Duration
Full-time: 4 years
Next start date
2027 Semester One – 1 March
2028 Semester One – 28 February
Available locations
Grafton
Points
480
Programme type
Undergraduate

Programme overview

There’s so much more to pharmacy than donning a white coat and counting pills. Pharmacists are experts in the safe and effective use of medicines. They fulfil a multitude of roles across the healthcare sector. Our Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) prepares you to work as part of healthcare teams in supporting the health of people and communities.

You’ll develop the patient assessment, clinical and professional skills necessary for effective interactions with other health professionals, patients and the public.

Programme highlights:

  • An integrated, experience-based programme developed with leading pharmacists and other health providers
  • An emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving, and using research evidence to inform clinical decision making
  • Ten weeks of real-world practice, learning in placements across the programme in pharmacy, clinical and other health settings
  • Many simulations, labs and workshops in our model-pharmacy teaching suite and world-class pharmaceutical sciences laboratories

There are two application categories for entry into the BPharm, please click on the entry requirements tab below for full details.

There is no direct entry from secondary school. School leavers are encouraged to apply under the First Year entry category.

Please note:

 

Programme structure

  • Students enter into Part II of the BPharm programme.
  • Year Two (Part II) requires three courses focused on pharmaceutical science and practice (120 points). There is also an English language competency requirement which must be met.
  • Year Three (Part III) has two core courses on drug treatments for various diseases (120 points).
  • Year Four (Part IV) requires completion of a dissertation (30 points) and two core courses (90 points).
  • A series of practice placements enables students to gain experience in appropriate clinical settings under the guidance of experienced pharmacists.
  • After graduation, a year-long pre-registration training programme is administered by the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand under the supervision of a registered pharmacist.
  • Registration as a pharmacist occurs after successful completion of this year.

Most students need to take one General Education course.

Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Sample programme structure

Year 2 120 points

  • Code:
    PHARMACY 199
    Name:
    English Language Competency
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    0 pts
  • Code:
    PHARMACY 211
    Name:
    Applied Science for Pharmacy
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    PHARMACY 212
    Name:
    Pharmaceutical Science and Practice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    PHARMACY 213
    Name:
    Pharmacy 1
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    60 pts

Year 3 120 points

  • Code:
    PHARMACY 311
    Name:
    Pharmacy 2
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    60 pts
  • Code:
    PHARMACY 312
    Name:
    Pharmacy 3
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    60 pts

Year 4 120 points

  • Code:
    PHARMACY 413
    Name:
    Research Inquiry in Pharmacy
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    PHARMACY 701
    Name:
    Medicine Optimisation 1
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    45 pts
  • Code:
    PHARMACY 702
    Name:
    Medicine Optimisation 2
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    45 pts

2026 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

First year entry

The below entry requirements relate to 2027 entry only

To apply for BPharm as a first year student you must complete the first year of the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) or the Bachelor of Science (BSc) at the University of Auckland, or the Health Sciences First Year at the University of Otago. This must be completed on a full-time basis and must include the following courses:

Option A: Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) or Bachelor of Science (BSc), University of Auckland

The remaining 60 points must comprise of:

Option B: University of Otago's Health Science First Year (HSFY)

Interview Eligibility
You will need to achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 across the 7 first year courses listed in bold above to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview (MMI - Multi Mini Interviews). All University of Auckland applicants must also pass WTRMHS 100 or WTRSCI 100.

Interview Ranking
If eligible you will be ranked for interview invitation. This ranking will be based on your grades in the core courses (in bold above). If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection. 

Final Selection Ranking
Applicants will be offered admission to the programme according to the rank order until the available places in the category are filled. Interviewed applicants’ final ranking is based on a weighting of the following components:

  • GPA for four courses (BIOSCI 107, CHEM 110, MEDSCI 142, POPLHLTH 111): 50% 
  • Multi Mini Interview: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply, this will be determined year to year)

Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or contact the Faculty directly on fmhs@auckland.ac.nz.

 

The below entry requirements relate to 2028 entry only

First year entry
First year applicants must complete eight courses (see below) in the first year of one of the following University of Auckland programmes:

  • Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BBiomedSc)
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) – Community Health major
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) – Health Systems and Data Analytics major
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Cell and Molecular Bioscience major
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Exercise Sciences major
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Medicinal Chemistry major
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Nutrition major
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Pharmacology major
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Physiology major

Applicants who are completing the Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) at the University of Otago will also be considered under this category. 

First year required courses (BHSc or BBiomedSc):

First year required courses (BSc):

This study must be completed on a full time basis and in the year of application for the Bachelor of Pharmacy. Only the first attempt for these courses will be considered for admission in the First Year category.

