To study pharmacy in South Africa you need a National Senior Certificate with bachelor degree endorsement, Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences at the levels the institution requires, and a points score meeting the threshold for the Bachelor of Pharmacy.
The BPharm is offered at a limited number of institutions, which makes it competitive. The degree must be from a programme accredited by the South African Pharmacy Council for it to lead to registration.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Applications are generally assessed on the following.
- A bachelor pass, since the BPharm is a degree
- Mathematics at the level required, with Mathematical Literacy not accepted
- Physical Sciences at the level required
- Life Sciences at the level required
- The institution points score for the programme
- Accreditation of the programme with the South African Pharmacy Council
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The BPharm runs four years. On completing it you undertake a year of internship at an approved facility and a year of community service before you can register and practise independently.
Institutions publish their own APS or points threshold, revised between intake years. Confirm the current figure against the prospectus for the year you are applying for.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Physical Sciences matters particularly, since the degree builds on chemistry throughout. Mathematics supports the pharmaceutical calculations that run through the programme and into practice.
Life Sciences supports the physiology and pharmacology content and is required or strongly preferred everywhere the degree is offered.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications normally require the following.
- A certified copy of your identity document
- Your National Senior Certificate or latest statement of results
- Proof of the application fee, where one is charged
- Your final matric results, used to confirm any conditional offer
- A medical or health screening report and a police clearance certificate, required before clinical placement
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Apply to more than one institution, since the BPharm is offered at few and each runs its own selection. Some institutions apply additional selection beyond marks.
Plan the full path before committing: four years of study, then internship and community service, both of which are allocated rather than chosen. Confirm accreditation with the South African Pharmacy Council before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What subjects do I need to study pharmacy?
Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences at the levels the institution requires, with a bachelor pass.
Can I study pharmacy with Mathematical Literacy?
No. Mathematics is required at every institution offering the BPharm.
How many institutions offer pharmacy?
A limited number, which is why the programme is competitive. Apply to more than one.
What happens after the degree?
A year of internship and a year of community service before you can register and practise independently.
Confirm programme accreditation and requirements with the South African Pharmacy Council and each institution. See pharmacist requirements. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.