Current-cycle decision support
Turn confirmed information into a first practice
Casper 20
Pharmacy clerk scenario: customer service communication skills under time pressure when a processing mistake occurs requiring explanation and delay management.
Quick facts
- Degree: Four-year, full-time Entry-to-Practice PharmD. Official program
- Cycle: September 2027 entry, described by UBC as the 2027W intake. Admissions information
- Location: UBC Vancouver, British Columbia. Official program
- Eligibility: Canadian citizen or permanent resident by the application deadline.
- Academic floor: 60 transferable undergraduate credits and at least 70% or 2.80 GPA.
- Seats: up to 224 students each year.
- Assessment: online Pre-recorded Interview Questions and Scenarios (PIQS) in March 2027.
Admission requirements
Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents by December 1, 2026. They need at least 60 transferable undergraduate credits, completed for graded credit at an approved institution, with the required work normally completed within ten years of the September 2027 start. In-progress prerequisites must be finished by April 30, 2027. Admissions information
Required coursework includes six credits of English, two semesters of first-year calculus, second-year cell biology, second-year introductory biochemistry, two semesters of second-year organic chemistry with associated labs, second-year microbiology, introductory statistics, six credits of humanities or social sciences and enough electives to reach 60 credits. Admissions information
The minimum admission average is 70% or 2.80 GPA, calculated on the most recent 60 transferable undergraduate credits. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission. Admissions information
Important dates
- Fall 2026: application opens for the 2027W intake.
- December 1, 2026: PharmD application deadline.
- April 30, 2027: in-progress prerequisites must be complete.
- March 2027: one annual PIQS offering; the exact date will be emailed.
- May 2027 onward: rolling offers begin.
- July 15, 2027: registration deadline for admitted students.
- September 2027: intended program start.
Document deadlines are assigned by Undergraduate Admissions and communicated directly to each applicant. Admissions information
How selection works
UBC uses academic performance to determine eligibility for further consideration. Interim admission average and applicant-group information contribute to the admission shortlist. The Faculty gives preference to well-qualified BC residents; up to 20% of the shortlist is typically composed of out-of-province applicants. Admissions information
Shortlisted applicants are ranked based on PIQS performance, and offers are issued on a rolling basis. Admission averages and applicant-group information may also be considered. UBC does not publish numerical weights, PIQS cutoffs, rating anchors or the final ranking formula. Admissions information
Interview details
Confirmed
The Pre-recorded Interview Questions and Scenarios are delivered online and require verbal responses to interview questions and scenarios plus written responses. Participation is required for the application to continue. The 2027W cycle has one PIQS offering in March 2027; UBC will communicate the confirmed date by email. Admissions information
UBC describes PIQS as an assessment of non-academic traits suited to pharmacy practice. Shortlisted applicants are ranked primarily on PIQS performance for final offers. Admissions information
Not published
UBC does not publish the exact March date, question count, preparation time, response time, platform, competency list, scoring rubric, rating anchors, cutoff, numerical weight or reviewer process. Invitation and Applicant Service Centre instructions control the live assessment details.
Who this program may suit
UBC may suit Canadian citizens and permanent residents who want a four-year, full-time PharmD in Vancouver with practicum experience across all four years. The program reports that placements can occur across British Columbia, so applicants should consider travel and accommodation obligations as part of fit. Official program
The admissions process is especially relevant to applicants who can demonstrate pharmacy-suited non-academic judgment in concise recorded and written responses. Residency also affects applicant grouping, and non-BC applicants should review that policy before investing in the application. Admissions information
Practice and next step
Use the linked pharmacy error-communication scenario to practise a recorded PIQS response. Identify the safety issue, affected people, missing information and a transparent next step. Review whether your answer is clear, proportionate and patient-centred. Record a second attempt with a sharper opening, compare both versions, then write a concise response to the same scenario to practise the confirmed verbal and written formats.
Frequently asked questions
Who may apply?
Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada who hold that status by the December 1, 2026 deadline. Admissions information
What is the minimum average?
70% or a 2.80 GPA on the most recent 60 transferable undergraduate credits. Admissions information
What is PIQS?
An online pre-recorded assessment requiring verbal responses to questions and scenarios plus written responses. Admissions information
When is PIQS?
One offering in March 2027; UBC will email the exact date. Admissions information
How many seats are available?
Up to 224 each year. Admissions information
Sources
Verified August 22, 2026. Current official sources:
Recommended preparation
Ethical Reasoning Under Pressure: The Four-Box Method
Use the Four-Box Method to organize ethical decisions around medical indications, patient preferences, quality of life, and contextual factors. Work through one foundation resource and three practice scenarios, then explain a defensible decision under time pressure.
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