Study Pharmacy in UAE: Universities, Fees, Admissions & Career Pathways (2025 Guide)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has positioned itself as a regional leader in higher education and healthcare, making it a prime destination for students who want to study pharmacy. With its rapidly expanding healthcare system, global pharmaceutical collaborations, and internationally accredited universities, the UAE offers aspiring pharmacists a unique opportunity to gain world-class education and professional experience.

High-quality universities with international accreditations (CCAPP, ACPE).

1. UAE University – College of Medicine & Health Sciences (Al Ain)

• The oldest and largest national university in the UAE.

• Offers a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) and postgraduate programs.

• Strong focus on research and innovation, with collaborations across GCC and international institutions.

• Graduates are well-regarded in both the public and private healthcare sectors.

2. Al Ain University (AAU) – College of Pharmacy

• Offers BPharm, MPharm, and PharmD programs.

• Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education.

• Known for student-centered learning and industry partnerships.

• Graduates work widely across hospital, community, and industrial pharmacy roles in UAE and abroad.

3. Liwa University (formerly Khawarizmi International College – KIC)

• Recently rebranded as Liwa University, continuing its mission to expand healthcare programs.

• Offers BPharm and other health sciences programs.

• Focus on applied learning and practical training.

• Building reputation as an emerging pharmacy school catering to UAE and GCC demands.

4. University of Sharjah – College of Pharmacy

• Accredited by CCAPP (Canada).

• Offers BPharm and PharmD programs.

• Strong focus on clinical pharmacy, public health, and pharmaceutical research.

• One of the most prestigious pharmacy schools in the UAE.

5. Ajman University – College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

• One of the oldest pharmacy schools in UAE, highly established.

• Offers BPharm, MPharm, and PhD programs.

• Known for international collaborations with universities in Canada and Europe.

• Produces highly employable graduates across GCC and globally.

6. RAK Medical and Health Sciences University (RAKMHSU)

• Offers BPharm, MPharm, and PharmD programs.

• Degrees are recognized across GCC countries, making graduates highly mobile.

• Strong focus on community pharmacy training and practice.

7. Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman

• Offers BPharm and MPharm programs.

• Unique advantage: students train in Thumbay hospitals and pharmacies, ensuring hands-on clinical exposure.

• International student population makes it a truly global campus.

8. Dubai Pharmacy College for Girls

• First dedicated pharmacy college in the UAE (founded 1992).

• Offers BPharm, PharmD, and MPharm programs.

• Focused on empowering women in healthcare and producing clinical leaders.

9. Fatima College of Health Sciences (Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Ajman)

• Offers BPharm with modern simulation labs.

• Known for strong practical and industry collaboration, ensuring graduates are workplace-ready.

• Popular among both Emirati and international students.

• High school certificate (Science stream with Chemistry & Biology).

• Minimum GPA: ~70–80%.

• English proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL (required for international students).

• Some universities conduct entrance exams or interviews.

• Duration: 4–5 years (BPharm) or 6 years (PharmD).

Program Breakdown:

• Pre-Clinical Years: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Physiology.

• Pharmacy Core: Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacognosy, Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmacy Practice.

• Clinical Training: Internships in hospitals and community pharmacies.

• Research Project: Required in final year (thesis or applied research).

Teaching Approach: Case-based learning (CBL), problem-based learning (PBL), lab simulations, and clinical rotations.

Tuition Fees: AED 40,000–70,000 per year (USD 11,000–19,000).

Total BPharm Program Cost: AED 160,000–280,000 (USD 44,000–76,000).

Scholarships:

• University-based merit scholarships.

• UAE government funding for Emirati students.

• Discounts for high-achieving international students.

Pharmacy students in the UAE gain hands-on experience through partnerships with hospitals, pharmacies, and pharmaceutical companies:

• Hospitals: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Rashid Hospital, Thumbay Hospitals.

• Community Pharmacies: Aster, Life Pharmacy, Boots, Super Care.

