O‍PRA Exam​ Fees in 2026: Complete Path⁠w‌ay and Costs fo‍r I‌nternational Ph​armacis​ts in Australia

Key Takeaways

• OPRA is the pathway for pharmacists who wish to work as a pharmacist in Australia from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and more.

• Eligibility check fee: AU$810 (~₹44,064 INR)

• OPRA exam cost: AU$2,245 (~₹1,35,216 INR)

• Skills assessment outcome fee: AU$300 (~₹16,320 INR)

• Total cost for the pathway: ~AU$3,300 or ₹179,520 INR

• OPRA replaced KAPS in 2025, offering lower cost and faster assessment

• Elite Expertise provides expert guidance and mentorship

Introduction

For pharmacists from countries such as India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and other nations outside Australia, the US, the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, or Canada, the Overseas Pharmacy Readiness Assessment (OPRA) is the official pathway to practice pharmacy in Australia.

Known as the Knowledge Stream, this route is tailored for international pharmacy graduates seeking registration and a successful pharmacy career in Australia.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the OPRA pathway, its stages, fees, preparation tips, and benefits, helping you plan your journey with clarity and confidence.

Understanding the OPRA Pathway for International Pharmacists

The OPRA exam pathway is designed specifically for pharmacists from countries where qualifications are not automatically recognized in Australia.

Unlike mutual recognition pathways available to graduates from Canada, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, or the US, international candidates follow a structured Knowledge Stream.

The pathway includes:

• Eligibility check: Verification of pharmacy degrees and credentials

• OPRA written exam: Testing pharmaceutical knowledge and clinical understanding

• Skills assessment: Confirmation of competence for visa and provisional registration purposes

• Updated skills assessment (if required): For candidates who gain additional experience or credentials

Benefits of OPRA:

• Streamlined process compared to the previous KAPS exam

• Cost-effective and efficient

• Focused preparation for knowledge-based assessment

Why it matters:
Following the OPRA pathway ensures you meet the Australian Pharmacy Council’s standards, preparing you for internship opportunities and eventual registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.

Eligibility Check – Confirming Your Credentials

The eligibility check is the first and critical step in the OPRA pathway. It ensures that your pharmacy qualifications meet Australian standards for knowledge, skills, and clinical practice.

Steps involved in eligibility check:

• Submit degree certificates and transcripts

• Provide proof of English proficiency (IELTS, PTE or OET)

• Include your CV and work experience, if applicable

Fees:

• AU$810 per request

• Indian Rupees equivalent: ₹44,064 (based on 1 AUD = 54.40 INR)

Importance:

• Confirms whether you can proceed to the OPRA exam

• Reduces the risk of future application rejection

• Provides clarity about additional requirements

Preparation tips:

• Double-check all documents for accuracy

• Get notarized copies of your degree and transcripts

• Prepare proof of work experience to strengthen your application

OPRA Exam – The Core Assessment for International Pharmacists

The OPRA exam is the main test for international pharmacists seeking to practice in Australia. It replaced the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) exam in March 2025, offering a simpler, faster, and more cost-effective pathway.

Key details:

• Exam fee: AU$2,245 (~₹1,35,216 INR)

• Format: Focused on pharmaceutical knowledge, clinical cases, and dispensing skills

• Duration: Typically 3–4 hours

Why OPRA is better than KAPS:

• Slightly lower cost

• Streamlined process reduces the number of additional tests

• Faster evaluation and quicker result release

Preparation strategies:

• Study core subjects such as pharmacology, pharmaceutics, therapeutics, and pharmacy law

• Use mock exams and previous question papers

• Focus on case studies and practical applications

Tip: Schedule your exam after thorough preparation and ensure all documents are approved in the eligibility check stage to avoid delays.

Skills Assessment Outcome – Validating Your Competence

After passing the OPRA exam, candidates must obtain a Skills Assessment Outcome.

Essential for:

• Visa applications

• Provisional registration with the Australian Pharmacy Board

Fees:

• AU$300 per request (~₹16,320 INR)

Purpose:

• Confirms your ability to practice pharmacy safely in Australia

• Provides official documentation for immigration and licensing authorities

Preparation:

• Keep copies of exam results and official documents

• Follow up with the APC promptly

Requesting an Updated Skills Assessment

Candidates may need to request an updated Skills Assessment if they:

• Gain additional qualifications or work experience

• Need updates for visa or registration purposes

Fees:

• AU$610 per request

Importance:

• Keeps records current with the Australian Pharmacy Council

• Ensures compliance with latest standards

Comparison of OPRA and KAPS Exams

Benefits of OPRA:

• Lower costs

• Simplified process

• Focused preparation

Estimated Total Cost of the OPRA Pathway

Benefits of Choosing the OPRA Pathway

• Economic viability

• Simplified registration process

• Focused preparation

• Faster assessment

Role of Elite Expertise in OPRA Preparation

Elite Expertise provides:

• Exam-focused coaching

• Step-by-step guidance

• Financial planning support

• High success rates through mentorship

Planning Your Pharmacy Career in Australia

Career options include:

• Community pharmacies

• Hospital pharmacies

• Research and academia

• Regulatory roles

Salary expectations:

• Starting pharmacists: AUD 60,000–70,000

• Senior positions: AUD 90,000+

Step-by-Step OPRA Exam Preparation Plan (6–9 Months)

Phase 1: Foundation Building (Months 1–3)

• Pharmacology

• Pharmaceutics

• Clinical pharmacy basics

• Calculations

Phase 2: Application & Practice (Months 4–6)

• Case-based questions

• Therapeutic decision-making

• Mock tests

Phase 3: Final Revision (Months 7–9)

• Full-length mock exams

• Rapid revision

• Stress management

Financial Planning Strategy for OPRA Candidates from India

Fixed Costs:

• Eligibility Check: AU$810

• OPRA Exam: AU$2,245

• Skills Assessment: AU$300

Variable Costs:

• Coaching

• Study materials

• English tests

• Documentation

Timeline to Registration After OPRA

Total estimated journey: 18–24 months

Conclusion

The OPRA exam is a streamlined and cost-effective pathway for international pharmacists aiming to practice in Australia. Replacing the KAPS exam, it offers clearer steps, lower costs, and focused assessment. With early preparation, proper planning, and expert guidance, pharmacists can smoothly progress toward registration and a rewarding pharmacy career in Australia.