Read this factsheet for a step-by-step guide to applying
Find out about English competency
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 via the National Recruitment Scheme (NRS).
- 52 weeks of foundation training in England, Scotland or Wales via the NRS which has been signed off as satisfactory by your designated supervisor . 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.
International application factsheet
The right to study and work in the UK
Meeting 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.
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.
Before you start your application
We recommend that you check with your preferred university or universities about availability before submitting your application for OSPAP eligibility to us.
Your application processing fee is strictly non-refundable even if your OSPAP eligibility application is unsuccessful, or you cannot secure an OSPAP place at university.
Please make sure that you complete all sections of your OSPAP eligibility application form, and provide all supporting documents with your application, including evidence of your English language ability. We will return incomplete OSPAP eligibility applications without processing them.
The eligibility letter you receive once your application is approved is valid for two academic years. You will need to apply again if you’re unable to get a place within this time. Please contact us in good time, if you think you will run out of time.
Foundation training placements
All training posts are filled through national recruitment schemes, and are organised by the statutory education body for each country:
- NHS England in England
- HEIW in Wales
- NES in Scotland
You must apply for a training post through the scheme - you can’t apply to individual employers directly.
If you want to start your training directly after you finish your OSPAP, you’ll need to apply to the scheme in June of the year before the one when you will finish, which could be before your course begins.
Even if you don’t have all the requested information when the application window opens, you must still apply before the deadline or you won’t be able to start your training. The national recruitment schemes do not allow late applications under any circumstance.
See NHS Education Scotland recruitment webpage for information on how to apply to train in Scotland
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.
Support for pharmacy professionals with refugee status
We aim to be as flexible as possible to support pharmacy professionals with refugee status. We are aware there may be challenges such as obtaining documents and we will consider and talk through individual circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Application fees for applicants with refugee status are waived. Please contact us at international@pharmacyregulation.org for further advice and support.
- Breaking Barriers supports individuals who have claimed asylum in the UK with access to English language tuition, finance, education, and employment. They provide free English courses and exams, as well as financial support with covering the costs of professional requalification through interest-free loans. Breaking Barriers will also support with employment opportunities across various sectors, including the National Health Service (NHS).
Breaking Barriers - Refugee Assessment and Guidance Unit (RAGU) at London Metropolitan University provides specialist careers advice, and guidance and employability skills development training for all refugee health professionals.
Refugee Assessment and Guidance Unit (RAGU) at London Metropolitan University - Refugee Council provides free advice and information to asylum seekers and refugees in the UK.
Refugee Council - The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), and their branches in Wales and Scotland offer three years' complimentary RPS associate membership for pharmacists, pharmacy students, and pharmaceutical scientists who are fleeing areas of conflict. The RPS also has a regional ambassador programme.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society
RPS regional ambassador programme - Displaced People in Action helps refugees in Wales.
Displaced People in Action