Professional registration

What IELTS score do you need as a pharmacist in Singapore?

International pharmacy graduates whose degree is from outside the UK, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand must show English proficiency when they apply for pre-registration training with the Singapore Pharmacy Council (SPC). IELTS Academic needs 7 overall and 7 in each component, from one sitting, within two years of the application.
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026

SPC minimum scores

From the SPC evidence of proficiency in English page (last updated 15 July 2026).

TestMinimum
IELTS Academic7 overall and 7 in listening, reading, writing and speaking
OET (profession 'Pharmacy')350 in each of the four components
TOEFL iBT, taken before 1 August 202694 overall; 22 listening, 22 reading, 24 writing, 26 speaking
TOEFL iBT, taken after 1 August 20265.0 overall and 5.0 in each component

Timing and sittings

Results must be obtained at one sitting and within two years before the date of your application for pre-registration training. TOEFL paper-based results have not been accepted since 1 July 2021.

On the SPC foreign-trained graduates page, English evidence is document 6, required only for applicants whose pharmacy degree is from outside the UK, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. Documents not in English need a certified true English translation sent with the originals.

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After the English requirement

The SPC says a straightforward application takes two to four weeks to process once all required documents have been received and are in order. Regulators change these rules, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current scores on the SPC page before you book a test.

Frequently asked questions

What IELTS score do pharmacists need in Singapore?+

IELTS Academic 7 overall and at least 7 in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking.

Who needs to show English proficiency for the SPC?+

Graduates whose pharmacy degree is from outside the UK, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand.

What OET score does the SPC need?+

OET under the profession 'Pharmacy', with at least 350 in each component.

Can I combine two sittings?+

No. Results must be obtained at one sitting, within two years of applying for pre-registration training.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 31 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

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