FAQs

Yes. A minimum score of 500 is required to apply to the College of Pharmacy. Applicants to the program are expected to have met the QU Foundation Program requirements. In particular, applicants are expected to have passed one year of intensive English language instruction with a minimum English competency as measured by the TOEFL test or be exempted by presenting a TOEFL score of 500. The University will accept only international TOEFL test scores directly obtained from IELTS or scores from institutional tests administrated by QU.

Is there a limit on the age of TOEFL/IELTS scores?

TOEFL/IELTS scores are valid for two years because language proficiency can change considerably in a relatively short period of time. Scores more than two years old cannot be reported or verified. If you took the TOEFL/IELTS test more than two years ago of your admission date to the Foundation/ General Pharmacy, you will have to take the test again in order to have your scores reported.

Is there a distance-based course delivery pathway?

No. A distance pathway is not available at this time.

Does the program use a "rolling admissions" process?

We technically do not operate on a "rolling admissions" basis. There is an application deadline date and after this date, we no longer accept applications. Our Selection Committee reviews completed applications immediately following the application deadline date. In order for an application file to be considered completed it must contain all elements described in the application section of this website.

Should I submit my application early?

Applicants are highly encouraged to submit their completed applications as soon after the application process starts as possible. Submitting your materials early will ensure timely processing, permits us to review your materials for completeness, and may ultimately improve your chances of admission.

How many recommendation letters do you require and where/how do I submit them?

We require two structured letters of recommendation as described on the Application Package page. Admission webpages. Referees may submit these directly or students may provide sealed letters of reference to the program office.

What is the class size?

The class is currently restricted to a maximum of 20 female students, and we have an excellent faculty:student ratio.

Do you accept male applicants?

Not at this time. QU is a segregated campus. Male and female students do not generally co-attend classes. To ensure we are able to deliver a high quality program with our current physical and human resources , we have chosen not to operate a parallel degree program for males at this time.

How competitive is your application process?

The applicant:seat ratio for most pharmacy programs is about 5:1. At our College, we also receive more applications than available seats.

Are pharmacy observation hours or work experience required?

No. Observation hours or work experience is not required, however it is beneficial and it will strengthen your application to have some experience in the field of pharmacy. Our students complete 24 weeks of structured experiential training to fulfill the degree requirements of the program. Any additional internship requirements are at the discretion of the licensing body.

Is an interview required?

Select qualified applicants will be invited for an interview with the College of Pharmacy Selection Committee. Interviews are typically conducted in April / May. .At these interviews, applicants will have the opportunity to share specific experiences, personal attributes, strengths and passion for the pharmacy profession. Applicants will be contacted if they are selected for an interview. Students who meet minimum qualifications may not be offered an interview. Interviews are conducted on the QU campus only.

What does the Selection Committee consider when reviewing an application?

A selection system exists in which our Pharmacy Program Admission Committee selects the applicants it considers most qualified for the study and practice of the profession from the pool of applicants. The admission committee takes a number of factors into consideration during the review process and these are described on the Admissions webpages.

Do QU undergraduate students receive preference in the admission process?

The college offers preferential admission to QU Pre-Pharmacy students due to the strength of the pre-professional curriculum at this university.

How soon after applying will I know a decision?

Your file must be complete in order for the selection committee to review it. Final selection decisions and invitations to join the incoming class are made in July of each year.

Do you accept international students?

International students are eligible to apply for admission and should refer to specific information regarding prerequisites and the admission process.

Will you evaluate my transcripts for prerequisite completion?

We will complete an unofficial transcript evaluation for you. You may fax, e-mail or mail your unofficial transcripts to our office and we will review your transcripts for prerequisite completion status. You must provide your name, telephone number, e-mail and program of study. You may fax your transcript with contact information to +974 480-1940/2 or email it to the following address: bscpharm@qu.edu.qa. You should expect to hear back from our office within 10 days.

Is there a limit on the age of coursework?

There is no limit on the age of coursework completed, although we expect it to have been completed within the past five years.

What coursework is considered in calculating the GPA? How are repeated courses handled?

All of your college-level coursework is considered when your cumulative GPA is calculated. Therefore, with repeated courses, both grades are used. See the QU Student Catalog policies in this regard.

Can I take prerequisite classes online?

Online courses from any regionally accredited institution may be taken to fulfill prerequisites with the exception of laboratory components for the sciences. All labs must be done on campus.

Is a knowledge of computers necessary to complete your program?

Absolutely. Health science computing skills are emphasized in the curricula of the College. All pharmacy courses will be delivered using BlackBoard course management software. As a result, a good basic knowledge of computers and standard software (e.g. MS Office, Acrobat Reader, MS Outlook (Express), Firefox Internet Browser) is necessary.

Should I purchase a computer prior to enrolling in your program?

All entering full-time students are required to purchase a subsidized personal laptop computer. All College classrooms, laboratories and study areas are wireless on the QU campus. Many of the pharmacy learning resources are electronic and all are accessible to our students both on campus and off.

What are your tuition costs?

Tuition fees may vary from year to year. Details regarding current tuition fees can be located at this website. The tuition fees for pharmacy students registered in 2009 academic year will be QR800 (approximately US$164) per credit-hour.

Is on-campus housing available?

Yes. Information regarding student housing can be found on the QU Housing website.