Masters in Pharmacy in Canada: Top Universities, Costs, Eligibility, and Career Scope (2025 Guide)

Canada is among the finest places to pursue a Master's in Pharmacy because it has top universities, advanced pharmaceutical research, low fees compared to the UK and US, fully funded scholarships and excellent post-study work opportunities. Pharmacy programs in Canada are structured to provide students with specialized knowledge in drug discovery, pharmacology, clinical practice, regulatory affairs, and pharmaceutical sciences to pursue careers in the pharmaceutical sector, research, and healthcare. 

International students can specialize in disciplines like Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Toxicology, Biotechnology, and Drug Development. The courses typically integrate classroom education, lab work based on research, and clinical/industry internships to prepare graduates to be industry-ready or fit for further research/PhD. 

Fees for Master's in Pharmacy in Canada will be CAD 20,000 – 45,000 (₹12.6 – 28.4 Lakhs) annually, based on the university and type of course. Expenses for living are CAD 12,000 – 16,000 annually (₹7.6 – 10.1 Lakhs). 

Students are eligible for Canada's 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) where they can gain work experience and become eligible for Canadian permanent residence (PR). 

Key Highlights: Masters in Pharmacy in Canada 

Top Universities Offering Masters in Pharmacy in Canada 

Canada boasts some of the best pharmacy programs in the world, ranking consistently among the highest in QS World Rankings. These are the top universities to do a Master's in Pharmacy, their QS ranking, and estimated costs: 

Top Pharmacy Programs in Canada 

A Master's in Pharmacy in Canada can be undertaken in top-of-the-line streams like: 

• Pharmaceutics: drug delivery systems, formulation, bioavailability 
• Pharmacology & Toxicology: drug action, toxicology, safety testing 
• Clinical Pharmacy: patient-focused care, management of drug therapy 
• Pharmaceutical Chemistry: drug preparation, medicinal chemistry 
• Biotechnology & Biopharmaceutics: product design in biopharmaceuticals 
• Regulatory Affairs & Policy: approval of drugs, compliance, health law 
• Drug Discovery & Development: clinical/preclinical trials, innovation 

Certain of the Canadian universities provide dual electives or cross-disciplinary specializations that support combinations to meet changing industry needs. 

Course Curriculum of Masters in Pharmacy in Canada 

Theoretical teaching, laboratory training, and clinical exposure blended by Canadian universities to equip pharmacy graduates to pursue health and research careers. 

Admission Process for Pharmacy in Canada 

Applying for Canadian Universities is easy but involves pre-planning. Most universities accept online applications, and deadlines differ based on program and intake. Below is the step-by-step process for international applicants: 

Step 1: Research & Shortlist Universities 

• Explore university websites to know about program types, eligibility requirements, deadlines, and fees. Choose to pursue thesis-based courses. 

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents 

• Academic transcripts (official sealed transcripts). 
• English language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL). 
• GRE scores (if the university requires them). 
• Statement of Purpose (SOP). 
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs). 
• Resume/CV. 

Step 3: Submit Application 

• Complete the university's online application form. 
• Pay the application fee (typically CAD 100-150). 
• Upload documents prior to deadlines. 

Step 4: Attend Interviews (if necessary) 

• Some Pharmacy programs might hold faculty interviews to assess academic fit. 

Step 5: Receive Offer Letter 

• If accepted, a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the university will be issued. 

Step 6: Apply for Canadian Study Permit 

• Using your LOA, submit a study permit (student visa) application from the Government of Canada website. 
• Submit proof of funding, medical test, and biometrics. 

Tip: Apply at least 8-10 months in advance since Pharmacy courses have great competition with few seats. 

Academic Requirements for Pharmacy in Canada 

International students need to fulfill the following minimum eligibility requirements: 

• Bachelor's Degree: BPharm, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, Chemistry, Biology, or allied field. 
• Minimum GPA: 3.0/4.0 (B grade or equivalent). 
• English Language Proficiency: IELTS 6.5–7.0 or TOEFL iBT 90–100. 
• GRE Scores: Mandatory for some universities, although largely optional. 
• Other Requirements: Statement of Purpose (SOP), recent CV, 2–3 recommendation letters. 
• Preferably (Not Mandatory): Research projects, clinical internships, or pharma/healthcare work experience. 

