PPR UK welcomes registrations from overseas candidates seeking employment as a pharmacist in the UK. However, the following are pre-requisites before your registration can be considered by our consultants:

You must have a good level of spoken and written English. Some employers require that a language test be taken but our consultants will be able to advise further when you contact us.

Our consultants are able to advise but in summary:

Europe
If you qualified in one of the 25 member states of the European Community, becoming recognised in the UK is relatively simple. You will need to complete a detailed application to the General Pharmaceutical Council. A more detailed explanation of the requirements and process is available from www.pharmacyregulation.org

Australia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland
If you are qualified in any of these countries, the procedure has, historically, been relatively straightforward. However, the rules affecting Australia and New Zealand changed from June 2006. Advice is available from the GPhC by calling 00 44 203 365 3400 or via e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

All Other Countries
Pharmacists registered in other countries will need to complete an application and will have their registration reviewed by committee. Depending upon your qualifications and experience, you may be required to attend a 1 year conversion course and a subsequent pre registration training year. Unfortunately, PPR UK cannot place pharmacists until these qualifications are obtained. We recommend that you discuss your circumstances with the GPhC direct by calling 00 44 203 365 3400 or by e-mailing them on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . A work permit will also be required but pharmacy is considered a severe shortage occupation in the UK so this is not usually an issue once you are registered with the GPhC and have a firm offer of employment. Full details are available from www.workingintheuk.gov.uk

Provided the above criteria are satisfied, PPR UK will be able to represent you with a variety of UK employers but your chances of securing UK employment and the terms under which you are employed are greatly enhanced if you have good levels of spoken English and are flexible about where in the UK you are prepared to work.

FAQ's for Non UK Pharmacists
The questions below are designed to answer the most frequently asked questions about working in the UK. This information is only intended as a basic guide and, of course, should you require further information
Call us on +44 (0) 333 900 1111
Or fire us an email from here This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

1. What are Requirements & Documentation are needed?
To work in the UK as a Pharmacist we will require the following information:

• A recognised and relevant Degree
• A current CV outlining relevant work experience
• A completed PPR UK ‘Candidate Application Form' (.PDF Link)
• Proof of your Identity (e.g. passport, driving licence)
• Professional References - three are required and should be for your most recent employers (University references may also be acceptable)
• Proof of your eligibility to work in the UK (e.g. Visa, Work Permit etc.)
• Professional registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (www.pharmacyregulation.org )

2. Am I Eligible to work in the UK?
To be able to work in the UK you'll need the relevant legal immigration clearance. The options available for this include:

UK Ancestry:
(e.g. you have a British parent or grandparent): Candidates who qualify for UK ancestry currently have a right to work in the UK for up to 4 years. More up to date information can be obtained from your nearest British High Commission/Embassy or by visiting the following web-site: www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk

Dual Nationality:
If you hold dual nationality between your country and Britain or another European Union Country then you have the right to work in the UK

Working Holiday Visa (WHV's):
This is one of the most commonly used routes for employment in the UK. If you are not yet 31 years old you can apply to enter the UK on a working holiday visa and this can be for a period of up to two years. You can organize a WHV yourself by contacting your nearest British High Commission www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk

Work Permits:
Recruitment Agencies are not able to issue work permits that enable you to work through them. Work permit applications can only be made by UK employers who have a ‘specific' job to offer a ‘specific' person.

Work Permits are generally only issued for jobs requiring people with degree level or equivalent professional qualifications, people with work experience at a senior level or for professions in which there is a particular skills shortage. Pharmacists meet these criteria. However, before a work permit is issued, the Home Office (issuing body) will need to be satisfied that the vacancy cannot be filled by a resident of the UK or the European Union.

3. Do I need a Language Test?
To work as a pharmacist in the UK a good level of English language is required both in written and spoken English. Some companies ask for IELTS level 6/7, or UBELT  level 2.5, or Linguarama level 2.25 as minimums. It is not currently a requirement of the GPhC to obtain registration, but many offers from your new employer could be subject to a satisfactory language test result

Here are the links to the most commonly used tests:

Linguarama
The test aims to establish your general English, and your ability to use English within the pharmacy environment and other medical professions. Visit their site at www.linguarama.com

University of Bath English Language Testing (UBELT)
Working in conjunction with language experts at the University of Bath, professional bodies, employers, and recruitment agencies UBELT assess the English language level of overseas medical professionals who want to work in the UK. Visit their site at www.bath.ac.uk/ubelt.

If you require any help with your UBELT preparation why not try www.ubeltlive.com

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
IELTS measures ability to communicate in English across all four language skills - listening, reading writing and speaking. Visit their site at www.ielts.org

If you require any further information on the above please contact us on +44 (0) 333 900 1111

4. What about flights?
We will need to know your exact date of arrival as well as the date that you would like to start working in the UK, before we can send your CV to any potential employers in application for work. It is therefore very important to book your flight tickets as soon as you have committed to coming to the UK.

5. What about accommodation?
PPR UK are often able to organize accommodation in conjunction with your prospective employer. There are however some employers that don't provide accommodation, in these cases, your Recruitment Consultant will fully assist you with finding suitable and affordable accommodation close to your place of work.

6. Tax & National Insurance?
Don't worry if you don't already have a Tax Code or National Insurance number - we'll guide you through the process making it as straight forward as possible!

7. How do I sort out a bank account?
If you don't already have a bank account set up in the UK, PPR UK will assist you with this. Our staff will liaise with the Bank Manager at the closest branch to where you are going to be living in the UK on your behalf and also arrange for you to get all the necessary documentation submitted. In most cases, bank accounts are fully set up by the time you arrive in the UK.

There are certain requirements to qualify for UK bank accounts; these do vary between banks so please ask your Recruitment Consultant for the latest information regarding this.

8. Do I need medical & travel insurance?
We strongly advise that you arrange for relevant Medical and Travel insurance to cover the period during which you intend to stay in the UK. Most good travel agents will be able to recommend a provider of this.

9. Will I have internet access?
Most employers in the UK provide some free internet services for staff members; this is obviously very useful for keeping in touch with everyone at home! In addition, Internet cafes are now commonplace throughout many UK Cities and Towns; many provide 24 hour access to the net at very reasonable prices.

If you haven't already done so, setting up a FREE e-mail account with www.googlemail.com or www.hotmail.com will help as you'll be able to access your account from any computer with an Internet connection.

10. How do I get around the UK?
The UK's public transport system is very well developed and easy to use. There are train stations in most of the rural towns as well as the cities, which means that you can travel around easily and explore the UK, without a car.

Try the following useful sites:
www.multimap.com
www.theaa.com
www.nationalrail.co.uk
www.nationalexpress.com

11. What next?
Once you have decided to work in  the UK it is important that you contact us as soon as possible so that we can start preparing for your arrival. You can contact PPR UK using any of the following:

• Call us on +44 (0) 333 900 1111
• Complete our ‘Candidate Online Registration' form
• Email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it