In the world of pharmacy, Great Britain is recognised as a leading force in its education and training capabilities.  The Royal Pharmaceutical Society Pharmacy Professional Sponsorship Scheme (PPSS) is designed to enable overseas pharmacy students graduating from Schools of Pharmacy in Great Britain to complete their training by undertaking their pre-registration year in Great Britain before returning to their home countries to register and practice.

The PPSS is established as an immigration category under Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) of the UK Border Agency’s points based immigration system.  As the licensed over-arching sponsor of the scheme, the RPS is supporting overseas pharmacy graduates from Great Britain Schools of Pharmacy to complete their pre-registration pharmacist training.  Successful applicants to the scheme will receive a Certificate of Sponsorship that is essential in order to apply for a Tier 5 visa for leave to remain in Great Britain.  The scheme is approved by the UKBA and the Department of Health.

The scheme is funded by all participating schools of pharmacy.  Schools of Pharmacy may choose to pass on some of these costs to students using the scheme.  The RPS does not charge students for participating in the scheme.

The Certificate of Sponsorship is not a visa and does not give you permission to remain in Great Britain once your Tier 4 visa expires.  Once you have been issued with a Certificate of Sponsorship you are responsible for applying for the Tier 5 visa.

The management of the PPSS is a joint approach between the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, the Schools of Pharmacy and employers of pre-registration pharmacists, with support from the Department of Health.

Each organisation has its own role to play within the scheme.  Please see information for students, RPS, schools of pharmacy and employers.

How the Royal Pharmaceutical Society can help
The RPS is the over-arching body accountable for the Government Authorised Exchange scheme and is the licensed Tier 5 sponsor for any overseas pre-registration students participating in the scheme.  The RPS will administer the sponsorship scheme including checking and validating the application and issuing the Certificate of Sponsorship.  The RPS will liaise with the designated School of Pharmacy lead if there are any enquiries during the application process. 

The RPS will issue a Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to applicants who meet the required criteria which will support application for remaining in Great Britain under Tier 5 for the duration of the pre-registration year. The RPS ensures that all the requirements of the scheme are met before sponsorship is provided and details are recorded of the employment.

The RPS is responsible for ensuring that any absence, issues or concerns reported to them by the employer are recorded and reported to the UKBA.

See the frequently asked questions for further information »