Expert OSPAP ConsultantsYour Pathway to
UK Pharmacy
Registration.

OSPAP — the Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme — is a GPhC-regulated postgraduate qualification required for any pharmacist trained outside the UK or EEA who wants to register and practise as a pharmacist in Great Britain. It is not optional: without completing OSPAP, international pharmacists cannot apply for GPhC registration.

The OSPAP course itself takes 9 to 12 months, delivered full-time at a GPhC-accredited UK university. After completing OSPAP, you then complete 52 weeks of pre-registration foundation training, followed by the GPhC Registration Assessment. In total, most international pharmacists complete the full journey to GPhC registration in approximately 2.5 to 3 years.

The main OSPAP costs are: GPhC eligibility assessment fee (£783, non-refundable), university tuition (£11,700 to £18,000 depending on the institution), UK student visa fee (£490), Immigration Health Surcharge (£624 per year), and living expenses (approximately £1,136 to £1,483 per month outside and inside London respectively). Global Pathways helps you plan a full budget before you apply.

You must pass either IELTS Academic (minimum 7.0 in all four components at one sitting) or OET Pharmacy (minimum Grade B in all four components at one sitting). GPhC does not accept general English certificates. OET Pharmacy is often preferred as it uses healthcare-specific scenarios that are directly relevant to pharmacy practice.

As of 2026, four universities are GPhC-accredited to deliver OSPAP: Aston University (Birmingham), University of Brighton, University of Hertfordshire (Hatfield), and the University of Sunderland. Each has its own fees, entry requirements and application deadlines. Global Pathways advises you on which university best matches your profile and timeline.

Yes. There is no restriction on which country your pharmacy degree is from, provided the GPhC determines your qualification meets their eligibility standards. Global Pathways specialises in supporting applicants from Pakistan, India, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia and other countries through the full OSPAP and GPhC registration process.

After finishing your OSPAP course, you must secure a 52-week pre-registration foundation training placement through the National Recruitment Scheme (Oriel portal). Applications typically open in spring. On successfully completing your training, you sit the GPhC Registration Assessment — passing both papers grants you full GPhC registration to practise independently as a pharmacist in the UK.

The GPhC launched a public consultation in April 2026 on proposals to replace the current OSPAP route with a new single integrated year combining university study and in-practice training. If approved following the 12-week consultation, the new pathway could be in place from 2028 at the earliest. The current OSPAP route remains fully operational for all 2026 and 2027 applicants.