Australia is a top pharmacist destination worldwide with its world-class healthcare system, outstanding work-life balance, competitive salaries, and high quality of life. Plus, it opens doors to Permanent Residency, making it an even more attractive career move. If you’re an internationally trained pharmacist who might be wondering how to be a pharmacist in Australia, you’re on the right page.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything—from the qualifications you need to be a pharmacist in Australia and the Australia pharmacy entrance exam to landing your first pharmacy job. Let’s dive in!
The most important step in becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia is passing the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) Exam, which is conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC).
Besides the exam, you must also
- Pass the English Language Proficiency tests like PTE/IELTS/OET.
- Apply for a visa & migrate to Australia
- Apply for provisional registration
- Find and complete the internship supervised by a registered pharmacist.
- Pass the Australian Pharmacist intern written and intern oral exams.
- Finally, you’ll apply to Pharmacy Board Australia to become a registered pharmacist and start practising in Australia.
This guide is specifically designed to help pharmacy graduates and professionals from India, Canada, Bangladesh, Nepal, New Zealand, the USA, Pakistan, and many more places globally. So, if you qualify, let’s go through each step that you must follow to start your career as a pharmacist in Australia:
Step 1: Initial Skills Assessment
Before you can start working as a pharmacist in Australia, you must have your qualifications assessed by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). This assessment determines whether your pharmacy degree meets Australian standards and whether you can take the Australia pharmacy entrance exam.
To check the eligibility criteria, you need:
- A valid degree in Pharmacy( a minimum degree of 4yrs) from a recognised university
- Active registration or eligibility for registration with the state pharmacy council in your Country
For the Initial Skills Assessment, you need to submit
- Certified copies of your pharmacy degree (B.Pharm, Pharm.D or M.Pharm)
- Academic transcripts showing the subjects you’ve studied
- Proof of professional work experience (if applicable)
- Proof of identity (passport, national ID, etc.)
You can apply for the skills outcome letter once you complete the skills assessment and The OPRA exam and after you get the OPRA exam result you can apply for Skills assessment outcome letter
Step 2: OPRA Exam or the Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment by Australian Pharmacy Council (APC)
The Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment (OPRA) Exam is the most important step for international pharmacy graduates to start a career in pharmacy. This exam is conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). It evaluates your clinical knowledge, decision-making skills, and readiness to work as a pharmacist in Australia’s healthcare system.
Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About the OPRA Exam
OPRA Exam 2025 Format
- Mode: Computer-based MCQ exam
- Duration: 2.5 hours (150 minutes)
- Total Questions: 120 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Papers: 1 (Unlike KAPS, which has two papers)
- Breaks: None (Closed-book exam)
OPRA Exam Syllabus
| Content Area | Percentage of Questions |
| Biomedical sciences | 20% |
| Medicinal chemistry and biopharmaceutics | 10% |
| Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics | 10% |
| Pharmacology and toxicology | 15% |
| Therapeutics and patient care | 45% |
Australia Pharmacy Licensure Exam (OPRA) Preparation
Passing the OPRA exam is essential if you wish to start a career in pharmacy.
- Review the official APC study materials
- Take mock exams to familiarise yourself with the question format
- Join a structured OPRA Exam Preparation Course like those offered by Elite Expertise
- Stay updated on Australian healthcare policies
Step 3: English Language Proficiency Tests like PTE, IELTS, OET
Since English is the primary language used in healthcare settings across Australia, you’ll need to demonstrate your proficiency in English through one of these accepted language tests:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A minimum score of 7 in each module
- PTE (Pearson Test of English/Academic): A minimum overall score of 65
- OET (Occupational English Test/Pharmacy Stream): Grade B in each component
Achieving the required score in language tests is important to get a job in Australia as a pharmacist. It ensures that you can communicate effectively with patients, healthcare professionals, and regulatory authorities in Australia.
