OPRA Exam Fees in Indian Rupees 2025: A Complete Breakdown

Key Takeaways

• The total OPRA exam fee in 2025 is AUD 3,300 (~₹1.81 lakh), payable directly to the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC).

• Fee components include: Eligibility Check (AUD 810), Skills Assessment (AUD 300), and OPRA Exam (AUD 2,190).

• Optional Updated Skills Assessment costs AUD 610 (~₹33,550) if documents are resubmitted later.

• Indian pharmacists must pay in AUD via credit card; INR values are only for conversion and budgeting.

• Beyond exam fees, additional costs include:

  • English tests (IELTS/PTE/OET/TOEFL) – ₹15,000–₹30,000

  • Documents & courier charges – ₹5,000–₹15,000

  • Preparation & coaching – ₹25,000–₹1,00,000

  • Travel, visa & stay in Australia – ₹80,000–₹1,20,000

  • Consultant/agent (optional) – ₹20,000–₹40,000

• The realistic total expense for Indian candidates is ₹2.5–₹3.5 lakh.

• Compared to KAPS, OPRA is cheaper, more efficient, and clinically focused, with just one 2.5-hour exam instead of two long papers.

• Skills Assessment Outcome validity is 3 years; exam fee refunds are limited and subject to APC’s cancellation rules.

• OPRA is not just an exam cost—it is an investment in securing an Australian pharmacy career.

Introduction

The Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment (OPRA) is the test that all pharmacy graduates from foreign nations must pass in order to work and register in Australia. The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) established OPRA in 2024 in place of the previous KAPS test.This modification was made to improve the test’s relevance to current pharmacy practice, streamline its administration, and ease its completion. The cost of the OPRA exam in Indian rupees is a common inquiry among Indian applicants.This guidebook gives a full answer to that question. We will look at the official APC price structure, change it to INR using current exchange rates, and give a full explanation of how the pricing works.

Official OPRA Exam Fees 2025

The APC charges candidates in Australian Dollars (AUD). The OPRA pathway has three main fee components, with one optional fee.

 Eligibility Check

• AUD 810
• This is the first step. The APC evaluates your pharmacy degree and verifies that it meets Australian standards.

 Skills Assessment Outcome

• AUD 300
• After evaluation, you receive an official skills assessment letter confirming your eligibility to sit for the OPRA exam.

OPRA Exam Fee

• AUD 2,190
• The main assessment: a computer-based exam with 120 multiple-choice questions, testing clinical knowledge, pharmacy practice, and patient safety.

Updated Skills Assessment (Optional)

• AUD 610
• Only required if you later update your qualifications or re-submit additional documents. Not every candidate pays this.

Total OPRA Exam Fee in AUD

• Without updates: AUD 3,300 (810 + 300 + 2,190)
• With optional update: AUD 3,910

This is the official amount payable directly to the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). OPRA Exam Fees in Indian Rupees Since fees are payable in AUD, Indian candidates need to convert them into INR. For 2025, the exchange rate averages around ₹55 per AUD.

Conversion Table

Fee Component	AUD	INR (@₹55)
Eligibility Check	810	₹44,550
Skills Assessment Outcome	300	₹16,500
OPRA Exam	2,190	₹1,20,450
Total (without update)	3,300	₹1,81,500
Optional Updated Assessment	610	₹33,550

So, the official OPRA exam cost for Indian candidates is approximately ₹1.81 lakh. If you need the optional updated assessment, it may increase to around ₹2.15 lakh.

OPRA Exam Fee Comparison Across Currencies

Since candidates come from different countries, here’s how the total OPRA exam fee of AUD 3,300 converts into other major currencies (approximate rates for 2025):

Step	AUD	USD	INR	CAD	NZD	GBP	EUR
Eligibility Check	810	520	₹44,550	700	870	420	480
Skills Assessment Outcome	300	190	₹16,500	260	320	150	175
Updated Skills Assessment (opt.)	610	390	₹33,550	530	650	310	350
OPRA Exam	2,190	1,410	₹1,20,450	1,900	2,400	1,120	1,260

Additional Costs Beyond OPRA Exam Fees The official OPRA test fees (AUD 3,300 ≈ ₹1.81 lakh) are set and can’t be changed, but most applicants also have to pay extra expenditures that are just as crucial to think about. The prices will be different for you based on where you live, how you want to prepare, and your own situation. Here is a full breakdown:

1. English Language Proficiency Test

Before you can appear for the OPRA exam, you need to prove your English language skills. The most commonly accepted tests include:

• IELTS Academic – Approx. ₹16,250 in India
• PTE Academic – Around ₹15,900
• OET (Occupational English Test) – Higher cost, approx. ₹30,000–₹32,000
• TOEFL iBT – Around ₹16,000

  Why this matters: Passing English is mandatory. Most candidates budget at least ₹15,000–₹30,000 for this stage. If you need to retake the test, the cost multiplies.

