A BPharm gives you a career in a medical field, the skills to help others, and an interesting and even-changing job.

Working as a pharmacist is an important role in NZ’s healthcare ecosystem. They:

  • Dispense medicines prescribed by doctors

  • Advise customers on over-the-counter medicines or products

  • Perform vaccinations

  • Carry out routine services such as blood sugar testing or cholesterol testing

It’s an interesting and varied role. Salaries range between NZ$58,000 for intern pharmacists, through to $119,000 for supervising and senior pharmacist staff.NZ is witnessing a decline in pharmacists across all settings. This includes those working in hospitals and in retail. Some pharmacies have been closed due to shortages in finding qualified pharmacists, and many stores are operating reduced hours. With an aging population, an increase in lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, and a GP shortage meaning people are often re-routed from clinics to the pharmacy, there’s many vacancies now, and continuing into the future. There’s scope for specialisation too, and the ability to work as a:

  • Hospital pharmacist, ANZCO 251511

  • Retail pharmacist, ANZCO 251513

  • Industrial pharmacist ANSCO 251512

Some people may choose to work in research and development for pharmaceutical companies, or work within Pharmac creating policy.

Pharmacy Programs Available in NZ

There are only two institutions that offer pharmacy qualifications in NZ, the Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka (University of Otago) and the Waipapa Taumata Rau (University of Auckland).

Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) at University of Otago, Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka

This four-year programme includes a year of trainee internship, and opens the door to a career in a range of settings. Otago is NZ’s most established pharmacy degree in NZ, and is highly respected. You’ll need to complete the health sciences first year at Otago, and then start your BPharm in the second year.

Health sciences first year costs NZ$39,609, and then BPharm costs $44,285 in the second year, then $46,616 in the third and fourth year. You’ll need an overall IELTS score of 6.0 or higher.

The Master of Clinical Pharmacy at University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

You can choose between a 120- or 240-point research masters. These take one or two years, depending on your choice and if you complete this full or part time. This degree allows you to research into an area of interest and further enrich research for the future.

This costs NZ$50,564 a year. You’ll need an IELTS score of 6.5 with no individual band below 6.0.

Postgraduate Certificate in Pharmacy (PGCertPharm) at University of Otago, Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka

This six-month non-endorsed research paper allows you to delve into a research topic of your choice:

  • Biopharmaceutics

  • Clinical pharmacy

  • Pharmaceutical sciences

  • Social pharmacy

This enhances your employability, especially if you intend to work in a more specialised or in-demand role. It costs NZ$23,777 and you’ll need an IELTS score of at least 6.5.

How to Get PR After Pharmacy Course Completion

Once you have your qualification, before you can work as a pharmacist in NZ, you are considered an intern pharmacist. You’ll need to complete a (paid) year-long apprenticeship in conjunction with the Pharmaceutical Society of NZ and pass the Pharmacy Council Assessment Centre OSCE. This is all to be arranged by you. Then, you register with the Pharmacy Council of NZ and can be considered a pharmacist.

You can do this with a post-study employment visa, which gives you three years living and working in NZ. Or, if you have a job offer, you can transition straight to a working visa.

Straight to Residence Visa

All three pharmacist roles are tier 1 roles, making them eligible for straight to residence visas. Secure a role from an accredited employer. You live and work in NZ for two years, and then you can apply for PR.

You must be:

  • Qualified to work in this role

  • Registered with the Pharmaceutical Society of NZ

  • Be under 55 years of age

  • Working for, or have a job offer from an accredited employer

Contact IDP For More Information About Pharmacy Courses in NZ

If you have an interest in pharmacology, want to help people take steps to better health, and work in a crucial part of NZ’s health ecosystem, then this career is for you. Contact IDP to find out more, or if you need help to choose the perfect provider.