Pharmacists from Egypt: Registering in the UK
A pharmacist who qualified in Egypt — typically holding a Bachelor of Pharmacy (or Doctor of Pharmacy) degree and registration with the Egyptian pharmacy authorities — can pursue registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) in Great Britain through the route for internationally-qualified pharmacists. That route centres on the Overseas Pharmacists’ Assessment Programme (OSPAP), followed by 52 weeks of foundation training and the GPhC registration assessment. This page is general information, not a job advert.
Last reviewed 2026-07-03.
Your starting point in Egypt
Most pharmacists in Egypt qualify with a Bachelor of Pharmacy (or Doctor of Pharmacy) degree and registration with the Egyptian pharmacy authorities, regulated by the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population / Egyptian Pharmacists Syndicate. For the UK route, the important point is that a qualification gained in Egypt is treated by the GPhC as an overseas qualification, so you follow the OSPAP route rather than the UK MPharm route. The GPhC assesses each applicant individually and expects you to be registered — or eligible to register — as a pharmacist in Egypt before you begin.
The route, step by step
- 1
Confirm your eligibility with the GPhC
The GPhC first assesses whether you are eligible to begin the route. It reviews your overseas pharmacy qualification, your work experience, your fitness to practise, and your English language competency. You must be registered — or eligible to register — as a pharmacist in the country where you qualified.
- 2
Complete the OSPAP (a one-year postgraduate diploma)
The Overseas Pharmacists’ Assessment Programme (OSPAP) is a one-year, full-time GPhC-accredited postgraduate diploma delivered by a small number of UK universities. It converts your overseas training to the standard expected for practice in Great Britain and prepares you for foundation training.
- 3
Complete 52 weeks of foundation training
After the OSPAP you complete 52 weeks of foundation training (previously called the pre-registration year) in a GPhC-approved workplace in England, Scotland or Wales. Foundation training places are recruited through the National Recruitment Scheme and managed by your Statutory Education Body.
- 4
Pass the GPhC registration assessment, then register
Finally you sit and pass the GPhC registration assessment and meet the GPhC’s fitness-to-practise and character requirements. You must complete all of these steps and apply to register within four years of starting your OSPAP course.
The GPhC charges a non-refundable eligibility-application fee of £783 (as of 2025), and you must complete every step and apply to register within four years of starting the OSPAP. Read the full OSPAP guide →
English language and the right to work
English language
The GPhC requires evidence of English language competency — for example an IELTS Academic score of 7.0 in each of the four sections, or an equivalent such as OET Grade B. The accepted tests and scores are set by the GPhC and can change, so always confirm the current requirement on the GPhC website before booking a test.
Visas and the right to work
Registration with the GPhC and the right to work in the UK are separate things. If you do not already have the right to work in the UK, you would normally need a work visa such as the Skilled Worker visa, which requires a job offer from an employer that holds a sponsor licence. Immigration rules are set by the UK government and change regularly — check GOV.UK for the current requirements.
A note on what this page is — and is not
This is general educational information for pharmacists in Egypt who are researching the UK registration process for themselves. GeraClinic is not a recruitment agency, does not place pharmacists into UK jobs, does not market UK vacancies to you, and does not charge you any fee — under UK law it is illegal for a work-finding agency to charge a jobseeker for finding them work. The OSPAP is delivered by accredited universities, foundation training is recruited through the UK’s National Recruitment Scheme, registration is granted by the GPhC, and any visa sponsorship is arranged by a UK employer. Always confirm the current process, fees and rules directly with the official sources below.
Frequently asked questions
Can a pharmacist who qualified in Egypt register in Great Britain?+
Yes. A pharmacist who qualified in Egypt — typically holding a Bachelor of Pharmacy (or Doctor of Pharmacy) degree and registration with the Egyptian pharmacy authorities — can pursue GPhC registration through the route for internationally-qualified pharmacists. The GPhC first assesses eligibility, then the route runs through the OSPAP, 52 weeks of foundation training, and the GPhC registration assessment.
Does my Egyptian pharmacy degree count?+
The GPhC assesses each applicant’s overseas qualification, experience, fitness to practise and English language competency individually. Being registered, or eligible to register, as a pharmacist with your home regulator (Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population / Egyptian Pharmacists Syndicate) is part of the eligibility picture. Only the GPhC can confirm whether your specific qualification meets its criteria.
Will GeraClinic find me a UK pharmacy job or sponsor my visa?+
No. This page is general information only. GeraClinic is not a recruitment agency, does not arrange UK employment or visa sponsorship, and does not charge fees to individuals. Foundation training places are recruited through the UK’s National Recruitment Scheme, and any UK employer you later work for would handle sponsorship where a visa is needed.
Do I need a visa to work as a pharmacist in the UK?+
If you do not already have the right to work in the UK, you would normally need a work visa such as the Skilled Worker visa, which requires a job offer from a licensed sponsoring employer. Visa rules are set by the UK government — check GOV.UK for the current requirements.
What English language test do I need?+
The GPhC requires evidence of English language competency — for example an IELTS Academic score of 7.0 in each of the four sections, or an equivalent such as OET Grade B. The accepted tests and scores are set by the GPhC and can change, so always confirm the current requirement on the GPhC website before booking a test.