These requirements ensure that candidates are well prepared to undertake advanced coursework, lab research, and industrial/clincial-integrated practice in Canadian Pharmacy programs. 

Documents Required for Pharmacy in Canada 

When applying for Masters in Pharmacy degrees in Canada, have the following documents prepared: 

• Bachelor's degree transcripts and certificate. 
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) of any corresponding research, internship, or volunteer work. 
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) of academic aspirations and research areas of interest. 
• Letters of Recommendation (2-3) from professors or professional supervisors. 
• GRE scorecard (if applicable by the university). 
• IELTS/TOEFL scorecard (for international students). 
• Research proposal (in the event of thesis-based programs). 
• Proof of capability to finance tuition charges and living expenses. 
• Copy of passport. 
• Completed university application form. 

Visa Requirements for Masters in Pharmacy in Canada 

After receiving the letter of admission, international students need to apply for a Canadian Study Permit. 

Documents Needed 

• Valid passport. 
• Letter of Acceptance from a Canadian university. 
• Evidence of having sufficient funds to cover tuition and living costs (bank statements, scholarship, or sponsorship letters). 
• English language proficiency test scores (IELTS/TOEFL). 
• Passport photos. 
• Filled study permit application form. 
• Immigration medical checkup (if needed). 

Visa Process 

• Apply online or by paper form on the Government of Canada website. 
• Pay study permit application fee (CAD 150 or about). 
• Provide biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). 
• Take interview if required. 
• Wait for processing (typically 4-8 weeks, depending on countries). 

By following these steps and having documents organized, students enjoy hassle-free admission and visa and can happily concentrate on Pharmacy study and training in Canada. 

Cost of Studying Masters in Pharmacy in Canada 

The cost of studying Canada's Pharmacy Masters charges are different depending on the university, specialisation, and course type. Foreign students pay around CAD 20,000 – 40,000 per year (₹12.7L – ₹25.5L approx.). Living costs are normally CAD 12,000 – 16,000 a year (₹7.6L – ₹10.2L) depending on city and lifestyle.  

The following are the approximate fees of some of Canada's top Pharmacy colleges: 

Note: Tuition fees are approximate and may vary depending on the program and exchange rates. 

Cost of Living in Canada 

In addition to tuition, international students will also need to cater to living expenses in Canada such as rent, food, bills, transport, and leisure. The average monthly expense in Canada is CAD 1,000 - 1,200 (₹63,600 - 76,300) depending on the lifestyle and city. 

Here are the average monthly expenses in Canada:  

Note: Tuition is an estimate and could vary with program, exchange rates, and course type (course-based or thesis-based). 

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Masters in Pharmacy in Canada 

Even though a Master's in Pharmacy in Canada would not be cheap, foreign students, including Indian students, can benefit from fellowships, scholarships, and assistantships that give some relief on the expense. The funding may go towards fees or living costs, or both.  

Scholarships come from the Canadian government, famous universities, and philanthropic organizations. Students can also obtain Research Assistantships (RA) or Teaching Assistantships (TA) for research/clinical experience against stipends or tuition remissions. 

Some of the most sought-after Pharmacy student scholarships in Canada are: 

Many scholarships in Canada cover not just tuition but also living expenses, making Pharmacy programs more affordable for international students. 

Top Jobs after Masters in Pharmacy in Canada 

Graduates of the Canadian Master's of Pharmacy degree are highly sought after by the healthcare, research, biotech, pharma, and academia sectors. Career advancement is facilitated by universities through co-op opportunities, clinical placements, and industry partnerships. 

Following are some of the best job titles and their yearly approximate salary: 

Source: Glassdoor & Payscale Canada 

Top Recruiters for Masters in Pharmacy in Canada 

Canadian pharmacy graduates secure jobs in hospitals, the pharmaceutical industry, biotech companies, government, and academic research laboratories. Access to employers is provided directly by several institutions through internships, co-ops, and clinical practice. 

Some of the top hirers of pharmacy in Canada are: 

Note: Pharmacy graduates secure jobs in biotech startups, health-tech companies, and companies involved in conducting clinical trials, particularly in Canada's new pharma clusters such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.