Pharm.D. International Applicants

The VCU School of Pharmacy highly values its international students, with participants currently representing more than 20 different countries.

International applicants follow the same Pharm.D. application process as all other applicants, with the additional requirement of submitting a foreign transcript evaluation and proof of English language proficiency.

Transcript Evaluation

VCU School of Pharmacy requires that transcripts from foreign colleges or universities be translated and evaluated course-by-course by World Education Services (WES). Enter all international (non-United States/foreign) institutions you have attended on your PharmCAS application and then order a foreign transcript evaluation from WES through the PharmCAS application. Select the WES “course by course” option with grades.

Proof of English Language Proficiency

Applicable if English is not your native language AND you have resided in the U.S. fewer than 10 years

To ensure maximum benefit from academic study at VCU, students must provide evidence of English language proficiency before enrollment. To learn more about this requirement, visit the VCU Graduate International Applicants page (see "Proof of English proficiency" under "Application materials"). 

Funding Your Education

U.S. citizens and permanent residents may apply for financial aid through the federal government by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). International Pharm.D. students must secure their own funding. Visit our Fund Your Degree page for more information about how to find financial assistance for your education.

Graduates of a School of Pharmacy Outside the U.S.

International students who hold a five-year undergraduate pharmacy degree conferred by a recognized school of pharmacy outside the United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico may consider the option of taking the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination (FPGEE) in lieu of pursuing the Pharm.D. program.

International students who hold a four-year undergraduate pharmacy degree from a school of pharmacy outside the United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are not eligible to complete the FPGEE option and will have to complete a Pharm.D. program in the U.S. in order to become licensed to practice pharmacy in the U.S. Such a degree holder who is interested in the VCU Pharm.D. program will have to have their credits evaluated via WES (see above) or complete prerequisites at a college, university or community college in the U.S. as well as meet all other application requirements and standards.