You can study pharmacy in New Zealand through a bachelor's degree, a graduate-entry master's programme or a vocational pharmacy technician course. The right option depends on your qualifications, budget and career goals.
If you want to become a registered pharmacist, you can explore professional pharmacy degrees at the University of Otago, University of Auckland or University of Waikato.
If you're interested in supporting pharmacists in a pharmacy setting, a pharmacy technician course may be another option.
In this guide, we'll compare pharmacy courses in New Zealand, including tuition fees, entry requirements, career opportunities and possible pathways to residence.
New Zealand offers pharmacy courses ranging from short vocational certificates to four-year professional degrees. Some programmes are designed for students starting their studies, while others are for graduates who already hold a relevant qualification.
Here's how the courses in this guide compare.
Institution | Course | Duration | Indicative international tuition (NZD) | IELTS requirement |
University of Otago | Health Sciences First Year + Bachelor of Pharmacy | 4 years | $39,609 first year; $44,285 second year; approximately $46,616/year in years 3–4 | Overall 6.0 |
University of Otago | Postgraduate Certificate in Pharmacy | 6 months | $23,777 total | Overall 6.5 |
University of Auckland | Bachelor of Pharmacy | 4 years | $55,214/year | Overall 6.5, no band below 6.0 |
University of Auckland | Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) | 4 years | Check with provider | Overall 6.5, no band below 6.0 |
University of Auckland | Master of Clinical Pharmacy | 1–2 years | $50,564/year | Overall 6.5, no band below 6.0 |
University of Waikato | Master of Pharmacy Practice | 2 years | $47,300/year | Overall 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each band |
NZMA | NZ Certificate in Pharmacy (Introduction to Pharmacy Practice), Level 3 | 13 weeks | Contact provider | Overall 5.0 |
NZMA | NZ Certificate in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician – Advanced), Level 4 | 20 weeks | Contact provider | Overall 6.0, no band below 5.5 |
Fees and IELTS scores are indicative figures from the original course comparison. They may change by intake, programme and year of study. Confirm current fees, course availability and entry requirements with the institution before applying.
The courses also lead to different outcomes.
Professional pharmacy degrees can form part of the pathway to pharmacist registration. Postgraduate pharmacy courses are generally for further study or specialisation, while vocational certificates prepare students for pharmacy support roles.
The main difference is that pharmacists are registered healthcare professionals, while pharmacy technicians support pharmacists with dispensing and other pharmacy tasks.
Both work in the pharmacy sector, but they have different qualifications, responsibilities and career pathways.
Registered pharmacist | Pharmacy technician | |
Study pathway | Professional pharmacy degree | Vocational pharmacy qualification |
Training | Degree, supervised internship and registration requirements | Practical training for pharmacy support tasks |
Main responsibilities | Dispensing medicines, checking prescriptions and advising patients | Supporting dispensing, stock management and pharmacy operations |
Professional registration | Registration with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand | Does not follow the same pharmacist registration pathway |
Best suited for | Students who want to practise as pharmacists | Students interested in pharmacy support roles |
If your goal is to become a registered pharmacist, you'll need to complete an approved professional qualification and meet the Pharmacy Council's registration requirements.
If you prefer a shorter, practical course, you could explore pharmacy technician training.
Good to know: Completing a pharmacy technician course does not automatically qualify you to become a registered pharmacist. You would need to meet the separate entry and registration requirements for that profession.
The University of Otago offers a four-year Bachelor of Pharmacy pathway that begins with Health Sciences First Year. It is designed for students who want to become registered pharmacists in New Zealand.
The programme combines pharmaceutical science, patient care and practical learning.
Here's what you need to know:
Detail | Information |
Course | Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) |
Duration | 4 years, including Health Sciences First Year |
Indicative tuition | NZD $39,609 in Year 1; $44,285 in Year 2; approximately $46,616/year in Years 3–4 |
IELTS requirement | Overall 6.0, subject to current programme requirements |
Career pathway | Pharmacist registration after completing the required supervised training and assessments |
Students generally begin with Health Sciences First Year before applying for entry into the professional pharmacy programme.
Admission is competitive, so completing the first year does not automatically guarantee a place in the Bachelor of Pharmacy.
After completing the degree, graduates must meet the Pharmacy Council's internship and registration requirements before practising independently.
The University of Auckland offers a Bachelor of Pharmacy and a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) for students planning to become pharmacists.
The programmes combine pharmaceutical science, clinical learning and practical training.
The Honours pathway also includes a stronger research focus for students interested in further academic study.
Detail | Information |
Courses | Bachelor of Pharmacy; Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) |
Duration | 4 years |
Indicative tuition | Approximately NZD $55,214/year for BPharm |
IELTS requirement | Overall 6.5, no band below 6.0 |
Career pathway | Pharmacist registration after meeting internship and assessment requirements |
Entry into Auckland's pharmacy programmes is competitive.
Depending on your application pathway, you may need to:
Complete relevant first-year study through a Bachelor of Health Sciences or Bachelor of Science.
Meet the required academic results.
Complete a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI).
Meet the English language requirements.
An alternative admission pathway may also be available to applicants with a relevant previous degree.
Good to know: Places are limited, and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission.
The Master of Clinical Pharmacy is a postgraduate qualification for students who want to develop their knowledge or research skills in clinical pharmacy.
It is different from a professional pharmacy degree designed for initial pharmacist registration.
The programme offers study options of 120 or 240 points, depending on the pathway.
