Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science
Undergraduate
2025
You're considered an International student if you are:
Undergraduate
2025
IBPA
One of the following:
SACE Stage 2 Biology
SACE Stage 2 Chemistry
SACE Stage 2 Physics
More info
None
AUD$ 40,900 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025
060209G
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.
OR
Higher education study
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
OR
Work and life experience
Bangladesh HSC | 4 |
Canada High School (OSSD) | 65 |
Eynesbury FSP | 330 |
German Abitur | 3.5 |
Kenya KCSE (average) | B+ |
Malaysia STPM (best 3) | 6 |
Malaysia UEC | 30 |
Norway GPA | 3 |
Pakistan HSSC | 85 |
Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3) | 7 |
Sweden GPA | 13 |
UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board | 7 |
Vietnam | 7.5 |
Australia | 72 |
IB (best 6) | 26 |
USA SAT (1600) | 1110 |
India (best 4) State Board | 75 |
India (best 4) Central Board | 65 |
HKDSE | 15 |
Nepal NEB | 2.61 |
Students commencing in July will require additional time to complete the degree due to course scheduling and degree structure. Students may be limited to studying at a maximum of 50-75% of the required courses in some semesters. SP5 intake is not available for international students.
1Ranked #10, 2024 QS Subject Rankings. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 3Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Launch your unstoppable career in the discovery, formulation, approval, evaluation and marketing of medicines.
Pharmaceutical scientists are experts in the chemistry, biology, and biotechnology required to design, develop and deliver the next generation of modern medicines. The only degree of its kind in South Australia, UniSA’s Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science will equip you with knowledge and skills to play a trusted and key role within Australia’s healthcare industry, and respond to world challenges with a globally recognised qualification.
Pharmaceutical scientists have broad career outcomes in a variety of work environments, including industrial, clinical, and research areas across private and public sectors.
This three-year program has a minimum placement of 80 hours in diverse workplace settings, preparing you for workplace practice while you study. Depending on your career goals, you can tailor your study with specialist courses in areas like chemistry, biology, and marketing.
You may also be eligible for the only double degree of its kind in Australia - a Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) - which you can do with just two extra years of study.
Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required for their degree, such as field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate they meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include criminal history clearance, a Working with Children Check and immunisation requirements. Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.
High-achieving students may apply to internally transfer into the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) double degree. To be eligible, you’ll need to meet the grade point average (GPA) requirement of 5.0 or more, and successfully complete two full-time years (72 units) of study.
This degree places a unique emphasis on the development and commercialisation of a range of pharmaceutical products, such as injections, tablets, creams and ointments.
In your first year you’ll develop an understanding of basic sciences. You’ll learn about career development and factors influencing the pharmaceutical industry domestically and internationally.
During the second and third years you’ll focus on:
You’ll also get the opportunity to fine-tune your study to your own personal interests and career aspirations when you choose from a range of specialist courses during your final two years.
You may choose to specialise in areas such as:
A Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science from UniSA gives you skills which are transferrable globally, and can be tailored to suit your interests and career ambitions.
This degree will prepare you for a career in exciting areas such as:
Renowned researchers and leading academics will teach you specialist knowledge and skills in research, drug development and manufacturing quality control in state-of-the-art teaching facilities, including purpose-built pharmacy laboratories and our $247 million Bradley Building, located in Adelaide’s BioMed City on North Terrace. You’ll also study a curriculum informed by well above world-class research in pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences.1
You'll gain valuable international pharmaceutical industry experience through potential study tours or overseas placements.
Upon graduation, you'll be eligible for membership with the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) and other relevant professional bodies such as AusBiotech.
22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Dr Jacinta Johnson is a UniSA Lecturer and Pharmacy graduate who was the recipient of the 2018 Early Career Pharmacist award.
Video courtesy of the PSA Excellence Awards 2018, sponsored by Symbion.
The pharmaceutical industry is rapidly growing, due in part to an ageing population, the global pandemic and technological advances which make it easier and more cost-effective for new medications to be created and tested. South Australia's pharmaceutical industry is set for further expansion with an $85 million drug manufacturing plant being built in Adelaide, which will increase local job prospects.
As a pharmaceutical science professional, you'll be interested in science and technology, enjoy solving problems, and want to improve human health.
Your employment opportunities are diverse. You’ll be qualified to take on professional roles in many areas, including:
View our Science Careers page for more information.
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.
Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
You’ll have access to:
You’ll also be able to access other on-campus spaces including modern lecture theatres, collaborative teaching rooms, and relaxed student lounges.
I am a Physical Chemist by training and I have extensive experience in both researching and teaching drug formulation science and nanotechnology. Like many of our students, I was the first person in my family to attend University, and I am passionate about working with our students to help them to grow and develop strong life-long learning skills they will need in their future career. My teaching and research are heavily influenced by my ongoing connects with industry, both within Australia and internationally – this ensures our students learn from a cutting-edge curriculum with strong career outcomes.
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.