Bachelor of Pharmacy

Frequently asked questions

1. How many places are available each year?

Around 45 places are available on the Orange Campus and 65 places on the Wagga Wagga Campus.

2. Are there any prerequisite subjects?

There are no formal prerequisites for the Bachelor of Pharmacy but, as it is a science based course, it is assumed that students will have studied English Standard, chemistry and mathematics at Year 12 level. Interview panels may consider that the study of chemistry reflects a student???s interest in and aptitude for science but it is understood that not all rural schools offer chemistry at Year 12 level. If you have not studied chemistry in Year 12 and are accepted into the course, it is strongly recommended that you undertake a Study Link course before commencing.

3. What ATAR score do I need to get in?

Your academic record (ATAR/ENTER or previous university study) only becomes relevant if you succeeded in the interview. Entry to the course is competitive and an ATAR of at least 85.00, or Credit level GPA is expected.

4. What if I have not done Year 12?

If you have not completed Year 12 in the past 10 years or have not completed at least one full year of study at university, you may not be eligible for selection into the course. In that case you should contact us to ascertain your eligibility.

5. Will all applicants be called for an interview?

No. Applicants will be selected for interview on the basis of their supplementary application form. In most cases, interviews will be conducted in late November/early December and candidates selected for interview must attend in person (face-to-face). Interviews will be conducted on the Orange and Wagga Wagga campuses.

6. How many contact hours are involved?

You will have to attend lectures, tutorials and practical classes for up to 25-30 hours per week depending on the year of study.

7. Can the course be studied part-time?

No.

8. If I am offered a place in CSU's Bachelor of Pharmacy, can I defer?

Yes, for 12 months. It will not harm your application if you choose to decline an offer then reapply in subsequent years.

9. Can I sit the STAT and have the score considered?

This will not be necessary but may be considered if you already have STAT results from previous testing. If you are a non-recent school leaver, you will be selected depending on your performance in the interview and the GPA you achieved in university study.

10. If I am not accepted into CSU's Bachelor of Pharmacy the first time, what should I do?

First, you should make sure that pharmacy is the profession that you really want to pursue and seek career planning advice. If you have no Year 12 qualification or your ATAR/ENTER was not high enough, you should concentrate on qualifying for admission to the Bachelor of Medical Science, Bachelor of Clinical Science or another relevant university course with a view to reapplying for pharmacy in the future.

11. Can I apply to study on a full-fee paying basis?

No. All places in this course are Commonwealth supported (other than for International Students).

12. How much does it cost?

You can only study CSU's Bachelor of Pharmacy as a Commonwealth supported student and will be liable to pay the student contribution (HECS). Financial assistance is available through the various CSU scholarships available. In addition you will need to buy books - most subjects have prescribed text books, and often students purchase additional books to help with their studies. Scientific texts typically cost between $100 and $150 each. Second hand books are often available. There are costs associated with professional placement (travel and living). Some assistance with rural placement is available. Protective clothing (laboratory coat, and protective glasses) are also required from the first or second week of the course.

13. I am not an Australian resident. Can I apply?

Yes.