• Industry: Julphar (Ras Al Khaimah), Neopharma (Abu Dhabi), Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries.

• Research Centers: Dubai Science Park, Sharjah Research Academy.

This clinical exposure ensures students are ready for both licensing exams and real-world practice.

After completing a BPharm or PharmD in the UAE, graduates must obtain a license to practice. The exact pathway depends on where they want to work:

Licensing Pathways

• Dubai Health Authority (DHA): Required for pharmacists practicing in Dubai.

• Department of Health (DOH/HAAD): Required for pharmacists in Abu Dhabi.

• Ministry of Health & Prevention (MOHAP): Required for pharmacists in Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain.

All of these licensing exams are Prometric-based, testing knowledge in Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics, Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmacy Practice, and Ethics.

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Career Pathways

1. Hospital Pharmacist

   • Work in government or private hospitals like Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Rashid Hospital.

   • Focus on clinical pharmacy, medication management, and patient safety.

2. Community Pharmacist

   • Work in pharmacy chains such as Aster, Life, Boots, Super Care.

   • Provide prescription dispensing, OTC guidance, and patient counseling.

3. Industrial Pharmacist

   • Work in pharmaceutical manufacturing and R&D with companies like Julphar (RAK), Neopharma (Abu Dhabi).

   • Roles include formulation, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.

4. Regulatory Affairs Specialist

   • Employment in MOHAP, DHA, or DOH as drug approval specialists and policy advisors.

5. Academia & Research

   • Positions in universities (University of Sharjah, GMU, Ajman University).

   • Involved in teaching, research, and innovation.

6. Pharmaceutical Sales & Marketing

   • Work with regional and multinational companies like Pfizer, Novartis, GSK, Roche.

   • Roles in sales, product management, and medical affairs.

Challenges

1. Competitive Job Market (especially in Dubai & Abu Dhabi)
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are home to the largest number of pharmacies and hospitals in the UAE, attracting both local and international pharmacists. This makes the job market highly competitive. New graduates often find that entry-level positions are quickly filled, and employers may prioritize candidates with clinical experience, internships, or previous GCC licensing.

2. Licensing Exams are Mandatory Before Practice
No graduate can work as a pharmacist in the UAE without passing the relevant licensing exam (DHA, DOH, or MOHAP). These exams are computer-based Prometric tests that require strong preparation in pharmacology, clinical pharmacy, and pharmaceutical calculations. The pass rate can be challenging for students who do not prepare systematically.

3. Preference for UAE-Trained Graduates in Government Roles
While international pharmacy graduates are welcome in the UAE, government healthcare entities (like MOHAP, DOH, or DHA hospitals) often prefer candidates trained in UAE universities because their curriculum aligns directly with local licensing requirements. This means foreign-trained graduates sometimes need to go through extra verification, bridging exams, or longer licensing processes.

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Opportunities

1. Growth of the Pharmaceutical Industry in UAE
The UAE is investing heavily in becoming a pharmaceutical manufacturing and research hub. Companies like Julphar (Ras Al Khaimah), Neopharma (Abu Dhabi), and Pharmax (Dubai) are expanding, creating jobs in drug development, production, quality control, and R&D. This industrial growth opens new pathways beyond traditional community and hospital pharmacy.

2. Increasing Role of Clinical Pharmacy in Patient Care
The UAE is transitioning toward clinical pharmacy models, where pharmacists play a direct role in patient management alongside doctors. Hospitals like Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Khalifa Medical City employ pharmacists in ward rounds, drug therapy monitoring, and pharmacovigilance. This creates high demand for graduates with strong clinical pharmacy training.

3. Demand for Regulatory Affairs Professionals
With the expansion of the pharma industry and the influx of new drugs into the UAE market, there is a rising demand for regulatory affairs specialists. These professionals ensure that medicines comply with UAE and GCC regulations, working closely with MOHAP, DOH, and DHA. Graduates with knowledge of pharmaceutical law and regulatory sciences have excellent career prospects.

