at least 50% for English, at least 60% for Mathematics and at least 60% for Physical Sciences.
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University: Life Sciences, Mathematics, Physical Sciences and English at 5, Life Orientation at 4, and a total of at least 32 points.
- Rhodes University: a rating of 6 in Mathematics, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences for a firm offer. Rhodes states that Mathematical Literacy will not be considered. The page may use an older points scale, so confirm the current one.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications are made to each university through its own online application, and documents typically include your identity document and matric or latest school results. Ask the university which extra documents it requires for pharmacy.
Closing dates matter: Wits closed applications on 30 June 2026 for the 2027 intake, and Nelson Mandela University lists an application window of 1 April to 30 June. If a date has passed, check the university’s page for the next cycle.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Places are limited, so meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission. Nelson Mandela University notes limited places. Apply to more than one approved provider where you can, and confirm the provider is on the SAPC list before you enrol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study pharmacy in South Africa if I have maths lit?
No. The pharmacy schools checked require Mathematics: Rhodes states that Mathematical Literacy will not be considered, Wits requires Mathematics at Level 5, Nelson Mandela University needs 60% in Mathematics, and Sefako Makgatho lists Mathematics at 5.
What subjects do I need to study pharmacy?
Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences at the levels each university sets, plus English. Wits accepts Life and/or Physical Sciences; Rhodes and Sefako Makgatho list all of Mathematics, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences.
How many institutions offer pharmacy?
The SAPC list as at June 2024 shows nine approved BPharm providers. Check the SAPC for the current list.
What happens after the degree?
You complete an internship of at least twelve months under an approved tutor, submit a CPD portfolio and write the pre-registration examination before registering as a pharmacist. The SAPC sets these steps.
Confirm the requirements with each university and the SAPC. For the career side, see pharmacist requirements. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.