Pre-Pharmacy

General Planning Tips For Pre-Pharmacy

  • With careful planning you can study abroad and still graduate on time.
  • The minimum eligibility requirements to study abroad are the completion of one semester on campus and a GPA of 2.5 or higher.  Some programs may have additional eligibility requirements.
  • Study abroad is a great way to satisfy your KU Core requirements.  Therefore, you might consider reserving some of your KU Core classes to take abroad.  
  • Scholarships are available for study abroad both through KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement and national organizations. Research your opportunities early.
  • Courses to take at KU: There may be certain courses within your pre-pharmacy curriculum that you should plan to take at KU. Specifically, all laboratory components of required pre-pharmacy chemistry and biology courses must be completed on campus; no off-site lab courses are accepted.  Meet with your academic advisor to learn more about any restrictions that may exist in your curriculum so that you can effectively plan for a study abroad experience.

When To Go

Year 1

  • Schedule a meeting with a pre-pharmacy academic advisor during your first semester at KU to discuss your course plan and identify specific courses as well as specific timing opportunities for your study abroad experience.  In addition to meeting with your advisor, you should also review the online advising resources for pre-pharmacy majors. 
  • After you’ve met with your academic advisor, continue your program research by visiting the KU Study Abroad Info Center in Lippincott Hall. Study abroad peer advisors can help you to identify suitable study abroad options based upon the information you received from your advisor.
  • Studying abroad usually requires two letters of recommendation, so it’s good to start identifying individuals who can speak to your academic qualifications as well as your ability to be successful during an international experience.
  • You can study abroad as early as the spring semester of your first year. Some common first year courses that you can take abroad include human anatomy, general chemistry, and KU Core Goals. Applications for spring programs are generally due on October 1st.
  • There are some biology opportunities available for pre-pharmacy students over the summer, and you may be eligible for these after you've successfully completed your first year at KU. The summer would also be a great time to take some of your KU Core courses abroad.  Applications for these programs are usually due March 1st, so visit the Study Abroad Info Center early in the spring semester to learn more about your options.

Year 2

  • Year 2 may be the best time for pre-pharmacy students to pursue a study abroad program.  Specific timing recommendations will depend upon your course plan, so work closely with your academic advisor to determine the best time for you to study abroad.
  • If you plan to study abroad during the fall semester, keep in mind that you need to take the PCAT and apply to the KU School of Pharmacy during this time as well.
  • If you plan to study abroad during the spring semester (more ideal than fall), be sure to meet with the School of Pharmacy before you depart to make arrangements for completing your Pharmacy School interview while you are abroad. The school is willing to make accommodations via Skype/Adobe Connect.
  • Common second year courses that you can take abroad include microbiology, mammalian physiology, organic chemistry, and KU Core requirements.  Your academic advisor can help you to determine which courses to target for your study abroad experience, and Study Abroad & Global Engagement can help you to find a suitable program match based on the information you learn from your academic advisor.

Courses and Credit

  • A number of study abroad courses have already been pre-approved for KU credit.  To see available pre-approved courses, visit the Course Equivalencies Database.
  • If you want to take a class/classes that have not been pre-approved, complete the credit approval process.

Recommended Programs For Pre-Pharmacy

To help you get started in your search, here are some recommended programs for Pre-Pharmacy. We also encourage you to visit the study abroad Info Center for drop-in advising to meet with a Peer Advisor to discuss your interests and learn more about available options.