Courses After B Pharmacy in Canada

Canada is one of the most liveable countries in the world and also a perfect destination to study pharmacy. A Diploma in Pharmacy is one of the many courses after B Pharmacy in Canada that is in demand for the past 5-8 years.

A PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada is one of the most sought-after courses mainly due to its low tuition fees. It is especially known to offer a high-tech infrastructure in addition to excellent job opportunities to students from all over the world.

Why Study PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada?

PG diploma in pharmacy in Canada helps prepare students for jobs in pharmacies, hospitals or even drug companies. Find below some reasons why international students prefer to pursue a PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada:

• Growth of pharmacy as a market: Due to the high consumption of pharma products in Canada, the pharmaceutical industry is expected to grow rapidly. Healthcare expenditure is also set to increase by more than 11% of Canada's overall GDP
• Lack of pharmacists: Canada has a huge demand for pharmaceutical products and services, but lacks a professional workforce for the same. According to the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CphA), there is a dearth of skilled pharmacists in Canada
• Excellent job opportunities: 90% of students applying for pharmacy-related courses in Canada are expected to get a job by the year 2028, with an increase of 13,000 job openings in the pharmaceutical sector. A diploma in pharmacy in Canada also facilitates a decent-paying job in a related sector
• Quality education: Canada is known to offer international students an exemplary education and academic standards which are the best in the world. Pharmacy universities in Canada are especially known for their groundbreaking research. Students pursuing a PG diploma get an equally beneficial education
• Low tuition fee: A PG Diploma in Pharmacy is affordable as compared to a master's degree in pharmacy in Canada.

Top PG Diploma Courses after B Pharmacy in Canada

A wide range of PG diploma courses after B Pharmacy in Canada are available for both domestic and international students. Listed below are the best courses after B Pharmacy in Canada for international students:

• Diploma in Pharmacy Technician
• Pharmacy Technology Certificate
• Pharmacy Technician Program
• Graduate Certificate in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs & Quality Operations
• Pharmacy Assistant Diploma/ Certificate

Difference between 1 Year and 2 Year PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada

A PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada is offered as either a 1-year or 2-year program as compared to a master's program that is 2-3 years duration. Major differences between 1-year and 2-year PG diploma in pharmacy in Canada are as follows:

1-Year PG Diploma in Pharmacy	2-Year PG Diploma in Pharmacy
Costs somewhere between CAD 10,000 to CAD 20,000 annually	Cost ranges from CAD 15,000 to CAD 25,000 per annum
Provides students with adequate skills to improve their work experience	Gives students more educational and academic experience and is considered to be more valuable
Does not grant a work permit	Grants a work permit

Eligibility and Admission Requirements to Study PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada

Most Canadian universities require students to complete an evaluation exam by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) to register as a pharmacist in Canada. Shown below are the eligibility requirements to be fulfilled for admission to PG diploma in pharmacy in Canada:

• Academic transcripts along with bachelor's/ master's degree: International students applying for a PG diploma in pharmacy in Canada need to start the application process with the submission of high school and bachelor's degree transcripts along with a bachelor's degree from a recognized university
• English proficiency test scores: International applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting test scores of IELTS, TOEFL, or other tests. The minimum IELTS score for Indian students to study pharmacy-related courses in Canada is 6.5 or above.

Application Process to Study PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada

The application process for PG diploma pharmacy courses in Canada for international students is fairly simple provided that students have all the required documents at hand. The detailed admission process for PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada is as follows:

• Choose the PG Diploma courses after B Pharmacy in Canada and a university to apply for admission
• Submit the completed application form along with the application fee
• Submit all the required documents and fulfil additional requirements as specified by the particular university
• Apply for a scholarship/ financial aid (if available at the chosen university)
• Wait for the admission decision to confirm/ decline enrollment

Cost of PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada

The tuition fee for a PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada ranges between CAD 15,000 to CAD 35,000 annually for top colleges and universities. The total cost of pursuing a PG diploma in pharmacy in Canada including the cost of attendance is tabulated below:

