Countries > UK for Pharmacists > OSPAP
UK for Pharmacists — Conversion course
OSPAP — Overseas Pharmacists' Assessment Programme
The Overseas Pharmacists’ Assessment Programme (OSPAP) is a GPhC-accredited postgraduate conversion for pharmacists whose pharmacy degree is not already recognised for registration in Great Britain. Successful completion is usually required before you can enter Foundation Training and sit the Common Registration Assessment. Northern Ireland is regulated separately by the PSNI.
Pathway Snapshot
Confirm you need OSPAP with GPhC, apply to an accredited university, complete the academic programme (often with a placement component as designed by that school), then apply for Foundation Training and the CRA.
Complete Journey: Overseas pharmacy degree → GPhC eligibility check → OSPAP at an accredited provider → Foundation Training (Oriel / employer) → CRA → GPhC registration.
Main Links
Eligibility
GPhC decides whether your qualification needs OSPAP or whether another recognised route applies. You generally need a pharmacy degree that GPhC can consider, English language evidence to the standard GPhC currently requires, and the right to study in the UK.
Always complete GPhC’s overseas pharmacist guidance and any eligibility application before paying a university deposit.
Accredited Providers
Only GPhC-accredited OSPAP courses count. The list of universities and the length of each programme (commonly about one academic year full-time) is published by GPhC and can change. Entry requirements, start dates, and visa sponsorship differ by school.
Programme Details
OSPAP typically covers UK pharmacy law and ethics, clinical pharmacy, NHS systems, and professional practice at the standard expected of a UK MPharm graduate entering foundation training. Assessment methods are set by the university (written papers, OSCEs, coursework).
This page is not a university prospectus. Compare modules, placement arrangements, and GPhC accreditation status on the provider and GPhC websites.
After OSPAP
Graduates progress to Foundation Training (usually recruited via the national Oriel scheme or an approved employer) and then the Common Registration Assessment. OSPAP alone does not confer GPhC registration.
Fees
All figures are approximate and based on 2026 public information. Always confirm exact fees on the official portals before payment.
| Item | Approx. Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
OSPAP tuition |
Set by each university | International fees often in the tens of thousands of pounds |
GPhC applications |
Confirm on pharmacyregulation.org | Eligibility / registration fees are separate |
UK visa / NHS surcharge |
If you need a student visa | Set by UK government |