2. Document Translation & Courier Charges

All your academic and professional documents (degree, transcripts, license, ID proof) need to be submitted to the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC).

• If your documents are in English, this is simpler.
• If not, professional translation services are required, which may cost ₹3,000–₹7,000 per document.
• Sending certified hard copies overseas via international courier (DHL/FedEx) can cost ₹3,000–₹6,000 each time.

Estimated total: ₹5,000–₹15,000

3. Preparation Materials & Coaching

Self-study is possible, but many candidates choose structured preparation programs.

• Online OPRA coaching courses – ₹25,000–₹50,000
• Private tutoring or mentorship – ₹40,000–₹80,000
• Study guides & mock tests – ₹5,000–₹10,000

Estimated total: ₹25,000–₹1,00,000, depending on your choice.

4. Travel & Accommodation

Currently, the OPRA exam is conducted only in Australia. This means Indian and international candidates must budget for:

• Flight tickets – ₹60,000–₹90,000 (round trip to Australia)
• Visa application fees – Approx. ₹9,000–₹12,000
• Health insurance (mandatory for visa) – Around ₹3,000–₹6,000 per month
• Accommodation – Budget hotels or hostels may cost ₹3,000–₹6,000 per night; Airbnb or shared stays could be cheaper.

Estimated total for travel & stay: ₹80,000–₹1,20,000 (minimum for 7–10 days stay).

5. Consultancy & Agent Fees (Optional)

Some candidates hire education or migration consultants to handle applications, documentation, and guidance. While optional, this can save time and reduce errors.

• Typical fee: ₹20,000–₹40,000 in India

 Grand Total (OPRA Fees + Additional Costs)

If we add core OPRA fees (₹1.81 lakh) to additional expenses, here’s what Indian candidates should realistically expect:

Category	Estimated Cost (INR)
OPRA Exam Fees (fixed)	₹1,81,000
English Test	₹15,000–₹30,000
Documents & Courier	₹5,000–₹15,000
Coaching/Study Material	₹25,000–₹1,00,000
Travel & Stay	₹80,000–₹1,20,000
Agent/Consultant (optional)	₹20,000–₹40,000
Total (approx.)	₹2.5–₹3.5 lakh

Step-by-Step Payment Process for Indian Candidates

1. Create an APC account on the official portal.
2. Submit eligibility documents (degree, transcripts, ID).
3. Pay the Eligibility Check fee (AUD 810).
4. Wait for Skills Assessment Outcome, then pay AUD 300.
5. Book your OPRA exam slot and pay AUD 2,190.
6. If necessary, pay the AUD 610 update fee for revised assessments.

Note: All payments must be made in AUD via credit card (Visa/MasterCard). Banks may charge a small forex markup.

Why the OPRA Exam Fee is Worth It

Some candidates might think the fee of ₹1.8–2.1 lakh is too high. But OPRA is different from the older KAPS exam in that

• Easier: there is only one test instead of two.
• Less expensive: total pathway costs are lower
• Relevant: The questions are about real-world pharmacy work and taking care of patients.
• Efficient: quicker results and a simpler process for evaluating.

For Indian pharmacists who want to work in Australia, this fee is more than just an exam fee; it’s a way to start a career in pharmacy around the world. For Indian pharmacists aiming to work in Australia, this fee is not just an exam charge—it’s an investment in a global pharmacy career.

OPRA Exam Fees vs. KAPS 

Pathway	Total Cost (Approx. AUD)	Total Cost in INR (@₹55)
KAPS (Old)	3,500–3,700	₹1.92–₹2.03 lakh
OPRA (New)	3,300 (core fees)	₹1.81 lakh

Clearly, OPRA offers a lower fee structure and is designed to be more efficient for international candidates.

