Congratulations to all incoming students! Welcome to the University at Buffalo and the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (UB SPPS)!
We are excited to welcome our new students into our 135-year tradition of distinguished education in pharmacy and the pharmaceutical sciences. We are the #1 ranked school of pharmacy in New York State and #14 in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.
Log in to the Application Status Portal and submit the PHAR Reply to Offer of Admission form. Students will soon receive instructions in an email titled Confirm Your Acceptance and Join Our UB Community!
We participate in the Cooperative Admissions Guidelines. If accepted to multiple schools, students may choose to hold multiple acceptances until March 1. After March 1, students may hold only a single acceptance.
UB requires all students, excluding current and re-entering UB students, to submit a $150 tuition deposit by March 1. A UB Person Number is required to pay this deposit, which will be emailed.
If offered admission after March 1, submit the PHAR Reply to Offer of Admission form and tuition deposit within 10 days from the date of the offer of admission.
UB email is the official method of communication between students and the university. Students must check it regularly to receive important messages and updates!
Note for International Students: Visit Activate your UBIT Name
International students (including Canadians) must provide the following materials as electronic uploads.
Immunizations
New/Incoming Students: In accordance with New York State Public Health Law, UB requires that all students submit a University’s Health Background Form - submit as soon as possible, due June 30. Students cannot register for classes until proof of immunizations are submitted. Please check the HUB system for the current status of your service indicators. See Immunization and Meningitis Requirements.
Continuing UB Students: UB students must complete the Annual Immunization Review Form due November 1. Review SPPS Immunization Policies.
Meningitis Information
All students must receive information about meningococcal disease and make an informed decision about whether to receive immunization against the disease. Review Immunization and Meningitis Requirements.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
UB requires students to demonstrate proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or receive approval for a medical or religious exemption before they can register for classes. See COVID-19 Immunization Requirements.
Students who receive approved medical or religious exemptions should be aware that some clinical placements may have stricter vaccination requirements than the university and do not accept UB’s exemptions. In these instances, students who receive UB-approved medical or religious exemptions may not be able to complete their degree.
Flu Immunizations
UB SPPS requires all PharmD students to receive an annual flu immunization by November 1 of each year. Students must send all health requirements to Health Services.
Health Insurance
Health insurance coverage is mandatory for full-time graduate domestic students and all international students. See Health Insurance.
We look forward to welcoming students to SPPS at our annual Orientation held the Thursday and Friday before the fall semester begins at UB. These programs are required for all new students.
Billing
Cost of Attendance/Tuition
Financial Aid
Financial aid information is available post-acceptance and during orientation. Financial aid advisors are available for students to discuss their financial aid award summary and/or for questions about loan options. Call 716-645-8232 or email ubfa@buffalo.edu. We also offer walk-in appointments at 1Capen on North Campus. Financial Aid begins sending out award notices in February/March.
Loans
Graduate students will qualify for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Students may also apply for a Graduate PLUS loan. Additionally, students can apply for a private loan (see Alternative/Private Loans).
FAFSA
The FAFSA is an application for student aid that collects the basic information needed to determine your eligibility for all of the financial aid programs sponsored by the federal government. As a PharmD student, you are regarded as a graduate, independent student for federal financial aid purposes for all four professional years (P1, P2, P3 and P4). If you need additional help financing your education, U.S. citizens should apply for financial aid by filling out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online (school code 002837).
Students can begin the FAFSA application process in October and we encourage prior to March 1 (late submissions may still qualify).
Here are questions that will appear on the FAFSA along with how they should be answered:
Important Notes:
For additional information about the criminal background check, visit the PharmCAS Applicant Help Center.
Certiphi will email Canadian students to complete a form and provide two valid IDs. Section D of the form (Identification Verification) is must be completed by a representative of our school or Certiphi.
Our prerequisites include: Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, Calculus, Statistics, Social Behavioral Science, and English Composition. We do not waive courses (except English Composition is waived if entering with bachelor's degree).
Any offer of admission is provisional pending receipt of all official transcripts.
Email us with concerns about grades for in-progress or newly completed prerequisite courses.
Registration Requirements
Service Indicators/Holds:
Students will not be able to register if there is a hold on their account (view holds). Holds include immunization records - see Step 5 above. International students will submit their U.S Visa Stamp via the New International Student Check-In to resolve the international student hold.
Continuous Registration:
Students must register each semester or else submit a leave of absence until they confer.
Resigning Courses:
Students should not resign from courses after the add/drop deadline without discussing the underlying reasons with the Director of Student, Professional and Community Affairs. Resignations can affect the visa status of international students.
Registering for Classes:
First semester registration will be completed by the UB SPPS Registrar.
UB Card
Students use the UB Card across campus. Students should obtain their UB Card before orientation. The UB Card office is located in 1Diefendorf (Room 114) on South Campus and 1Capen on North Campus.
Parking Permit
Students should obtain their parking permit before orientation. Parking permits are included in the transportation fee. There is no additional cost to students. Permits will be mailed if registered before July. Students may also register in person at any Parking and Transportation Services Office, located in 106 Spaulding Quad in the Ellicott Complex and 1Capen on the North Campus.
Students may apply for on-campus housing after acceptance. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first served basis. Campus Living provides application deadlines, deposits, live chat support and apartment locations. Students are eligible for an early arrival waiver due to Orientation. Submit the early arrival application (when available).
Students may also rent off-campus with roommates, reside in villages such as Collegiate Village or Axis 360, and in other houses/apartments in the surrounding areas.
Our P1-P4 students are invited to join the UB PharmD Housing and Roommate Search on GroupMe to find roommates. Click here to join.
Technology Recommendations
Requirements for ExamSoft
Students enrolled in the PharmD program at the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences are required to use electronic testing software (currently ExamSoft/Examplify) for exams and assessments. Students will be required to have either a laptop (PC or Mac) to bring and use in the examination room, for the purposes of assessment. Students are responsible for the maintenance of their personal computing devices; the school is unable to provide computing support. The minimum computer specifications to run ExamSoft/Examplify are listed below.
The minimum computer specifications to run ExamSoft/Examplify are listed below. Examsoft may update requirements periodically.
Best Practices for Students