Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists (NSCP) Licensure Requirements
Streamlined Licensing Pathway (Starting December 2023)
Candidates may qualify for a direct licensing process with NSCP if they:
Have practiced direct patient care in the past two years to maintain competence.
Hold an active pharmacist license in good standing from a designated jurisdiction, such as:
Australia
Great Britain
New Zealand
Republic of Ireland
United States of America
(Or have held a license in any of these jurisdictions previously)
Candidates meeting these criteria are exempt from enrolling in Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada and should contact NSCP directly to begin the licensing process.
Regular Licensure Pathway for Other IPGs
* Fee per attempt: Up to four attempts allowed. Note: The total may vary based on the number of attempts required for the PEBC exams.
Financial Overview for IPGs
IPGs aiming to practice as pharmacists in Canada must prepare for fees at various licensing stages, such as document evaluation, exams, and final licensure. Candidates should budget for additional training if further education is required to meet Canadian standards.
Cost Breakdown:
Licensing Fees: Each licensing step has associated costs, including enrollment in Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada, document evaluation, and structured practical training.
Provincial Variability: Each Canadian province may have different fees; the NSCP website has detailed information.
Additional Expenses to Consider
Supplementary Education:
Additional language or pharmacy training may incur costs for courses, tutors, or study resources if desired.
Exam Travel Expenses:
Candidates outside major Canadian cities should budget for travel and accommodation costs for exam attendance.
Immigration Costs:
Immigration expenses, if applicable, should be considered. Details are available on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.
Living Expenses:
Living costs vary widely across Canada and should be planned for during the licensing process.
Financial Assistance Options
Bank Loans:
Canadian banks, such as Scotiabank and RBC Royal Bank, may offer short-term loans to cover Bridging Program expenses.
Windmill Microlending:
This program offers microloans to immigrants for licensing or training costs necessary to work in their field in Canada.
Atlantic Immigrant Career Loan Fund (AICLF):
This micro-loan fund supports internationally trained immigrants in Atlantic Canada, offering financial support to:
Obtain licensure or certification
Secure employment in their field or a related field
Transition careers to align with labor market demands
Visit the AICLF website to learn more, take the eligibility test, and read testimonials from successful applicants.