If you’re looking to pursue a career in pharmacy in South Africa, there are a variety of educational paths available, ranging from Pharmacist’s Assistant qualifications at colleges to full Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) degrees at universities.
Pharmacist’s Assistant courses are typically offered at NQF Levels 3 and 4 and are designed to provide practical, hands-on training for roles in community, institutional, manufacturing, and wholesale pharmacies. These courses prepare students to support pharmacists in dispensing medications and managing pharmacy operations. Various institutions like Health Science Academy, S Buys Academy, and Clicks Pharmacy Healthcare Academy offer these qualifications, often combined with specialised short courses in dispensing for healthcare professionals.
Contents
- Places to Study Pharmacy Courses in South Africa
- Studying Pharmacy at Universities
- 1. Nelson Mandela University (NMU) Pharmacy Studies
- 2. North-West University (NWU) – Potchefstroom Campus Pharmacy Studies
- 3. Rhodes University Pharmacy Studies
- 4. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Pharmacy Studies
- 5. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Pharmacy Studies
- 6. University of Limpopo (UL) Pharmacy Studies
- 7. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) – Westville Campus Pharmacy Studies
- 8. University of the Western Cape (UWC) Pharmacy Studies
- 9. University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) Pharmacy Studies
- Studying Pharmacy at Colleges
- Studying Pharmacy at Universities
Places to Study Pharmacy Courses in South Africa
Here’s a list of where you can study Pharmacy courses in South Africa, with just the essential information:
Studying Pharmacy at Universities
1. Nelson Mandela University (NMU) Pharmacy Studies
- Programme: Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
- Location: Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape
- Contact: +27 (0) 41 504 2860
- Website: NMU Pharmacy
2. North-West University (NWU) – Potchefstroom Campus Pharmacy Studies
- Programme: Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
- Location: Potchefstroom, North-West Province
- Contact: +27 (0) 18 299 2249
- Website: NWU Pharmacy
3. Rhodes University Pharmacy Studies
- Programme: Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
- Location: Grahamstown (Makhanda), Eastern Cape
- Contact: +27 (0) 46 603 8101
- Website: Rhodes University Pharmacy
4. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Pharmacy Studies
- Programme: Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
- Location: Ga-Rankuwa, Gauteng
- Contact: +27 (0) 12 521 4080
- Website: SMU Pharmacy
5. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Pharmacy Studies
- Programme: Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
- Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
- Contact: +27 (0) 12 382 6230
- Website: TUT Pharmacy
6. University of Limpopo (UL) Pharmacy Studies
- Programme: Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
- Location: Polokwane, Limpopo
- Contact: +27 (0) 15 268 4060
- Website: UL Pharmacy
7. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) – Westville Campus Pharmacy Studies
- Programme: Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
- Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
- Contact: +27 (0) 31 260 7030
- Website: UKZN Pharmacy
8. University of the Western Cape (UWC) Pharmacy Studies
- Programme: Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
- Location: Bellville, Cape Town, Western Cape
- Contact: +27 (0) 21 959 2190
- Website: UWC Pharmacy
9. University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) Pharmacy Studies
- Programme: Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
- Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
- Contact: +27 (0) 11 717 2052
- Website: WITS Pharmacy
These universities offer the Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm), a 4-year degree required for registration as a pharmacist with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC).
Studying Pharmacy at Colleges
Abaluleki Professional Consulting cc / University of Fort Hare Consortium
Abaluleki Professional Consulting cc, in partnership with the University of Fort Hare, provides essential training for individuals who wish to become Pharmacist’s Assistants. The course equips students with the necessary skills to work in institutional pharmacy settings.
National Certificate: Pharmacist’s Assistant: Institutional (NQF Level 3)
- Contact: +27 (0) 43 704 7581 / +27 (0) 74 403 2754
- Email: mbabamanr@mweb.co.za
Health Science Academy (Pty) Ltd
Health Science Academy offers extensive courses for those pursuing roles as Pharmacist’s Assistants in various sectors such as community, institutional, manufacturing, and wholesale pharmacy. Their courses include both basic training and further education options for advancement.
National Certificate: Pharmacist’s Assistant: Community, Institutional, Manufacturing, Wholesale (NQF Level 3)
Further Education and Training Certificate: Pharmacist’s Assistant: Community, Institutional, Wholesale (NQF Level 4)
- Contact: +27 (0) 12 816 9000
- Website: Health Science Academy
- Email: enquiries@healthscience.co.za
Pharmacy Healthcare Academy (Clicks Group)
Pharmacy Healthcare Academy, part of the Clicks Group, offers targeted courses for those aiming to become Pharmacist’s Assistants in community pharmacies. The academy covers both foundational and advanced pharmacy support skills.
National Certificate: Pharmacist’s Assistant: Community (NQF Level 3)
Further Education and Training Certificate: Pharmacist’s Assistant: Community (NQF Level 4)
- Contact: +27 (0) 11 222 5731
- Email: Alphonso.Malgas@clicksgroup.co.za
Pharmacy Training and Development Project (Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University)
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (formerly University of Limpopo) offers courses that provide training for Pharmacist’s Assistants. Their courses are designed for community, institutional, and wholesale pharmacy roles, including opportunities for further education.
National Certificate: Pharmacist’s Assistant: Community, Institutional, Wholesale (NQF Level 3)
Further Education and Training Certificate: Pharmacist’s Assistant: Community, Institutional (NQF Level 4)
- Contact: +27 (0) 12 521 4997
- Email: elmarie.loock@smu.ac.za
S Buys Academy (Pty) Ltd
S Buys Academy offers specialised courses to train Pharmacist’s Assistants in multiple areas, including community, institutional, manufacturing, and wholesale pharmacy sectors. The academy provides both entry-level and advanced courses for professional growth in the field.
National Certificate: Pharmacist’s Assistant: Community, Institutional, Manufacturing, Wholesale (NQF Level 3)
Further Education and Training Certificate: Pharmacist’s Assistant: Community, Institutional, Manufacturing, Wholesale (NQF Level 4)
- Contact: +27 (0) 18 788 2102
- Website: S Buys Academy
- Email: marketing@sbuys.co.za / training@sbuys.co.za
Short Courses in Pharmacy and Dispensing
In addition to full qualifications, various institutions offer short courses in pharmacy and dispensing for healthcare professionals looking to enhance their skills.
Health Advance Institute
- Course: Dispensing Course (Non-NQF)
- Contact: +27 (0) 12 346 0700
- Website: Health Advance Institute
Pharmacy Education International CC
- Course: Dispensing for Health Practitioners
- Contact: +27 (0) 21 797 7306
- Website: Pharmacy Education International
S Buys Academy (Pty) Ltd
- Course: Dispensing Course for Healthcare Professionals
- Contact: +27 (0) 18 788 2102
- Website: S Buys Academy
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- Course: Compounding and Dispensing Course for Allied Health Professionals
- Contact: +27 (0) 11 559 6233
- Email: radmilar@uj.ac.za
This guide provides details on where to study as a Pharmacist’s Assistant and related short courses in South Africa, with contact information for each institution. These courses are aimed at those looking to start or advance their careers in pharmacy support roles.
