Top 5 Universities To Study Pharmacy In South Africa

When it comes to studying pharmacy in Africa, South Africa holds a top spot — and rightly so. With a solid mix of world-class universities, cutting-edge research, and well-regulated professional training, the country offers a fertile ground for aspiring pharmacists to grow and thrive.

Whether you’re a local student or an international applicant, choosing the right university is a major decision. Pharmacy isn’t just about learning how to count pills or read prescriptions. It’s a rigorous blend of chemistry, biology, healthcare policy, patient care, and ethics — all wrapped into a professional degree that can literally change lives.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the top 5 universities to study pharmacy in South Africa, based on factors like academic reputation, accreditation, facilities, student satisfaction, and career outcomes. Let’s get into it!

1. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) – Johannesburg

Why it’s a top pick:
Wits is consistently ranked among the top universities in Africa — and for good reason. The Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) program offered by Wits is highly respected across the continent and internationally. This institution has a long history of producing professionals who excel in both clinical pharmacy and research.

What makes Wits stand out?

• Strong emphasis on clinical pharmacy and evidence-based medicine.

• State-of-the-art laboratories and simulation facilities.

• Partnerships with major hospitals and pharmaceutical companies.

• Research opportunities in drug development, public health, and pharmacoeconomics.

Admission Requirements:

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) with good passes in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and English.

• A high APS score, typically 40+.

Location Perks: You’ll be studying in the heart of Johannesburg, with access to some of the largest healthcare facilities in South Africa.

2. University of Pretoria (UP) – Pretoria

Why it’s worth considering:
The Faculty of Health Sciences at UP is known for its innovative curriculum and forward-thinking approach. The BPharm degree here doesn’t just meet local accreditation standards — it’s internationally respected.

What makes UP special?

• Strong community outreach programs that give students early exposure to real-world healthcare.

• Multidisciplinary teaching environment — pharmacy students work closely with medical, dental, and nursing students.

• Integration of tech in teaching (e-learning, virtual labs, etc.)

Admission Requirements:

• NSC with Mathematics, Physical Science, and Life Science.

• APS score of at least 35+ is generally recommended.

Bonus: The university’s proximity to national healthcare policy centers gives students great exposure to the policymaking side of pharmacy.

3. North-West University (NWU) – Potchefstroom Campus

Why it deserves your attention:
NWU may not always grab headlines like Wits or UP, but it’s a hidden gem. Their School of Pharmacy is one of the oldest in the country and places a strong emphasis on pharmaceutical sciences, community pharmacy, and industry training.

Why NWU is underrated:

• Strong focus on research, especially in pharmaceutics and pharmacology.

• Offers master’s and doctoral opportunities in a wide range of pharmacy sub-fields.

• Practical training at affiliated hospitals and community pharmacies.

• NWU’s unique interdisciplinary approach helps students become adaptable professionals.

Admission Requirements:

• NSC with strong grades in core sciences.

• Minimum APS score usually around 34+, depending on the competition.

Lifestyle: Potchefstroom offers a quieter, student-friendly environment with a strong sense of community — perfect for focused study.

4. Rhodes University – Grahamstown (Makhanda)

A small university with big impact:
Rhodes might be smaller than the other universities on this list, but its Faculty of Pharmacy punches well above its weight. The school is known for its intensive, hands-on learning approach, and close student-lecturer interaction.

What makes Rhodes unique?

• One of the only pharmacy schools in South Africa that still maintains small class sizes.

• Offers a strong blend of theoretical and practical work from the first year.

• Excellent track record in research and postgraduate training.

Admission Requirements:

• NSC with minimum levels in Maths, English, Physical Science, and Life Science.

• Competitive APS of at least 38+ is advisable.

Added Bonus: Makhanda’s serene atmosphere and affordable cost of living make it a great study destination for focused learners.

5. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) – Westville Campus

Why UKZN makes the cut:
UKZN’s School of Health Sciences is home to one of the most diverse and well-rounded Bachelor of Pharmacy programs in South Africa. Students graduate with a well-balanced skill set suitable for careers in clinical, community, or industrial pharmacy.

What’s special about UKZN:

• Strong emphasis on public health and indigenous medicine.

• The school is involved in several research collaborations with international universities.

• Students undergo training in both rural and urban healthcare settings.

Admission Requirements:

• NSC with required subjects including Maths and Science.

• APS scores typically above 34+ for competitive applicants.

Location perks: Located in Durban, the campus offers a blend of urban life and coastal relaxation — not a bad combo if you ask us!

What to Look for in a Pharmacy School

Still weighing your options? Here’s a quick checklist of what to consider before picking a pharmacy program in South Africa:

✅ Accreditation – Ensure the program is accredited by the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC).

✅ Practical Exposure – Look for universities that offer hospital attachments, community pharmacy rotations, or industrial placements.

✅ Research Opportunities – If you plan to go into pharmaceutical research or specialize in pharmacology, pick a school with robust postgraduate programs.

✅ Location & Lifestyle – Consider cost of living, safety, transport, and accommodation.

✅ Alumni Network & Career Support – Universities with strong alumni and internship connections often provide better job opportunities post-graduation.

Final Thoughts

Pharmacy is a dynamic, challenging, and deeply rewarding profession. Whether you want to work in a hospital, own your own pharmacy, work in drug research, or even shape health policy, a solid university foundation is key.

Each of the schools listed above brings something special to the table — from the big-city energy of Wits and UP to the community vibe of NWU and Rhodes. Whatever your style, there’s a place for you in South Africa’s pharmacy education landscape.

So do your research, aim high, and start preparing that application. Your journey to becoming a pharmacist starts with choosing the right school — and now, you’re one step closer.