How to Become a Licensed Pharmacist in Canada from India – 2026 Step-by-Step Guide

Are you an Indian pharmacy graduate dreaming of building a successful career as a pharmacist in Canada? The demand for qualified pharmacists in Canada continues to grow, with an increasing emphasis on patient-centered healthcare, clinical pharmacy, and pharmaceutical research.

Becoming a licensed pharmacist in Canada from India is an achievable goal—but it involves a clearly structured process overseen by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) and provincial licensing authorities.

This 2026 step-by-step guide explains everything you need to know—from credential evaluation to licensure—so you can confidently plan your journey.

Why Choose Canada for Your Pharmacy Career?

Canada offers one of the most stable and rewarding healthcare job markets globally. Indian-trained pharmacists enjoy opportunities in hospital pharmacies, community chains, clinical research, and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors. Salaries for pharmacists range between CAD 90,000 – CAD 130,000 per year, with excellent pathways for permanent residency and long-term career growth.

Step 1: Obtain a Recognized Pharmacy Degree

Your first requirement is a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) or Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) from an institution recognized in India. This degree must be equivalent to a Canadian pharmacy qualification. If you hold a Pharm.D, that can also meet eligibility standards.

Before applying for licensure, you’ll need to have your academic credentials verified through the PEBC. Canadian authorities pay special attention to the accreditation status of your college and course curriculum.

Step 2: Register on Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada (NAPRA)

Visit the official Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada website and create an online profile. This is the entry point for all international pharmacy graduates (IPGs).

Once registered, you’ll receive a NAPRA ID number, which you will use throughout the licensing process. The Gateway serves as your document hub and coordinates between you, the PEBC, and the provincial regulatory authorities.

Step 3: Undergo PEBC Document Evaluation

The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) will evaluate your academic documents to verify whether your degree matches Canadian standards. You’ll submit:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Proof of internship or work experience (if applicable)
• Passport and identification documents
• University-issued curriculum details

Only after approval from the PEBC can you proceed to the examination phase.

Step 4: Pass the PEBC Evaluating Examination (EE)

This is a qualifying exam designed specifically for international graduates. It tests your basic pharmaceutical knowledge across subjects like pharmaceutical sciences, clinical pharmacy, physiology, and pharmacy law.

However, from May 2025 onwards, candidates from Indian universities with international accreditation (recognized by CCAPP or ACPE) may receive direct exemption from the Evaluating Exam under the Streamlined Pathway 2026 update. If you qualify, you can directly move to the PEBC Qualifying Exam.

Step 5: Pass the PEBC Qualifying Examination (QE)

The Qualifying Exam is divided into two parts:

• Part I (MCQ): Computer-based test assessing your theoretical and clinical pharmacy knowledge.
• Part II (OSCE): Objective Structured Clinical Examination where you perform simulated patient-care tasks.

This is often considered the most challenging step for foreign-trained pharmacists, as it evaluates not just knowledge but communication and decision-making in real-life scenarios.

Step 6: Meet English or French Language Proficiency

Language proficiency is crucial for effective pharmacy practice in Canada. Most provinces accept the following:

Test	Minimum Required Score
IELTS (Academic)	6.5 or above (no band <6.0)
TOEFL iBT	90+ overall
CELPIP (General)	CLB 8 minimum

You must submit your results as part of your PEBC file or provincial application.

Step 7: Complete a Provincial Bridging and Internship Program

After successfully passing the exams, the next requirement is to complete a Structured Practical Training (SPT)—an internship under a registered Canadian pharmacist.

Most provinces require between 600 to 1,000 hours of supervised training, depending on your background. You may also be required to attend a bridging program at universities like the University of Toronto or the University of British Columbia to learn local pharmacy laws, ethics, and practice standards.

Step 8: Pass the Provincial Jurisprudence Exam

Each Canadian province requires pharmacists to pass a jurisprudence exam dealing with laws, ethics, and professional conduct. For example:

• Ontario: Ontario College of Pharmacists Jurisprudence Exam
• Alberta: Alberta College of Pharmacy Law Exam
• British Columbia: College of Pharmacists of BC Ethical Practice Exam

Once you pass this provincial requirement, you can officially apply for your pharmacist license.

Step 9: Get Your Pharmacist License

After successful completion of all exams and internship, you can now register with your chosen provincial regulatory body (e.g., Ontario College of Pharmacists, Alberta College of Pharmacy, or College of Pharmacists of British Columbia).

You will be issued a Pharmacist License—allowing you to practice in Canada legally as a healthcare professional.

Step 10: Apply for Work Permit or Permanent Residency

To legally work in Canada, international pharmacists need either a work permit or Permanent Residency (PR). The Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) are ideal routes. Pharmacists are typically listed under NOC Code 31120 in Canada’s skilled occupation list.

Timeframe and Cost Overview

Becoming a licensed pharmacist in Canada generally takes 2 to 3 years, depending on individual progress and exam schedules.

Estimated Cost Breakdown:

• PEBC Document Evaluation: CAD 700
• Evaluating Examination: CAD 900
• Qualifying Exams (Part I + II): CAD 2,000+
• Internship & Bridging Programs: CAD 5,000 – CAD 10,000 (varies by province)

High-Demand Provinces for Pharmacists in 2026

• Ontario
• British Columbia
• Alberta
• Saskatchewan
• Nova Scotia

These regions not only offer competitive salaries but also consistent immigration opportunities under the Express Entry draw for healthcare professionals.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a licensed pharmacist in Canada from India in 2026 is a demanding but life-changing process. With proper planning, consistent preparation, and dedication, your international pharmacy qualification can unlock a rewarding healthcare career in one of the world’s most respected systems.

Start your Canadian pharmacy journey today—and transform your pharmaceutical expertise into a globally recognized professional career.