Meeting the the criteria above doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll gain entry to the UK or find employment. Before you start the qualifying process, you should carefully consider information provided by the UK Borders Agency to see whether you’ll be able to get the necessary visas and work permits. Unfortunately, we’re not able to answer questions about these issues.
If you’re qualified as a pharmacist outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or hold an EEA pharmacist qualification which is not recognised in the UK, you can apply to register as a pharmacist in Great Britain.
You must complete all of the following:
- the Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme (OSPAP). This is a one-year postgraduate diploma which prepares people for UK practice and entry to foundation training.
- 52 weeks of foundation training in England, Scotland or Wales which has been signed off as satisfactory by your tutor. This foundation training placement gives trainee pharmacists the opportunity to develop and demonstrate the skills, knowledge and behaviours they need to practise as a pharmacist.
- The common registration assessment with a pass result. We want trainee pharmacists to demonstrate they understand how to apply knowledge appropriately in pharmacy practice.
The right to study and work in the UK
Are you eligible to apply for an OSPAP course?
We need to assess if you are eligible to complete an OSPAP course before you can apply. We’ll consider your previous qualifications and work experience, your fitness to practise and your English language competency.
You’ll need to pay a fee of £739, which covers the cost of processing your application. It is non-refundable, even if your application is unsuccessful.
Assessing your pharmacy qualification
If your pharmacy qualification is not assessed as equal to at least a UK bachelor’s degree in pharmacy by ENIC, you must carry out an assessment of the syllabus of the degree that you studied, using the international comparative assessment framework.
International application factsheet
Read this factsheet for a step-by-step guide to applying
Applying for a training place using the Oriel system
As well as your OSPAP eligibility application, you will need to consider applying for a training place to complete after your academic course. Most training places are filled through the Oriel system. You can find out more about the application process on the Oriel website.
Getting professional support
If you’re considering working as a pharmacist in Great Britain, you may want to find a pharmacist who can support you professionally. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is the professional body for pharmacists in Great Britain and can help you find a mentor. You can join the RPS as an international member if you’re a pharmacist based outside Great Britain.
Applying for training
Find out more about applying for training on the Oriel website.
Applying for eligibility to complete an OSPAP
OSPAP eligibility form
Download and complete this form so we can assess your eligibility.
International comparative assessment framework
You can use this form to assess whether your qualification is equal to at least a UK bachelor’s degree in pharmacy.