Detail | Information |
Course | Master of Clinical Pharmacy |
Duration | 1–2 years, depending on study pathway |
Indicative tuition | Approximately NZD $50,564/year |
IELTS requirement | Overall 6.5, no band below 6.0 |
Main purpose | Advanced pharmacy study and research |
No, the Master of Clinical Pharmacy is not a standalone pathway to initial pharmacist registration.
It is intended for further study and specialisation rather than replacing the professional qualification and registration process.
If you're already working in pharmacy or have a relevant qualification, this programme may help you build more specialised knowledge.
The University of Waikato offers a two-year Master of Pharmacy Practice for graduates who already hold a relevant science degree.
Unlike a traditional four-year Bachelor of Pharmacy, this programme allows eligible graduates to enter professional pharmacy training through a postgraduate pathway.
It may be worth exploring if you've already completed a degree in a related field and want to become a pharmacist.
Detail | Information |
Course | Master of Pharmacy Practice (MPharmPrac) |
Duration | 2 years |
Indicative tuition | Approximately NZD $47,300/year |
IELTS requirement | Overall 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each band |
Intake | March, subject to current availability |
Career pathway | Pharmacist registration after completing the required internship and assessments |
The programme is designed for graduates with a relevant bachelor's degree.
Examples of eligible study backgrounds listed in the original draft include:
Biochemistry
Biomedical science
Chemistry
Molecular and cellular biology
Pharmacology
Applicants may also need at least a B-grade average in their final year of relevant undergraduate study.
The programme combines pharmaceutical science with practical clinical learning, including experience in community, primary care and hospital settings.
It also incorporates Māori health models and approaches to patient care.
If you already hold a qualifying science degree, the two-year Master of Pharmacy Practice may offer a shorter professional study pathway than starting a four-year bachelor's degree.
However, you'll still need to complete the required internship, assessments and registration process after graduation.
Good to know: The original draft lists a March intake and an application deadline of 1 November in the previous year. Check the latest dates with Waikato before applying.
NZMA offers vocational pharmacy courses for students interested in pharmacy technician and support roles.
These courses focus on practical skills used in pharmacy settings and may take less time to complete than a professional pharmacy degree.
This introductory certificate is designed for students starting their pharmacy training.
Detail | Information |
Qualification | NZ Certificate in Pharmacy (Introduction to Pharmacy Practice), Level 3 |
Duration | 13 weeks |
IELTS requirement | Overall 5.0 |
Minimum age | 18 years |
Career focus | Entry-level pharmacy support |
The course introduces students to pharmacy operations and basic support tasks.
This course builds on earlier pharmacy training and focuses on more advanced pharmacy support skills.
Detail | Information |
Qualification | NZ Certificate in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician – Advanced), Level 4 |
Duration | 20 weeks |
IELTS requirement | Overall 6.0, no band below 5.5 |
Entry | Level 3 qualification or accepted equivalent experience |
Career focus | Pharmacy technician and dispensing support |
NZMA also describes a combined Levels 3–5 pathway for international students who want to progress through different stages of pharmacy technician training.
No. Pharmacy technician qualifications prepare you for support roles, not registration as a pharmacist.
If your long-term goal is to become a pharmacist, you'll need to complete an approved professional pharmacy qualification and meet the Pharmacy Council's requirements.
Before applying, check the current NZMA course availability, international student entry requirements and any practical training arrangements.
Pharmacy graduates in New Zealand may find career opportunities in community pharmacies, hospitals and other healthcare settings. Your options will depend on your qualification, professional registration and work experience.
Registered pharmacists may work directly with patients, manage medicines or specialise in a particular area of pharmacy.
The original draft provides the following indicative annual salary figures:
Role | Indicative annual salary (NZD) |
Intern pharmacist | From $58,000 |
Senior or supervising pharmacist | Up to $119,000 |
These are indicative figures from the source draft, not guaranteed salaries. Actual pay depends on the employer, location, experience and role.
After meeting the relevant qualification and registration requirements, you may explore roles such as:
Hospital pharmacist: Works with healthcare teams to manage medicines and support patient treatment.
Retail or community pharmacist: Dispenses medicines and advises patients in community pharmacy settings.
Industrial pharmacist: Works in areas such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, quality or product development.
Some pharmacy graduates also explore research, pharmaceutical development or health policy.
Your career options will depend on your qualifications, experience and any additional training required.
Yes. Studying pharmacy in New Zealand may help you qualify for a pathway to residence. Hospital Pharmacist, Retail Pharmacist and Industrial Pharmacist are all listed under Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List.
This means you may be eligible for a Straight to Residence Visa if you become a registered pharmacist, secure a qualifying job or job offer and meet the other visa requirements.
Your pathway may involve these steps:
Complete an approved pharmacy qualification. This could be a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) or Master of Pharmacy Practice (MPharmPrac).
Complete your internship and assessments. Finish the required supervised training and pass the Pharmacy Council's registration assessments.
Become a registered pharmacist. Meet the requirements of the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand.
Find qualifying employment. Secure an eligible job or job offer from an accredited employer.
Explore your residence options. If you meet the Tier 1 Green List requirements, you may be able to apply directly for a Straight to Residence Visa. If you need more time to find a suitable job, you could explore a Post Study Work Visa, provided you're eligible.
Good to know: Completing a pharmacy course doesn't automatically qualify you for residence. You'll also need to meet the relevant registration, employment and visa requirements.
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