- About the Program
- Admissions
- Admissions Overview
- Policies and Disclosures
- Estimated Annual Cost of Attendance
- Application Process
- Application Process Overview
- Step 1: Minimum Eligibility Requirements
- Step 2: The Application
- Step 3: Interview Process
- Step 4: After Applying
- Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Information Sessions
- UCSF Visits You
- Applying Without U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident Status
- Post-Baccalaureate Program
- Student Life
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Admissions
COVID-19 info for 2021 applicants
Pass/Fail grades
UCSF School of Pharmacy does not have a policy regarding pass/fail grades. We have always dealt with this issue/question on a case-by-case-basis. At this time, we will accept pass/fail grades, without prejudice, for courses taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has always been our practice to consider grades in the context of numerous other aspects of the application, and an international crisis certainly provides a unique and compelling context. We are cognizant of the fact that some undergraduate schools are providing an option for students to take courses either for grades or on a Pass/Fail basis. We want to be explicit that applicants should not feel pressured by UCSF School of Pharmacy to choose the graded option, nor do you need our approval. Students and their families are facing many challenges at the moment. The pressure for grades need not be one of them.
Online courses/labs
Many undergraduate schools have moved to online instruction during the pandemic. UCSF School of Pharmacy will accept online courses/labs if they are offered by the school at which the candidate was enrolled prior to the current crisis. For students who are beyond undergraduate school, we will accept online courses/labs undertaken to meet prerequisites regardless of the institution, as long as it is regionally-accredited. If you are uncertain about the suitability of your specific plans, please contact us at [email protected] prior to enrolling in the course.
Apply
This section describes the admissions cycle and application process for the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree program at the UCSF School of Pharmacy.
2020 admissions cycle will open in July
The admissions filing period for entry in 2021 will open July 14, 2020 and will close on Monday, November 2, 2020.
Application process
The application process consists of four steps:
Non-California resident?
Learn how residency affects you.
When submitting your application, you must indicate your legal state of residence as of November 2, 2020. If you are offered admission, the Office of the Registrar will send you additional information and materials used to determine what your residency status will be upon entering UCSF. This status will be used to assess your fees and/or tuition which are set according to residency.
Out-of-state residents
United States citizens and Permanent Residents of the United States who are legal residents of other states may apply for California residency after residing in California for one year. Since UCSF is a state university, California residents pay significantly lower fees and are not assessed non-resident tuition.
International applicants
If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States (or if you're not sure), see Applying Without U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident Status for important information including fee information, what additional materials you must submit with your application, and how to request a review of course work taken outside of the United States.
Undocumented students
UCSF welcomes applications for admission from undocumented individuals, such as those who qualify under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and/or AB540. Please visit UCOP for more information.
Questions?
Residence Deputy
Office of the Registrar
UCSF Box 0244
San Francisco CA 94143
415-476-8850
Admissions policies and disclosures
- About licensure and certification
- Nondiscrimination policy statement
- Notice of equal opportunity
- Undocumented students
- Students with disabilities
- Information Practices Act of 1977
- Clery Act: Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics
Programs and events
For prospective students and counselors
Get the inside scoop!

Admissions Director Joel W. Gonzales provides insight in his blog Reports From The Pharm. Nothing in the blog is required reading for the application process, but you’re likely to find valuable tips that can ease your journey.
Image credits: Elisabeth Fall, Hawkeye Photography, © Majed