4. UAE Pharmacy Degrees Recognized Across GCC
A major advantage of studying pharmacy in the UAE is regional mobility. Pharmacy degrees from accredited UAE universities are recognized across GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain). With the right licensing exams (SCFHS, QCHP, OMSB, NHRA), UAE graduates can easily migrate and practice across the Gulf — a valuable option in today’s interconnected job market.

At ExamCure, we go beyond traditional study methods and provide pharmacy students with the tools, resources, and strategies they need to excel in both their academic studies and licensing exams. Whether you are just starting your BPharm/PharmD program in the UAE or preparing for a Prometric licensing exam (DHA, DOH, MOHAP, or QCHP), our platform ensures you stay ahead of the competition.

📘 Comprehensive MCQ Banks

• Thousands of topic-specific practice questions covering every major pharmacy subject: Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics, Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmacognosy, Medicinal Chemistry, and Pharmacy Practice.

• Questions are designed in Prometric-style format, helping students become familiar with exam difficulty and structure.

• Each MCQ includes detailed explanations, making them valuable learning tools, not just practice.

⚡ High-Yield Crash Courses

• Intensive review courses focusing on high-yield exam topics that frequently appear in licensing exams.

• Ideal for last-minute revision before DHA, MOHAP, DOH, or QCHP exams.

• Condensed notes and study trackers help students cover maximum content in minimum time.

📝 Mock Tests & Recall-Based Prep

• Full-length mock exams designed to simulate real Prometric exam conditions.

• Includes recall-based practice questions from recent exam sessions, giving students a strategic advantage.

• Helps reduce exam anxiety by familiarizing candidates with exam pacing and time management.

🌍 Global Licensing Preparation

• Beyond UAE exams, ExamCure also supports international pharmacy exams such as:

  • NAPLEX (USA)

  • FPGEE (Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Exam)

  • PEBC (Canada)

  • UK pharmacy exams

• Our resources are tailored to help UAE pharmacy graduates expand their careers across GCC, North America, and Europe.

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Why Choose ExamCure for Pharmacy Exam Prep?

• Blueprint Alignment: All our resources match official exam blueprints, ensuring no wasted effort.

• Flexibility: Access courses anytime, anywhere — perfect for busy students and working professionals.

• Affordability: High-quality resources at competitive prices compared to international prep providers.

• Proven Results: Many students report higher confidence and first-attempt success after using ExamCure.

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With ExamCure, pharmacy students in the UAE and beyond can confidently prepare for their exams, secure higher pass rates, and unlock career opportunities across the UAE, GCC, and internationally.

Pharmacy education in the UAE combines academic excellence, practical training, and international recognition. With top universities like University of Sharjah, Ajman University, and Gulf Medical University, students gain access to world-class facilities, diverse internships, and GCC-wide career opportunities.

1. How long is pharmacy study in the UAE?

Most BPharm programs take 4–5 years, while PharmD programs take 6 years.

2. Which is the cheapest pharmacy college in UAE?

Tuition varies, but Ajman University and Fatima College of Health Sciences are relatively more affordable compared to WCM-Q or GMU.

3. Is a pharmacy degree from UAE recognized abroad?

Yes. Many programs are accredited by international agencies (CCAPP, ACPE), making them recognized for exams like NAPLEX and FPGEE.

4. What is the average salary of a pharmacist in UAE?

• Community Pharmacist: AED 6,000–10,000/month.

• Hospital Pharmacist: AED 10,000–18,000/month.

• Specialized/Clinical Pharmacist: AED 15,000–25,000/month.
  
  

5. Can international students study pharmacy in the UAE?

Yes. All major universities accept international students, and many provide scholarships and tuition discounts.

6. Which licensing exams are required for pharmacists in UAE?

Graduates must pass the DHA, MOHAP, or DOH licensing exams depending on where they want to practice.

7. What makes ExamCure useful for pharmacy students?

ExamCure provides MCQ banks, crash courses, mock tests, and recall-based prep specifically tailored to Prometric pharmacy exams, making it easier for students to pass on their first attempt.