First Year entry applicants must:

  • achieve a minimum GPA of 5.0 across the four core courses (BIOSCI 107, CHEM 190, POPLHLTH 111 and MEDSCI 142)
  • have no fail grades in any of their eight first year courses

Interview eligibility
To be eligible for consideration for an interview (MMI – Multi Mini Interviews), applicants must:

  • achieve a minimum GPA of 5.0 across BIOSCI 107, CHEM 190, POPLHLTH 111 and MEDSCI 142, including interim grades (highest possible grade) for any courses in Semester Two, and
  • have no fail grades in any of their Semester One courses

Interview ranking
If eligible, applicants will be ranked for selection to attend the MMI. This ranking will be based on the GPA of the four core courses (BIOSCI 107, CHEM 190, POPLHLTH 111 and MEDSCI 142) including interim grades (highest possible grade) for any courses in Semester Two.

Final selection eligibility
Following the release of Semester Two grades, eligibility of applicants is reconfirmed by assessing applicants have:

  • achieved a minimum GPA of 5.0 across BIOSCI 107, CHEM 190, POPLHLTH 111 and MEDSCI 142, and
  • no fail grades in any of their eight courses

Final selection ranking
Applicants will be offered admission to the programme according to the rank order until the available places in the category are filled. Interviewed applicants’ final ranking is based on a weighting of the following components:

  • GPA of the four core courses: 50% (a minimum GPA of 5.0 is required)
  • MMI fair score: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply)

Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or submit an online enquiry.

Alternative admissions

The below entry requirements relate to 2027 entry only

To apply for the BPharm under the Alternative Admissions entry category, applicants must have completed a minimum of two years of full time study in a relevant degree from a recognised university. Your last year of full time study must be no more than five years prior to the year of application. A minimum of 105 points over Semesters One and Two per academic calendar year is required to be considered as full time for BPharm admission. A typical academic calendar year is 120 points.

Applicants who have completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree overseas but are unable to register with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand can also be considered under this category.

Interview eligibility
Applicants will need to achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.0 across your last two years of full time study to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview (MMI – Multi Mini Interviews).

Interview ranking
Eligible applicants are ranked for interview invitations based on the GPA from their last two years of full time study. If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible grade) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection.

Final Selection Ranking
Applicants will be ranked for selection based on a weighting of the following components:

  • GPA for last two years of study: 50% (a minimum GPA of 4.0 overall is required)
  • Multi Mini Interview: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply, this will be determined year to year)

Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or contact the Faculty directly on fmhs@auckland.ac.nz.

 

The below entry requirements relate to 2028 entry only

Two or more years of tertiary study
To apply for BPharm under the two or more years of tertiary study entry category, applicants must have completed a minimum of two years of relevant study on a full time basis at a recognised university. Your last year of full time study must be no more than five years prior to the year of application. A minimum of 105 points over Semesters One and Two per academic year is required to be considered as full time study for BPharm admission. 

Relevant study is defined as having completed the four core courses (or equivalent): BIOSCI 107, CHEM 190, POPLHLTH 111 and MEDSCI 142. 

Interview Eligibility
Applicants need to achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.0 across their last two years of full time study to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview (MMI – Multi Mini Interviews).

Interview Ranking
Eligible applicants are ranked for interview invitations based on the GPA from their last two academic years of full time study. If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible grade) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection.

Final Selection Ranking
Applicants will be ranked for selection based on a weighting of the following components:

  • GPA for last two years of study: 50% (a minimum GPA of 4.0 is required)
  • MMI fair score: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply)

Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or contact the Faculty directly on fmhs@auckland.ac.nz.

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

First year entry

The below entry requirements relate to 2027 entry only

To apply for BPharm as a first year student you must complete the first year of the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) or the Bachelor of Science (BSc) at the University of Auckland. This must be completed on a full time basis and must include the following courses:

The remaining 60 points must comprise of:

Interview Eligibility
You will need to achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 across all the 7 first year courses in bold to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview (MMI - Multi Mini Interviews). All applicants must also pass WTRMHS 100 or WTRSCI 100.

Interview Ranking
If eligible you will be ranked for interview invitation. This ranking will be based on your grades in the core courses listed in bold above. If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection. 

Final Selection Ranking
Applicants will be offered admission to the programme according to the rank order until the available places in the category are filled. Interviewed applicants’ final ranking is based on a weighting of the following components:

  • GPA for four courses (BIOSCI 107, CHEM 110, MEDSCI 142. POPLHLTH 111): 50% 
  • Multi Mini Interview: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply, this will be determined year to year)

Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or contact the Faculty directly on fmhs@auckland.ac.nz.

 

The below entry requirements relate to 2028 entry only

First year entry
First year applicants must complete eight courses (see below) in the first year of one of the following University of Auckland programmes:

  • Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BBiomedSc)
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) – Community Health major
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) – Health Systems and Data Analytics major
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Cell and Molecular Bioscience major
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Exercise Sciences major
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Medicinal Chemistry major
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Nutrition major
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Pharmacology major
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Physiology major

Applicants who are completing the Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) at the University of Otago will also be considered under this category. 

First year required courses (BHSc or BBiomedSc):

First year required courses (BSc)

This study must be completed on a full time basis and in the year of application for the Bachelor of Pharmacy. Only the first attempt for these courses will be considered for admission in the First Year category.