Expenses	Cost per Annum (in CAD)
Tuition Fee	$15,000- $35,000 (INR 9,32,005- 21,76,664.95)
Books and Supplies	$1,500 (INR 93,075.74)
Accommodation	$3,000 (INR 1,86,467)
Health Insurance	$150 (INR 9,301)
Meal Plans	$500 (INR 31,022)

Scholarships for Courses After B Pharmacy in Canada

Top pharmacy universities in Canada provide numerous scholarships in the range of 2,000 CAD to 30,000 CAD per annum to international students. Listed below are the popular financial aid options for international students pursuing master's in pharmacy in Canada:

• University Dean’s Scholarship by the University of Saskatchewan
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship-Ontario Trillium Scholarship International Master’s Award of Excellence by University of Waterloo
• Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship & Thesis/Course-based Masters recruitment Scholarship by University of Alberta
• University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship
• Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarships
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship & Ontario Trillium Scholarship by the University of Toronto

Top Universities and Colleges in Canada to Study PG Diploma in Pharmacy

Canada is home to some of the top universities in the world that offer high-tech labs, excellent hands-on experiences, and outstanding placement opportunities to students from all over the world. Tabulated below are the top colleges/ universities for PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada for international students:

College/ University Name	Course Offered	Tuition Fee per Annum (in CAD)
Seneca College	Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs & Quality Operations Graduate Certificate (Full-time and Part-time)	$10,000 (INR 6,21,942)
Humber College	Pharmacy Technician Diploma	$16,414 (INR 10,19,573)
Georgian College	Pharmacy Technician Diploma	$8,560 (INR 5,21,671)
Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning	Ontario Graduate Certificate in Regulatory Affairs	$16,414 (INR 10,19,573)
Bredin Institute	International Pharmacy Bridging Program	$11,650 (INR 7,05,708)

Difference Between PG Diploma and Masters in Pharmacy in Canada

A master's in pharmacy in Canada is much more valuable than a PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada in terms of job prospects. A PG diploma is also of shorter duration as compared to a master's degree program in Canada. Other differences between a PG diploma and a master’s in pharmacy in Canada are shown below:

• A PG diploma in pharmacy in Canada has a lower cost of attendance as compared to a master’s in pharmacy program
• An MPharm course in Canada is much more valuable as students get a 3-year work permit as compared to a 1-year work permit in the case of a PG diploma
• A master's program in pharmacy in Canada cost around $30,000 CAD to $50,000 CAD and the cost of a PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada ranges from $20,000 CAD to $30,000 CAD

Course Curriculum for Masters in Pharmacy in Canada

A master's in pharmacy in Canada requires students to have adequate knowledge and training in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. It deals with the core of pharmacy as well as a range of multidisciplinary fields such as health communication, policy analysis, technology in primary care, rural pharmacy practice, etc. 

Job Prospects after Studying PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada

A PG Diploma in Canada offers ample career opportunities to students upon graduating in the field of pharmacy. Certain provinces in Canada like British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta, Brunswick, etc have a shortage of pharmacists. Some job profiles for PG diploma courses after B Pharmacy in Canada for international students are listed below:

• Clinical Pharmacist
• Consultant Pharmacist
• Drug Inspector
• Drug Controller
• Pharmacy Assistant
• Quality Analyst

FAQs about PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada

1. Which are the top colleges to study PG diploma pharmacy courses in Canada for international students?

A few top colleges to pursue a PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada are the University of Alberta, Seneca College, and Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning.

2. What are some famous PG pharmacy courses in Canada for international students?

Some of the famous PG diploma courses after B Pharmacy in Canada are PG Diploma in Pharmacy, Graduate Certificate in Regulatory Affairs, PG Diploma in Pharmacy Technician, etc.

3. What are the fees of a diploma in pharmacy in Canada?

Most of the PG diploma courses in Canada for pharmacy cost around $10,000 CAD to $25,000 CAD annually.

4. Is it easy to get a job after pursuing PG Diploma in pharmacy courses in Canada?

Pharmacy graduates have a wide range of job opportunities with an average salary of more than $30,000 CAD per annum post-graduation.

5. Are scholarships available after pursuing a PG Diploma in Pharmacy in Canada?

Yes, top pharmacy universities in Canada provide international students with various scholarships ranging from $2,000 CAD to $30,000 CAD per annum.