"This really suits me perfectly" • Meet the pharmacy students of Uppsala

In October, we could read it again: Interest in training to become a pharmacist is breaking new records. At Uppsala University's Master of Science Programme in Pharmacy, applications surged by 24 percent ahead of the spring semester of 2026. That the profession is believed to be among the most sought-after in the labor market for many years to come is clearly part of the reason. But what else attracts the future pharmaceutical experts – and what can they expect as they prepare for life in Uppsala?

“My sister, who was already studying pharmacy in Uppsala, suggested that I, who love natural sciences, should definitely apply. I gave it a shot, got accepted into the Master of Science in Pharmacy Programme, and moved here from Gävle. Now I'm in my fourth semester and can only confirm that my sister was right. This really suits me perfectly,” says Sam Karim as we meet him at Uppsala’s Biomedical Center a few days before Christmas.

The Bachelor of Science Programme in Pharmacy is seeing similar growth. With nearly 400 applicants, numbers have increased by 23 percent since spring 2025. Here too, students can look forward to plenty of job opportunities after graduation. Among those already planning their upcoming careers is Wilma Gustafsson, about to complete her third semester.

“I also have a sister who studied in Uppsala and always talked about what an incredible student city this is. I myself wanted a broad education with a base in chemistry and biology, which made my choice pretty easy. Today, I know that it is even better than I imagined. Our lecturers are top researchers, yet fantastic teachers. Student life is vibrant, and a pharmacy degree opens up far more opportunities than I first realized,” Wilma says.

So what does everyday life look like for a pharmacy student in Uppsala? For Sam and Wilma, lectures often start at ten o'clock, stretching – including a lunch break – a few hours into the afternoon. After that, Wilma likes to continue studying for a while at the Biomedical Center. Sam makes sure to have time for a workout at the gym or to hang out with friends before they both round off the evening at Pharmen, the Pharmaceutical Student Union's own building at the heart of Uppsala Science Park.

“The year 2026 will be exciting for our student union, Farmis, which celebrates 130 years of student community and influence. We have worn out plenty of whiteboards with ideas for all the upcoming events, so new students starting this spring are arriving at the perfect time. The best thing is that we recently gained full ownership of our union building, Pharmen. It is wonderful to know that we can now guarantee all members a meeting place where they are always welcome,” says Sigrid Welin, chair of Farmis.

Both Wilma and Sam got involved in Farmis early on. Wilma is part of the team that makes sure that Caphé Coffein is stocked with affordable fika every Monday as students come to study for an exam or celebrate passing it. Sam participates in the Job Market Committee and is engaged in organizing everything from lunch lectures with industry representatives to Pharmadan, Sweden's largest pharmacist career fair, which takes place every year at Uppsala’s Biomedical Center.

“That we have our own student union is invaluable. From the Orientation Week, where you immediately find yourself in an amazing community with lots of new friends, to all the opportunities you discover along the way. In addition, Uppsala has so much to offer when you study. Many people talk about it being a “true student city”, but it wasn't until I moved here that I really understood what that means,” Sam reflects.

The fact that many Swedes describe their student time in Uppsala as the best years of their lives is perhaps nothing new. So to get another perspective, we asked three European exchange students – Eline, Emma and Henrike – at our faculty, and their answers were unanimous: “Student life in Uppsala is spectacular”, “Making friends has never been easier” and “My time at the Faculty of Pharmacy is the best thing that has happened to me”. Clearly, the rumors are true, so back to Wilma: what is absolutely not to miss in Uppsala:

“Oh, there is so much, but if I must pick three must-dos: Valborg, it is hard to describe as the entire city turns into one wonderful festival. Get yourself a really good bike, there are more fun things to spend money on than bus tickets and you will not regret it. And lastly, join the housing queue as soon as possible: so many people want to live here, and you don’t want to be the one commuting!”

When Wilma, Sam and their fellow students one day receive their diplomas at the graduation ceremony in the Uppsala University Grand Auditorium, it is by no means a farewell. Today, our Alumni Association unites thousands of pharmacy professionals with ties to the Faculty of Pharmacy. Here you meet old course mates and new colleagues, grow important networks and always bring a valuable asset with you in your career. Together, we are advancing the position of the pharmaceutical professions in Uppsala and beyond – and speaking of which: Where will we find Sam Karim and Wilma Gustafsson in ten years?

“Being a pharmacist is a profession for anyone who wants to work with and for people, and right now I am aiming for a career in the development of new cancer drugs, preferably at AstraZeneca,” says Sam.

“Wow, a prescriptionist license really opens so many options. But okay, when we meet in 2036, I will be working as a scientist in cosmetic chemistry in the skincare industry,” says Wilma, just as it’s time to head to the first lecture of the day.

text: Magnus Alsne, photo: Mikael Wallerstedt a o