Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa

About the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa

The Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa, or PSSA, is the professional body for pharmacists in the country. It calls itself the Guardian of the Pharmacy Profession. Its head office is in Lynnwood, Pretoria.

PSSA speaks for practitioners and comments on healthcare laws that affect them. It also offers members continuing professional development, access to the South African Pharmaceutical Journal, professional indemnity insurance and other practice support. Its core purpose is to protect and advance the standing of pharmacy.

How PSSA supports students

PSSA channels its student funding through the Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education, known as the FPE. The foundation was set up to fund pharmacy training, and PSSA administers the bursary. As a result, the money goes to a profession-focused cause and not to general study costs.

The undergraduate bursary is for BPharm students who are in their second year or later. First-year students are therefore not eligible. The postgraduate bursary supports Masters and Doctoral students working in pharmacy-related subjects. The FPE has also made awards for Honours study in the past, so read the current call to see which levels are open.

Awards run for one academic year at a time. Recipients must apply again every year. The selection looks at three things for undergraduates: the student's financial circumstances, academic achievement and any other financial help already received. This approach lets the foundation direct limited funds to those who need them most while still rewarding hard work.

Publicly available information does not describe a work-back or employment obligation. The bursary looks like a professional-development grant and not a bonded placement. Even so, confirm the current terms with PSSA before you accept an award.

What to know before applying

Applicants have been asked to submit clear copies of their ID and full academic record. A motivational letter from a pharmacy lecturer has also been required, along with a financial declaration. Plan ahead for the letter, since lecturers need time to write a thoughtful reference.

Past calls accepted applications by post or by hand delivery to the foundation's Lynnwood office. Check the PSSA website for the current method, the closing date and the forms. Dates are not fixed from year to year.

Be honest and complete in your financial declaration. List every other bursary, loan or allowance you receive, because the foundation weighs these when it decides. Keep your marks strong, too. For example, a steady record across several years shows that your funding will be well used. If you are unsure about any requirement, contact the PSSA office directly and ask before the deadline.