Is OPRA More Affordable Than KAPS? A Full Cost & Process Breakdown

Criteria	KAPS (Old Pathway)	OPRA (New Pathway)
Eligibility Check Fee	AUD 610 (~₹33,500)	AUD 810 (~₹44,500)
Skills Assessment Outcome Fee	AUD 490 (~₹27,000)	AUD 300 (~₹16,500)
Exam Fee	AUD 2,290 (~₹1,25,500)	AUD 2,190 (~₹1,20,450)
Updated Skills Assessment (if required)	Not applicable	AUD 610 (~₹33,550)
Total Core Cost (without updates)	AUD 3,390 (~₹1,86,000)	AUD 3,300 (~₹1,81,500)
Exam Structure	2 Papers (4 hrs each, 200 MCQs total)	1 Paper (2.5 hrs, 120 MCQs)
Exam Focus	Theoretical knowledge (basic sciences, pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, clinical practice)	Therapeutics & patient care (clinical pharmacy, pharmacotherapy, evidence-based practice)
Scoring System	Classical scoring, fixed pass mark	Rasch psychometric model (fairer & adaptive standard-setting)
Difficulty Level	Broad coverage, heavier focus on science & formulations	Narrower, more practical, clinical decision-making focus
Syllabus Breakdown	– Basic Sciences (Chemistry, Physiology, Biochemistry) – Pharmaceutics & Dispensing – Medicinal Chemistry – Pharmacology – Clinical Pharmacy Basics – Pharmacy Law & Ethics	– Clinical Pharmacy – Pharmacotherapy (Cardio, Endocrine, Respiratory, CNS, Renal, Infectious diseases) – Patient Safety & Counselling – Evidence-Based Practice – Pharmacy Law & Professional Standards (Australia-focused)
Duration of Exam	2 sessions (2 papers, 4 hrs each, usually separate sittings)	1 session (single exam, 2.5 hrs)
Overall Cost (with additional expenses like travel, books, coaching, accommodation)	~AUD 5,500 – 7,000 (₹3.0 – 4.0 lakhs)	~AUD 4,500 – 6,000 (₹2.5 – 3.5 lakhs)
Preparation Support (Academically)	KAPS Crash Course, Mock Tests, Study Material (theory focused)	OPRA Targeted Coaching, Clinical Case Study Training, Practice Exams

OPRA Fees: Validity and Refund Policy

Candidates often ask, “How long will I be eligible?” If my plans change, can I get my money back? You should realise that this information might have a big effect on your financial planning and decision-making.

1. Validity of the Skills Assessment Result

The Skills Assessment Outcome (the Stream-A eligibility approval) is good for three years after you complete your OPRA test. This result is important for:

• Getting a visa for Australia
• Signing up with the Pharmacy Board of Australia

The Department of Home Affairs also sets the time limit for visa-related purposes, although APC still has authority.

2. Policy on Refunds for Fees

Knowing the requirements for refunds might help you avoid losing money you didn’t intend to lose:

• Fees for checking eligibility and skills (AUD 810 + AUD 300): Once submitted, it can’t be returned.
• Fees for the OPRA Exam (AUD 2,190): Under some conditions, refunds are available, but they always need to be approved by APC and come with a cost for cancelling the order.

Rules for partial refunds:

• You can cancel your exam and get your money back before the day of the exam, but you will have to pay a cancellation charge.
• If you miss the test, you may still be able to get some of your money back if you ask within four weeks of the session and provide proof.
• After this date, no refunds will be given.

3. What This Means for You

• You usually have three years to use your Skills Assessment Outcome. This gives you the freedom to plan when and where to take your exams.
• Be careful when you cancel or modify the date of your test. Late changes might cost you a lot of money because of cancellation fees or no reimbursement.

Therefore, to summarize

OPRA exam candidates from India will be required to pay approximately ₹1.81 lakh (AUD 3,300) in 2025. This involves checking to determine if you fit the requirements, going at the outcomes of the skills exam, and administering the test itself.If you change your documents later, you might have to pay an extra ₹33,550 (AUD 610). The move from KAPS to OPRA has made the procedure easier, quicker, and cheaper. This makes it simpler for chemists from India to get jobs in Australia. You don’t just have to pay this cost to pass a test; it’s also a method to invest in your future career and professional life overseas.