List of Universities that offer pharmacy in South Africa in 2026
The demand for pharmacists in South Africa is high. A pharmacy degree leads to a strong career in healthcare. The list of universities that offer pharmacy in South Africa includes Nelson Mandela University and Rhodes University. Below, you can see all the universities offering pharmacy programs in 2026.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- List of Universities that offer pharmacy in South Africa in 2026
- Which university is the best for pharmacy in South Africa?
- How much does a pharmacist make in South Africa?
- Is a pharmacist in demand in South Africa?
Key takeaways
- Nine universities in South Africa offer BPharm programs in 2026, including Nelson Mandela University, Rhodes, and Wits.
- The BPharm program takes four years, plus internship and registration with the Pharmacy Council.
- Applicants need Grade 12 with strong Maths, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences, plus a minimum APS.
- Pharmacists are in high demand across hospitals, community pharmacies, and rural areas.
List of Universities that offer pharmacy in South Africa in 2026
Are you planning to study pharmacy in South Africa? Pharmacy is one of the most important healthcare professions. Pharmacists play a vital role in medication management, patient counselling, drug information, and overall pharmaceutical care.
In South Africa, the Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) degree is offered at a limited number of accredited universities. These institutions are approved by the South African Pharmacy Council and provide the academic training required to become a registered pharmacist.
Below is a list of the best universities for pharmacy in South Africa in 2026:
- Nelson Mandela University — Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- North-West University — Potchefstroom Campus
- Rhodes University — Makhanda (Grahamstown)
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University — Pretoria / Ga-Rankuwa
- Tshwane University of Technology — Pretoria
- University of Limpopo — Mankweng / Turfloop
- University of KwaZulu-Natal — Westville Campus (Durban)
- University of the Western Cape — Cape Town
- University of the Witwatersrand — Johannesburg
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How much does it cost to study pharmacy in South Africa?
The cost of studying pharmacy in South Africa varies depending on the university and whether you are a South African or an international student. On average:
- South African students: Tuition fees range from R50,000 to R100,000 per year for the Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) program.
- International students: Fees are generally higher, ranging from R80,000 to R150,000 per year.
Additional costs may include:
- Textbooks and study materials: R10,000–R20,000 per year
- Laboratory fees and practical training: R5,000–R15,000 per year
- Accommodation and living expenses: R50,000–R100,000 per year (depending on location and lifestyle)
Most pharmacy programs take 4 years to complete, so total costs can range from R200,000 to R400,000+ for South African students and higher for international students.
How many years does it take to study pharmacy in South Africa?
In South Africa, the duration of a pharmacy program typically takes four years to complete at the undergraduate level. After completing the 4-year Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) degree, graduates must complete a year of practical training, known as an internship or community service. This internship is mandatory to qualify as a registered pharmacist in South Africa.
Upon completing the internship, graduates can apply for registration with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) and work as qualified pharmacists in various healthcare settings.
What are the minimum requirements to study pharmacy in South Africa?
The specific Bachelor of Pharmacy requirements in South Africa vary slightly depending on the university. In general, the minimum requirements to study pharmacy are as follows:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification: Applicants should have completed Grade 12 (or equivalent) and obtained a National Senior Certificate or an equivalent qualification.
- Subject requirements: Applicants must have taken and passed specific subjects at the Grade 12 level, including:
- Mathematics (usually at the Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy level)
- Physical Sciences (Chemistry and Physics)
- Life Sciences (Biology)
- Minimum subject scores: Universities often have specific requirements for the abovementioned subjects. These minimum scores can vary, so you must check with the universities you are interested in for their particular needs.
- Admission Point Score (APS): Universities in South Africa use an Admission Point Score system to assess applicants. The APS is calculated based on the grades obtained in specific subjects. The minimum APS required for admission to a pharmacy program may vary between universities.
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What are the Rhodes University pharmacy requirements?
The Rhodes University pharmacy requirements are largely similar to other South African universities offering pharmacy. Applicants need a National Senior Certificate with strong performance in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences, and must meet the university’s APS threshold.
What are the University of Limpopo (UL) pharmacy requirements?
Students must have completed Grade 12 with Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences, and meet the APS minimum. The University of Limpopo generally aligns closely with national standards, with only minor variations in APS or subject score expectations.
What are the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) pharmacy requirements?
The University of the Witwatersrand pharmacy requirements are also similar to the general SA requirements. Grade 12 completion with strong scores in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences is required, along with meeting the APS requirement. Wits is known for a slightly competitive APS cut-off compared to other universities, but the core subject requirements remain the same.
Which university is the best for pharmacy in South Africa?
Determining the best pharmacy schools in South Africa can be subjective and may depend on factors such as academic reputation, research output, faculty expertise, facilities, and student satisfaction. However, here are some of the top-ranked pharmacy schools in South Africa based on their academic reputation and industry recognition:
- University of Pretoria, Pretoria
- North-West University, Potchefstroom
- University of the Western Cape, Cape Town
- Rhodes University, Grahamstown
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban
Which are the best pharmacy colleges in Gauteng?
In Gauteng, South Africa, pharmacy education is primarily offered by universities rather than standalone pharmacist colleges. However, there are universities located in Gauteng that have pharmacy programs.
- University of Pretoria, Pretoria
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria
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The South African pharmacy profession is regulated by the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC), which ensures the quality and standards of pharmacy practice. Graduates who complete their pharmacy education and meet the registration requirements of the SAPC are eligible to work as registered pharmacists in South Africa.
How much does a pharmacist make in South Africa?
A pharmacist's salary in South Africa varies based on experience, qualifications, location, and type of employment (public sector, private sector, or community pharmacy).
According to the Salary Expert, the average pharmacist's gross salary in South Africa is R899,061 or an equivalent hourly rate of R432. They also earn an average bonus of R22,297.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, in one of its recent adverts, highlighted the expected salaries of pharmacists.
- Grade 1: R848 862 per annum
- Grade 2: R917 634 per annum
- Grade 3: R1 001 349 per annum
The salary of a pharmacist assistant was highlighted as follows:
- Grade 1: R264 750 per annum
- Grade 2: R306 411 per annum
- Grade 3: R330 540 per annum
Is a pharmacist in demand in South Africa?
Yes, pharmacists are in high demand in South Africa. The healthcare system requires qualified pharmacists in hospitals, community pharmacies, the pharmaceutical industry, and regulatory bodies.
Above is a list of universities that offer pharmacy in South Africa. Considering the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals, pursuing a pharmacist course can provide favourable employment prospects and long-term career opportunities in the country.
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