The NWU School of Pharmacy forms part of the Faculty of Health Sciences at North-West University and is widely recognised for its leading role and longstanding contribution to pharmacy education, research, and professional practice in South Africa. With roots dating back to 1935 and formal establishment in 1946 at the former Potchefstroom University (PUK), the School has developed a rich legacy of advancing pharmaceutical sciences and training generations of pharmacists and postgraduate scholars. Over the decades, the School has played a significant and influential role in shaping pharmacy education and practice—both nationally and beyond—earning recognition across the African continent and within the international academic community.
Our strength lies in a large and highly qualified academic team, with nearly all staff members holding postgraduate qualifications—most at doctoral level. We are committed to academic excellence, while continuously embracing innovation, technological advancements in healthcare, and global collaboration through strategic international partnerships. We are proud to offer state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure, providing students with exceptionally high-quality education, valuable practical exposure, and a vibrant student life — all designed to support their personal and professional growth.
Whether you're aspiring to become a pharmacist or seeking to advance your expertise, the NWU School of Pharmacy offers an exceptional environment to realise your goals. Join a legacy of excellence and shape the future of healthcare with us.
The profession of a pharmacist is dynamic, information driven, patient-orientated and takes responsibility for medicine in all its facets by acting as a:
- Supervisor of medicine;
- Formulator, producer, distributor and controller of safe, effective and quality medicine;
- Advisor on the safe, rational and applicable usage of medicine;
- Provider of essential clinical services including screening tests and referral services;
- Provider of health care education and information;
- Provider of pharmaceutical care by accepting responsibility for the outcomes of therapy and by being actively involved in the design, implementation and monitoring of pharmaceutical care plans; and
- Provider of cost-effective and efficient pharmaceutical services.
Virtual Tour. Step inside the School of Pharmacy.
