✅ How Indian Pharmacists Can Work in Canada – Process, Exams & Cost [2025 Guide]
Canada is among the top destinations for Indian healthcare professionals, especially pharmacists. With high demand, lucrative salaries (CAD $70,000+), and a strong public healthcare system, becoming a registered pharmacist in Canada can be a life-changing move.
But it’s not as simple as landing a job post-B.Pharm.
Let’s break down the entire process, exams, eligibility, timeline, and cost for Indian pharmacists aiming to work in Canada in 2025.
🧾 Step-by-Step Process for Indian Pharmacists to Work in Canada
✅ 1. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
Agency: Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC)
Documents Needed: Degree, transcripts, passport, internship proof
Cost: CAD $530
✅ 2. Pharmacist Evaluating Exam (EE)
Computer-based exam to test academic base.
- Subjects: Chemistry, Pharmacology, Law, Pharmaceutics
- Format: 200 MCQs
- Cost: CAD $675
✅ 3. Pharmacy Qualifying Exam (QE Part I & II)
- QE I: Theory (CAD $850)
- QE II: OSCE Simulation (CAD $1,800)
✅ 4. English Proficiency – IELTS / TOEFL
- IELTS Academic: Overall 7.0, no band less than 6.5
- TOEFL iBT: Score of 92+
- Cost: ₹15,000 – ₹17,000
✅ 5. Licensure with Province
Apply to province authority like Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP). May require:
- Jurisprudence Exam
- Internship/Bridging
- Background Check
Estimated Cost: CAD $1,000+
💸 Total Estimated Cost (2025)
| Step | Cost |
|---|---|
| ECA | CAD $530 |
| EE Exam | CAD $675 |
| QE I & II | CAD $2,650 |
| IELTS/TOEFL | ₹17,000 |
| Licensing & Other | CAD $1,000+ |
| Total | ₹2.5 – ₹3.5 Lakhs |
📈 Pharmacist Salary in Canada
- Entry Level: CAD $75,000 – $90,000/year
- Experienced: CAD $100,000 – $120,000/year
- Hourly: CAD $45 – $65
📋 Eligibility Checklist
- B.Pharm or M.Pharm
- IELTS or TOEFL
- PEBC Exams
- License from Provincial Authority
🔎 Study Route vs PR Route
🎓Direct PR + PEBC
- Clear exams in India
- Apply for Express Entry – NOC 31120
🎓 Study + Job Route
Apply for bridging programs in Canadian universities:
- University of Toronto – IPG Program
- University of Waterloo
📚 PEBC Prep Resources
- PEBC Official Guide
- Kaplan Review Books – Amazon
- Reddit: r/PharmacySchool
💬 Testimonials
“I started PEBC process from India and cleared EE in first attempt. IELTS was the toughest part! Now I’m moving to Alberta on PR.” – Nikita M., Mumbai
“Bridging program helped me prepare for QE OSCE with mock sessions. It’s expensive but worth it.” – Rahul B., Hyderabad
✅ Final Thoughts
Working as a pharmacist in Canada is 100% possible for Indian B.Pharm and M.Pharm graduates — with the right preparation and steps. Plan early, invest in preparation, and keep yourself updated on PEBC changes.
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