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Overview

We currently have students from Cambodia, China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam, enrolled in the Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) programme.

Persons who do not hold New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency should contact the University's International Office for information on how to apply for pharmacy as an international student.

International Division (University of Otago)

Competitive Entry

International students can enter the Bachelor of Pharmacy course at second year via the competitive entry pathway following completion of Health Science First Year. All students can apply for places in the Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours (BPharm(Hons)) programme. Students in this category would need to score an average grade of B- in HSFY to be considered for selection.

Direct Entry

We accept a group of 10–15 high-performing international students directly into the Pharmacy programme at Year 1 – Health Science First Year (HSFY). This is restricted to outstanding students, based on their Pre-U performance, who wish to study only Pharmacy, and is restricted to students with recognised pre-university qualifications or who are completing the University of Otago Foundation Year.

Credit transfer agreements

The Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) programme at the University of Otago is a fully-accredited programme by the  Pharmacy Council of New Zealand and is recognised as an approved qualification by the Pharmacy Board Malaysia and the Singapore Pharmacy Council.

Malaysia

International Medical University

International students who have completed their second year of study of their Bachelor of Pharmacy degree at International Medical University (IMU) can transfer to the BPharm course at Otago with direct entry into third year, subject to completing a short bridging course. Students will be assessed on an individual basis. Further information (PDF 221 KB)

Contact one of our IMU–Otago ambassadors if you're interested in talking to IMU students who have already transferred to Otago.

Taylor's University

Students who have completed 1 1/2 years of the Bachelor of Pharmacy degree at Taylor's University (TU) can transfer to the BPharm course at Otago and complete their degree with a further 2 1/2 years study. Further information (PDF 548 KB)

Singapore

If you hold or are close to completing a Diploma in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Diploma in Biomedical Sciences or a Diploma in Biotechnology from Republic Polytechnic, a Diploma in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Nanyang Polytechnic, or Temasek Polytechnic, or a Diploma in Pharmacy Science from Ngee Ann Polytechnic, or a Diploma in Biotechnology from Singapore Polytechnic you can apply for at least one year of credit towards Otago's Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) or Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours (BPharm(Hons)) programme.

This will enable you to complete the BPharm program in three years. Applications can be made after Semester 5 of your course.

If you are from a Singapore polytechnic listed above you can apply here.

Credit will be awarded for all papers from Health Sciences First Year (HSFY):

More information about HSFY

Visit the facebook page of the Otago Singapore Club

Vietnam

Vietnam National University

Students who have completed two years of study for the Bachelor of Pharmacy degree at Vietnam National University (VNU), Ho Chi Minh City can transfer to the BPharm course at Otago with direct entry into second year, subject to completing a short bridging course. Students will be assessed on an individual basis. Further information (PDF)

International Student Advisor

An International Student Adviser (ISA) is available to answer questions or provide advice. Advisers are available to talk to students:

  • Monday to Friday 11:00am–2:00pm (walk-in hours) - students can come to the International Office during these hours, no appointment necessary
  • Monday to Friday 2:00pm–4:00pm (booked appointment or phone call) - students can book an appointment online via OtagoCareerHub

Tuition fees for international students

International tuition fees can be found here

Further information

For all enquiries about international study at the School of Pharmacy:

Email  pharmacy@otago.ac.nz

Online form otago.ac.nz/international/enquiries

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