Health & Medicine
Pharmacist
You are the medicine expert who keeps people safe from wrong doses and reactions.
- Starting salary
- R28 000 – R40 000
- Job demand
- Always needed
- Key subjects
- Mathematics, Physical Sciences
What do they do?
You are the medicine expert who keeps people safe from wrong doses and reactions.
A day in the life
You check prescriptions, prepare medicine, advise patients and manage stock in a pharmacy or hospital.
Skills you need
- Accuracy
- Chemistry
- Advice giving
- Ethics
School subjects that help
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 3–6 years of study, plus practical experience.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2BPharm (4 years)
- 3Internship + community service
- 4Pharmacist
Ways in: University degree · Professional registration (SAPC). University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- University of Pretoria
- North-West University
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of the Western Cape
- Rhodes University
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
- University of Limpopo
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R28 000 – R40 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R42 000 – R65 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R70 000 – R100 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Get strong at chemistry
- • Ask a local pharmacist about their day
- • Learn how common medicines work
Try this career
Research one common medicine and explain what it does in simple language.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.