Pharmacy Careers Compared: UK vs Hong Kong and How to Register
Thinking of studying pharmacy in the UK but planning to work back in Hong Kong? This guide breaks down the differences in pharmacist roles and explains the step-by-step registration process.
Pharmacists are recognised as medicine experts in both the UK and Hong Kong, but their daily work and professional powers are quite different. This guide helps international students see the contrasts and understand the registration process if they want to work in Hong Kong after studying in the UK.
Prescribing Authority
United Kingdom (UK):
From 2026, most UK pharmacy graduates will finish their degree already trained as Independent Prescribers (IPs). This means they can prescribe medicines on their own within their area of knowledge and training.
Hong Kong (HK):
Pharmacists in Hong Kong cannot prescribe. Only doctors, dentists, and registered Chinese medicine practitioners can do that. Pharmacists focus on making sure patients use medicines safely and effectively once prescribed.
Practice Settings & Scope
United Kingdom (UK):
Pharmacists work in hospitals, community pharmacies, and GP practices. Many are now part of Primary Care Networks (PCNs). Clinical pharmacists in GP surgeries often run their own clinics, help patients with long-term conditions, review medicines, and—if they are Independent Prescribers—diagnose and prescribe.
Hong Kong (HK):
Most pharmacists work in Hospital Authority hospitals or community pharmacies. Their main roles are dispensing medicines, checking safety, counselling patients, and managing medicines use. The law that sets out what pharmacists can and cannot do is the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138). Advanced clinical services do exist, but not prescribing.
Demand for Pharmacists in Hong Kong
According to Hong Kong’s Healthcare Services Manpower Projection 2023, there will be a small shortage of pharmacists (about 70 fewer than needed) by 2030. By 2035, this is expected to turn into a small surplus (about 60 more than needed), as more local and overseas graduates enter the workforce.
Registration in Hong Kong for UK Pharmacy Graduates
If you study pharmacy in the UK and want to practise in Hong Kong, you must register with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong.
Step 1: Eligibility
A UK MPharm degree is usually accepted as equivalent to Hong Kong MPharm degrees.
For non-local graudates, you must sit the Pharmacist Registration Examination (PRE).
The PRE has three parts:
"Pharmacy Legislation in Hong Kong"
"Pharmacy Practice"
"Pharmacology"
The PRE exam is very challenging, especially for legislation and practice. Exams take place twice a year (June and December).
Step 2: Training Year (Internship)
After passing the PRE, you must complete a 1-year traineeship under a registered pharmacist in Hong Kong.
This can be in a hospital or community pharmacy.
You need to apply for an intern role and register the traineeship with the Board.
Step 3: Language & Nationality
Exams are held in English. Some Cantonese may be needed for daily work, especially in community pharmacies.
There are no nationality restrictions, but you must have the right visa to live and work in Hong Kong.
Step 4: Visa / Work Permit
If you are not a Hong Kong resident, you need a work visa, usually sponsored by your employer during your traineeship or first job.
Step 5: Registration
Once you pass the PRE and finish your traineeship, you can register with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and get a practising certificate.