Start of Study in Pharmacy major at Turkish Public and Private Universities
Pharmacy specializes in studying and analyzing drugs and their effects on the human body.
It involves preparing and correctly dispensing medications to patients, along with providing pharmaceutical consultations to maximize therapeutic benefits.
Overview of Pharmacy Major
History of Pharmacy in Turkey
The first military school of pharmacy in Turkey was established in 1841 in Istanbul under the name “Mekteb-i Tıbbiye-i Şâhâne.”
In 1900, the first civilian pharmacy college was founded at Istanbul University. Subsequently, major Turkish universities began opening their own pharmacy faculties in the early 20th century, such as the Faculty of Pharmacy at Ankara University in 1963.
Therefore, it can be said that pharmacy has been present in Turkish universities for over a century, becoming more widespread and developed in major universities since the mid-20th century.
Number of Pharmacy Students in Turkey
Approximately 36,000 students are enrolled in pharmacy programs at Turkish public universities, while about 14,000 students study in private universities.
Advantages of Studying Pharmacy in Turkey
High-Quality Education: Leading pharmacy faculties in Turkish universities have a good reputation and offer strong, modern academic programs in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences.
Intensive Practical Training: Most pharmacy programs in Turkey focus on practical training in pharmacies, hospitals, and laboratories to provide students with necessary applied experience.
Wide Career Opportunities: Graduates of pharmacy programs from Turkish universities have good job prospects in both public and private sectors, including pharmacies, pharmaceutical industry, hospitals, and research centers.
English Language: Many Turkish universities offer pharmacy programs in English, making them attractive to international students.
International Recognition: Many pharmacy programs in Turkish universities are accredited by prestigious international accreditation bodies, ensuring international recognition of degrees.
Is Studying Pharmacy in Turkey Affordable?
Yes, studying pharmacy in Turkey is considered affordable compared to many other countries. Additionally, Turkish universities offer quality education and a good standard of living for international students.
Requirements for Studying Pharmacy in Turkey
Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
– High school diploma or equivalent.
– Passing the university entrance exam (YÖS), which requires proficiency in Turkish language and basic scientific subjects.
– Submission of all required documents to the university.
– Submission of a certified English or Turkish language proficiency certificate.
– Obtaining a student visa to study in Turkey.
Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from a recognized university.
– Good cumulative GPA: Most Turkish universities require a GPA of at least 3 out of 4 or equivalent during undergraduate studies.
– Passing the university’s specific entrance exam, such as ALES, AVES, or others.
– Language proficiency: Proficiency in Turkish language if the study is in Turkish, or passing an English language test such as TOEFL or IELTS if the study is in English.
– CV and Recommendations: Some universities may require a detailed CV and recommendation letters from previous professors or relevant employers.
– Proposed Research: Some programs require students to submit a preliminary research proposal for their master’s major.
– Personal Interview: Some universities conduct personal interviews with applicants to assess their suitability.
Doctorate Degree Admission Requirements
Must hold a master’s degree in pharmacy or a related field from a recognized university.
Most universities require a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 out of 4.00 or equivalent in the master’s degree.
Submission of a detailed research proposal for the doctoral thesis and a specific study plan for the courses to be studied.
Some programs prefer applicants with previous research experience in pharmacy research and publications.
Duration of Study in Pharmacy at Turkish Universities and Course Content
Duration of Bachelor’s Degree Study
Studying pharmacy at Turkish universities for a bachelor’s degree typically takes 5 years, including scientific and theoretical studies and practical training in hospitals.
Bachelor’s Degree Course Content
Basic Sciences:
Organic and Inorganic Chemistry.
Physics and Mathematics.
Molecular and Cellular Biology.
Biochemistry.
Pharmaceutical Sciences:
Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy.
Industrial Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology.
Pharmaceutical and Analytical Chemistry.
Toxicology and Antibiotics.
Medical Sciences:
Organ Function Science.
Medical Microbiology and Pathology.
Clinical Pharmacology.
Internal Medicine and Surgery.
Pharmacy Practice:
Clinical Pharmacy and Drug Therapeutics.
