Quick Summary
There is huge demand for pharmacists in Australia, and the paycheck is also very good. If you are an international pharmacist from the Knowledge Stream, then you have to take the OPRA Exam. After passing this exam, you have to complete the internship and pass the Intern Written and Oral exams to become a registered pharmacist in Australia.
Australia offers strong pay and steady demand for pharmacists. Yet the road to registration has many steps. Overseas graduates deal with two bodies. The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) assesses your qualifications. The Pharmacy Board of Australia, working through AHPRA, grants registration. This guide uses official sources. In this blog, we will explain everything.
How much does a Pharmacist earn in Australia?
A pharmacist's career has good earning potential. If you are a registered pharmacist in Australia, then it is life-changing for you financially. Here is the average pharmacist salary in Australia.
| Source | Reported Average | Link |
|---|---|---|
| SEEK Career Advice | $95,000–$115,000/yr | seek.com.au/career-advice/role/pharmacist/salary |
| Indeed, Australia | $60.25/hour | au.indeed.com/career/pharmacist/salaries |
| ERI | $172,963/yr | erieri.com/salary/job/pharmacist/australia |
| SalaryExpert | $173,522/yr | salaryexpert.com/salary/job/pharmacist/australia |
Factors affecting pharmacist salary in Australia
These are the factors that affect the pharmacist paycheck in Australia.
- Experience level
- Job role
- Work location
- Industry or setting
- Level of responsibility
- Qualifications and skills
- Working hours and shifts
- Employer and pay structure
Start your journey to becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia.
Talk to Our OPRA ExpertsWho is eligible for the OPRA pathway?
A student who is from the Knowledge Stream category can take the OPRA exam. Here are some points to check:
- Your degree was not completed in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA.
- 4 years’ full-time academic study, if completed after 1 January 2006, OR
- 3 years’ full-time academic study, if completed before 1 January 2006.
- The course must cover pharmacy and the pharmaceutical sciences.
- Proof of registration is optional.
Pharmacists from Canada, Ireland, the UK, and the USA follow the Competency Stream instead.
What does the OPRA pathway cost?
OPRA exam cost is divided into three parts, and here they are.
| Stage | Official Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Check | $810 |
| OPRA Exam Registration | $2,245 |
| Skills Assessment Outcome | $300 |
Budget extra for NAATI translations, English tests, and travel. The eligibility check takes about five working days. Allow up to four weeks. It never expires.
Pay only through the APC Candidate Portal. Read APC's guide to common scams. Use an OMARA-registered migration agent if you need one.
What are the OPRA Exam dates?
In 2026, the last OPRA exam is in November; that’s why we have mentioned the 2027 OPRA exam Dates so you can register earlier and start preparation.
| Registration period | Exam dates | Results |
|---|---|---|
| 18 Aug – 19 Oct 2026 | 23–25 Nov 2026 | 22 Dec 2026 |
| 19 Jan – 22 Feb 2027 | 22–24 Mar 2027 | 6 May 2027 |
| 11 May – 28 Jun 2027 | 26–28 Jul 2027 | 9 Sep 2027 |
| 14 Sep – 11 Oct 2027 | 8–10 Nov 2027 | 23 Dec 2027 |
The exam is computer-delivered, with 120 multiple-choice questions in 2.5 hours. Registration closes about one month before exam day. Late entries are refused. You may re-sit as often as needed, paying the full fee each time. Results show pass or fail only.
Planning for the November 2026 or 2027 OPRA exam? Start preparing today.
Book a Free ConsultationHow does the pharmacist internship work?
Positions are earned, so you must secure your own internship. Follow these steps:
- Find a practice site and an approved preceptor.
- Get provisional registration and your supervised practice approved by the Board.
- Enrol in an APC-accredited Intern Training Program.
- Complete at least 1,575 supervised hours, per the Pharmacy Board.
- After 75% of your hours, sit the written and oral exams.
- Pass both exams within 18 months of each other.
- Then apply for general registration.
What is the full pathway to becoming a pharmacist in Australia?
Here below, we have prepared the full process to become a registered pharmacist in Australia. Please check them out for a better understanding.
| Step | Action | Body |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eligibility check | APC |
| 2 | Pass the OPRA exam | APC |
| 3 | Request Skills Assessment Outcome | APC |
| 4 | Meet English requirement | AHPRA |
| 5 | Provisional registration | Pharmacy Board |
| 6 | Internship and training program | Employer and provider |
| 7 | Written and oral exams | APC and Board |
| 8 | General registration | Pharmacy Board |
Can overseas pharmacists get jobs and visas?
There are about 46,300 pharmacists employed in Australia, with employment increasing by around 2,900 each year. Hospital, Industrial and Retail Pharmacist Roles feature on the Core Skills Occupation List. See current list on the Home Affairs website.
Your Skills Assessment Outcome supports a visa application, and Home Affairs sets its validity period. You may need an employer to sponsor you. APC does not guarantee a visa, sponsorship, or employment.
Conclusion
The OPRA pathway is clear, but challenging. APC fees to be budgeted for a minimum of $3,355. Then you need to do an internship with a registered pharmacist. Always check official websites for fees, dates, and scores before you take action.
For OPRA exam preparation, if you need coaching, you can contact Elite Expertise. Our passing rate is 94% in the OPRA exam every year.
Join the students who pass with a 94% success rate.
Contact Elite ExpertiseKey Takeaways
- The salary and lifestyle of a pharmacist in Australia are very good.
- Knowledge Stream candidates are eligible to take the OPRA exam pathway.
- It is better that you confirm your OPRA exam cost through the official website in case of changes.
- The final OPRA exam for 2026 is scheduled for November, after which you can sit for this exam in 2027.
- In Australia, pharmacist internship must be completed under a registered pharmacist.
- Learn the full process to become a registered pharmacist in Australia.
- After passing the OPRA exam, you can apply for a visa easily.
FAQs
Yes, you may re-sit as many times as needed. Each attempt requires the full fee.
No, APC does not ask for English proof at that stage. Ahpra requires it for registration.
The Board currently requires at least 1,575 supervised practice hours.
No, passing OPRA allows you to apply for provisional registration. The Board decides on registration.
Apply only through the APC Candidate Portal. Never pay outside it.
