List of Approved Providers and Courses

Members of the public and the profession are advised that, as at October 2024, this list comprises the only approved providers of pharmacy education and training, and the courses approved/accredited by the South African Pharmacy Council.

Higher Education Institutions (HEI)

In terms of Section 34 of the Pharmacy Act, 53 of 1974, the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) is responsible for approving pharmacy education/training programmes and institutions. No person or institution may provide pharmacy education and training without being approved by the SAPC. Providers of education and training for purposes of registration as a pharmacist may be approved for a maximum period of six (6) years.

Skills Development Providers (SDP)

In terms of the Pharmacy Act, 53 of 1974, as amended, a provider is a person or an institution approved by and registered with Council to provide education and training for purposes of conferring a qualification in pharmacy or a certificate of qualification for purposes of continuing professional development.

The Regulations relating to Education and Training, Practice of Pharmacy, Registration of Persons, and Maintenance of the Register of Pharmacy Technicians have been amended and published on 7 June 2024. The amendments empower SDPs to offer the Occupational Certificate: Pharmacist’s Assistant (Basic) (NQF level 4), Occupational Certificate: Pharmacist’s Assistant (Post-Basic) (NQF level 5), and Occupational Certificate: Pharmacy Technicians (NQF level 6).

The two (2) previously registered qualifications, i.e. National Certificate: Pharmacist Assistance and Further Education and Training Certificate: Pharmacist Assistance, had a last registration date of 30 June 2024 with the teach-out period ending on 30 June 2027. These qualifications are replaced by the new Occupational Certificates.

To apply for accreditation/approval as a Provider with Council, an application must be made for accreditation/approval as a Provider as well as the course that you wish to provide.

Short Courses

All courses/learning programmes that lead to the registration of persons to practise in the pharmacy profession must be accredited/approved by Council. For a course to be accredited/approved, an appropriate application form should be completed and submitted to Council according to Council requirements.