Pharmaceutical Consultation and Patient Counseling.
Marketing and Pharmaceutical Management.
Pharmacy Legislation and Professional Ethics.
Practical and Applied Training:
Summer internships in pharmacies and hospitals.
Research projects and laboratory experiments.
Field and clinical training before graduation.
Duration of Master’s Degree Study
Studying pharmacy for a master’s degree at Turkish universities usually takes between 2 to 3 years.
Master’s Degree Course Content
Advanced Pharmaceutical Chemistry:
Design and synthesis of new pharmaceutical compounds.
Analysis and interpretation of spectral data for pharmaceutical compounds.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of drugs.
Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology:
Design and development of modern drug delivery systems.
Advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing techniques.
Quality control and standard specifications for drugs.
Advanced Clinical Pharmacology:
Mechanisms of drug action and drug interactions.
Clinical pharmacotherapy and clinical trials.
Clinical pharmacology for specific diseases.
Clinical Toxicology and Toxic Drugs:
Mechanisms of drug toxicity and side effects.
Diagnosis and treatment of drug poisoning cases.
Natural, chemical, and environmental toxins.
Research and Methodology:
Designing and conducting pharmaceutical research.
Advanced statistical analysis of pharmaceutical data.
Specializations in Pharmacy:
Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care.
Biopharmaceuticals and Modern Pharmaceuticals.
Industrial Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Marketing.
Duration of Doctorate Degree Study
Studying pharmacy for a doctoral degree in Turkey usually takes about 4-5 years, including theoretical and practical studies, scientific research, and thesis writing.
Doctorate Degree Course Content
Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics.
Pharmaceutical Biotechnology.
Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice.
Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Control.
Drug Regulatory Affairs.
Pharmaceutical Microbiology.
Research Methods in Pharmacy.
Available Job Opportunities for Pharmacy Graduates
Job Opportunities for Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Pharmacist in private or government pharmacies.
Medical Representative for pharmaceutical companies.
Clinical Research Associate in commercial companies or laboratories.
Hospital Pharmacist in hospital pharmacies.
Technical Support Officer in pharmaceutical companies.
Pharmaceutical Consultant in medical institutions.
Job Opportunities for Master’s Degree Graduates
Work in research and development departments to design and develop new drugs.
Work in quality control and pharmaceutical analysis.
Work as clinical pharmacists to monitor drug therapies for patients.
Work in toxicology and poisonous drugs to treat poisoning cases.
Work as consultants to medical teams on doses and drug interactions.
Work as professors and researchers in pharmacy faculties and pharmaceutical science departments.
Work in pharmaceutical analysis and drug testing laboratories.
Work in pharmaceutical development centers and pharmaceutical care.
Job Opportunities for Doctorate Degree Graduates
Academic: Doctoral degree holders in pharmacy can work as university professors in universities and medical colleges, where they teach students and participate in scientific research.
Researcher in Pharmaceutical Laboratories: Graduates work in research and development in the pharmaceutical industry, contributing to the development of new drugs and improving current medications.
Clinical Pharmacist: Doctoral graduates can work as clinical pharmacists in hospitals and medical centers, providing consultancy services related to drug therapies.
Regulatory Affairs Officer in the Pharmaceutical Industry: Graduates can work in regulatory affairs in pharmaceutical companies, helping them comply with pharmaceutical regulations and regulations.
Pharmaceutical Consultant: Doctoral graduates can work as consultants for pharmaceutical companies, providing expertise in pharmaceuticals and treatments.
Languages Available for Studying Pharmacy in Turkey
In Turkey, studying pharmacy is primarily available in Turkish at Turkish universities.
However, some universities offer educational programs in English for international students or students who wish to study in English.
List of Some Turkish Universities Offering Pharmacy Programs
Istanbul University.
Ankara University.
Hacettepe University.
Gazi University.

Istanbul University Çapa.
Undoubtedly, studying pharmacy in Turkey will be a wonderful experience combining excellent higher education with outstanding opportunities for exploration and learning about a new culture.
Contact us at Alemni Shokran to start your educational journey. Register your documents now.