First Year entry applicants must:

  • achieve a minimum GPA of 5.0 across the four core courses (BIOSCI 107, CHEM 190, POPLHLTH 111 and MEDSCI 142)
  • have no fail grades in any of their eight first year courses

Interview eligibility
To be eligible for consideration for an interview (MMI – Multi Mini Interviews), applicants must:

  • achieve a minimum GPA of 5.0 across BIOSCI 107, CHEM 190, POPLHLTH 111 and MEDSCI 142, including interim grades (highest possible grade) for any courses in Semester Two, and
  • have no fail grades in any of their Semester One courses

Interview ranking
If eligible, applicants will be ranked for selection to attend the MMI. This ranking will be based on the GPA of the four core courses (BIOSCI 107, CHEM 190, POPLHLTH 111 and MEDSCI 142) including interim grades (highest possible grade) for any courses in Semester Two.

Final selection eligibility
Following the release of Semester Two grades, eligibility of applicants is reconfirmed by assessing applicants have:

  • achieved a minimum GPA of 5.0 across BIOSCI 107, CHEM 190, POPLHLTH 111 and MEDSCI 142, and
  • no fail grades in any of their eight courses

Final selection ranking
Applicants will be offered admission to the programme according to the rank order until the available places in the category are filled. Interviewed applicants’ final ranking is based on a weighting of the following components:

  • GPA of the four core courses: 50% (a minimum GPA of 5.0 is required)
  • MMI fair score: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply)

Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or submit an online enquiry.

Alternative admissions

The below entry requirements relate to 2027 entry only

To apply for the BPharm under the Alternative Admissions entry category, international applicants must have completed a minimum of two years of full time study in a relevant degree from a recognised university. Your last year of full time study must be no more than five years prior to the year of application. A minimum of 105 points over Semesters One and Two per academic calendar year is required to be considered as full time for BPharm admission. A typical academic calendar year is 120 points.

Applicants who have completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree overseas but are unable to register with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand can also be considered under this category.

Interview eligibility
Applicants will need to achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.0 across your last two years of full time study to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview. Shortlisted international applicants will be interviewed over Kira Talent. International alternative admissions applicants will receive an individual interview link from Kira Talent via email if invited to interview. Interviews will take place between June-July.

Interview ranking
Eligible applicants are ranked for interview invitations based on the GPA from their last two years of full time study. If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible grade) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection.

Final Selection Ranking
Applicants will be ranked for selection based on a weighting of the following components:

  • GPA for last two years of study: 50% (a minimum GPA of 4.0 overall is required)
  • Interview score: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply, this will be determined year to year)

Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or contact the Faculty directly on fmhs@auckland.ac.nz.

 

The below entry requirements relate to 2028 entry only

Two or more years of tertiary study
To apply for BPharm under the two or more years of tertiary study entry category, applicants must have completed a minimum of two years of relevant study on a full time basis at a recognised university. Your last year of full time study must be no more than five years prior to the year of application. A minimum of 105 points over Semesters One and Two per academic year is required to be considered as full time study for BPharm admission. 

Relevant study is defined as having completed the four core courses (or equivalent): BIOSCI 107, CHEM 190, POPLHLTH 111 and MEDSCI 142. 

Interview Eligibility
Applicants need to achieve a minimum GPA/GPE of 4.0 across their last two years of full time study in a relevant degree to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview. Shortlisted international applicants in this category will be interviewed via Kira Talent. International applicants will receive an individual interview link from Kira Talent via email if invited to interview. Interviews will take place between June-July.

Interview Ranking
Eligible applicants are ranked for interview invitations based on the GPA/GPE from their last two academic years of full time study. If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible grade) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection.

Final Selection Ranking

Applicants will be ranked for selection based on a weighting of the following components:

  • GPA/GPE for last two years of study: 50% (a minimum GPA/GPE of 4.0 is required)
  • Interview score: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply)

Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or contact the Faculty directly on fmhs@auckland.ac.nz.

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

How much does a Bachelor of Pharmacy cost per year?

2026 fees

Domestic students
NZ$9,885.60*
International students
NZ$55,214*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $9.44 per point, estimated at $1,132.80 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Key dates

Please note: Late/incomplete applications are not accepted. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2026
1 July 2025
Semester One 2027
1 July 2026

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

How to apply

Applying for an undergraduate programme? Check out our step-by-step guide.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

In Aotearoa New Zealand, the pathway to becoming a registered pharmacist includes the successful completion of a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree and a one-year paid internship in an approved pharmacy setting outside the University after graduation. Pharmacy as a profession continues to evolve, and pharmacists now utilise their patient-centred skills to provide immunisations, health checks and monitoring of long-term conditions. Pharmacists deliver enhanced medicine services in collaboration with other members of healthcare teams. Pharmacists also work in a range of health-based industries related to the manufacturing, prescription and provision of medicines, as well as industries such as medical publishing and pharmaceutical marketing.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Community pharmacist
  • Hospital pharmacist
  • Health sector manager
  • Pharmaceutical researcher
  • Pharmaceutical writer
  • Medicines quality control pharmacist
  • Medicines regulator
  • Prescribing adviser

Further study options

See all study options

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.

Key Information for Students

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