Step 4: Apply for VISA and Migrate to Australia
Once you’ve cleared the Australia pharmacy licensure exam and English language requirements, the next step is to apply for a visa to migrate to Australia and start a career in pharmacy. Since pharmacists are in high demand, you have several visa options:
Also Read: A Detailed About Visa Options for Pharmacists
Visa Options for Pharmacists
| Visa Type | Description |
| Subclass 190 | Skilled Nominated Visa |
| Subclass 491 | Regional Sponsored Visa |
| Subclass 482 | Employer-Sponsored Visa/Temporary Skilled Shortage Visa |
| Subclass 407 | Training Visa |
Consulting a registered migration agent can help you navigate the visa process smoothly.
Step 5: Apply for Provisional registration
After arriving in Australia, you must apply for Provisional Registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia. This temporary registration allows you to work as a pharmacy intern under supervision.
To apply, you’ll need:
- Your APC Outcome Letter
- Your OPRA exam results
- Proof of visa and identity documents
- Evidence of English proficiency
Step 6: Find an internship supervised by a preceptor
Once you receive your Provisional Registration, you must complete a pharmacy internship under the supervision of a registered pharmacist in Australia. This internship helps you gain hands-on experience and understand the practical aspects of independent pharmacy practice in Australia.
Step 7: After completing 75% of the supervised hours, give the Intern exams
Once you’ve completed at least 75% of your required supervised hours, you can sit for the Intern written Exam by the Australian Pharmacy Council. This exam tests your knowledge, practical skills, and readiness to work as a pharmacist in Australia.
It is one of the critical requirements alongside the OPRA Exam, the Intern Training Program, and required supervised work hours. These tests evaluate you:
- Clinical decision-making skills
- Pharmacy calculations
- Patient safety and professional practice knowledge
Passing these exams makes you eligible to work safely and effectively in Australia’s healthcare system.
Also Read: A Complete Guide About Australian Pharmacist Intern Written Exam
Step 8: Pass the Australian Pharmacist Intern Written and Oral Exams
To become a fully registered pharmacist in Australia, you must pass:
- Intern Written Exam – Theory-based assessment.
- Intern Oral Exam – Assesses practical skills and communication with patients.
Preparation is key, so take advantage of study groups, practice scenarios, and structured courses for APC Intern Written and APC Intern Oral Exam with Elite Expertise.
Step 9: Complete the rest of the hours of internship
After passing both exams, you must finish the remaining supervised practice hours as per the Pharmacy Board’s requirements (1575 hours). These final hours ensure you’re fully prepared for independent practice.
Step 10: Apply to Pharmacy Board Australia to become fully registered as a pharmacist and practise in Australia
After completing your intern training and passing the APC intern written and PBA intern oral exams, apply to the Pharmacy Board of Australia (PBA) through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) for your registration.
Once your application is approved, you’ll be a fully registered pharmacist, officially qualified to work independently anywhere in Australia.
How to get a job in Australia as a pharmacist
- Apply to community pharmacies, hospitals, or corporate pharmacy chains.
- Network with professional pharmacy associations in Australia.
- You can use Job portals and LinkedIn to connect with potential employers.
You’ll work on dispensing medications, patient consultations, and regulatory compliance during your job.
How does Elite Expertise help in providing OPRA exam preparation course
The Australia pharmacy entrance exam can be challenging, but Elite Expertise specialises in preparing overseas pharmacists for the OPRA exam. Our program includes:
- Comprehensive study materials tailored to the OPRA Exam
- Live classes and recordings for learning at your convenience
- Expert guidance from Australian-registered consultant pharmacists
- Mock tests and practice questions to familiarise you with the format
- Skill Assessment support to help students complete the process smoothly.
With the proper preparation, you can pass the OPRA exam on your first attempt and move closer to your dream pharmacy job in Australia.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a pharmacist in Australia might seem challenging, but it’s achievable with dedication and the right approach. By following this structured pathway, you can successfully secure a pharmacy job in Australia.
All you have to do is enroll in the best OPRA Exam Preparation Course and take the first step toward a fulfilling and rewarding career in pharmacy in Australia.
⚠️Disclaimer
This blog provides general information about becoming a pharmacist in Australia and reflects our views. Exam formats, policies, and requirements may change over time, so we strongly recommend verifying details with official sources such as the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC), Pharmacy Board of Australia (PBA), and AHPRA. We are not responsible for any decisions made based on this content.
