
In collaboration with the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies, the International Pharmacy Graduate (IPG) program at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy is an academic bridging program that prepares internationally educated pharmacists to meet Canadian entry-to-practice requirements and develop skills to care for patients, as the profession evolves.
The IPG program is committed to ensuring academic excellence and equity in pharmacy education, and to providing a supportive environment for all our learners. We take pride in our reputation as a destination for international trainees, and for providing an inclusive learning environment in Toronto, one of the world’s most diverse cities.
Learners in our program will cover current and emerging topics in pharmacotherapy, pharmacy practice and the Canadian healthcare system, while gaining critical language, workplace, and patient care skills necessary for licensure and effective practice across a range of settings in Canada.
Program Overview
The IPG Program is a 23-week full time program, with a break between the two academic terms, titled Canadian Pharmacy Skills 1 (CPS 1) and Canadian Pharmacy Skills 2 (CPS 2).
"The International Pharmacy Graduate (IPG) program by the University of Toronto provided an amazing learning experience for internationally-educated pharmacists like me to become familiarized with and trained to meet entry-level standards of the Canadian pharmacy practice.
The foundation of knowledge and experiences that I was able to build through with the help of the IPG program instructors and course coordinators has led me to a good start of my career in a long-term care pharmacy setting, and now in the community practice. I believe that my learning experiences, self-development, and continuous education have improved my competence and confidence in providing the best quality of care to patients."
- Dyan Pagkaliwangan, IPG class of 1T9
Deadlines
Spring Registration
Application Deadline: February 19, 2023
CPS1 Registration & Tuition Deadline: February 26, 2023
CPS2 Registration* & Tuition Deadline: June 28, 2023
Withdrawal Deadlines
- Full refund: withdraw by the end of the first week
- 75% refund: by the end of the second week
- 50% refund: by the end of the third week
Tuition and Financial Assistance
Tuition
CPS 1 Tuition: $6965 + HST CAD
CPS 2 Tuition: $6965 + HST CAD
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance may be available to eligible students through the Ontario Bridging Participant Assistance Program (OBPAP) provided once annually by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU). Ministry funding decisions are made annually in March/April. Once funding has been determined, eligible students enrolled in the program will be contacted. Please refer to the Help Desk’s frequently asked questions for more information.
"Not only did the IPG program help me prepare for the PEBC exams, but more importantly, it helped me as an international graduate learn how to navigate the complex journey to become a successful pharmacist in Ontario, and in Canada.
My journey was guided and supported by all the Academic Personnel, who constantly aimed at making the learning experience a pleasant and fruitful one, and always strived to find ways for improvement despite the many limitations imposed by the pandemic."
- Hazem Fahmi, IPG Class of 2T1
Application Requirements
To enroll in the IPG Program at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, you must have successfully:
- Completed the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) Evaluating Examination.
- Met minimum requirements on an Objective English Language Proficiency Test. If you are a native English speaker, you may request a Non-Objective Evidence of Language Proficiency from the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP). In order to do so, you must have a file open with OCP in order for them to review your documents. You can find additional information on their website.
Required Documents
- A copy of the letter stating that you have successfully completed the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) Evaluating Examination.
- A copy of your valid Objective English Language Proficiency test score that meets the minimum requirement. For a summary of the minimum requirements for English fluency scores on an Objective English Language Proficiency test, please visit the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) website by clicking here.
- A recent resume with your current contact information, including address, email, phone number, and a summary of your education and career history in PDF format.
Technology Requirements
The IPG Program is delivered entirely online. The following technology and internet standards are required to ensure reliable performance.
Requirement | Windows-based PC | Apple Mac / macOS-based PC |
---|---|---|
Operating System | Windows 10 | MacOS 10.15.7 or higher |
Web Browser | Firefox or Google Chrome | Firefox or Google Chrome |
Processor | Intel Core i7 9th generation or newer | Intel Core i7 9th generation or newer or any Apple M1 chip |
RAM / Memory | 16GB | 16GB |
Storage | 5GB of available space | 5 GB of available space |
Screen Resolution | 1024 x 768 | 1024 x 768 |
Connectivity | Ethernet of WiFi; available USV port(s) accomodate recommend accessories | Ethernet or WiFi; available USV port(s) accomodate recommended accessories |
Recommended Internet Requirements: High speed broadband access (LAN, Cable or DSL) with minimum download speed of 25Mbps and upload speed if 10Mbps is required.
The program is committed to the orientation of learners to the various program technologies and platforms, and the continuous support of learners through their technology issues. The virtual nature of the program requires learners to have basic computer competencies and skills to be successful in the program. Competencies and skills including but not limited to:
- Navigating your operating system to update/change computer’s settings (e.g., audio, video, screen, and other settings)
- Installing/uninstalling software
- Basic use of word processing software e.g., Microsoft Word
- Using email and communication programs
- Using web browsers and search engines
Application Process
1. Review the program’s minimum requirements to ensure you meet them.
2. Complete the online IPG Application.
3. Prepare and upload all required documents to the online IPG Application.
4. Pay the $250 + HST CAD non-refundable application fee through the online IPG Application. We accept Visa, Mastercard and AMEX only. We do not accept cash, debit or personal cheques. If you need to pay by Canadian Bank Draft/Money Order (payable to the University of Toronto) please complete and save the online form and then mail the Canadian Bank Draft/Money Order to the following address:
School of Continuing Studies – IPG Program
158 St. George St.
Toronto, ON
M5S 2V8
5. Your application will be reviewed to ensure that the minimum requirements have been met. If they have not been met, an SCS team member will reach out to you.
6. We will contact you by email within three business days to notify you whether your application has been approved or denied.
7. If your application has been approved, you will receive a link to register into the program and courses, and to pay the CPS1 Semester 1 tuition fee: $6965 + HST CAD. Please pay the full tuition fee by the posted deadline.
8. To confirm your enrollment into the program, we must receive your full tuition payment. Once the full tuition payment is received, a receipt and Confirmation of Registration and Acceptance Letter will be emailed to you.
9. You will receive a welcome email, orientation packet and information about your mandatory orientation sessions from the IPG program 21 days before the start of the program.
For more information, including course descriptions and schedules, visit the School of Continuing Studies
News

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