Why are so many people keen to settle in Australia? In this blog, we’ll tell you exactly that. Get detailed insights with evidence-backed reasons why Australia is a good place for you to live, work, and thrive as a pharmacist in 2025 and beyond.
Reason 1: High Demand for Pharmacists in Australia
The rising need for pharmacists in Australia isn’t a myth. A survey report of 2024–25 reveals a projected 12% shortfall in the pharmacist workforce across both metropolitan and regional areas.
Whether it’s a teaching hospital in Melbourne, a research-focused facility in Canberra, or a bustling city hospital in Sydney or Perth, job openings for pharmacists are everywhere. In top-tier cities like Melbourne and Sydney, it’s not unusual for seasoned pharmacists to make over AUD 150,000 per year. That’s not just a reflection of demand, it’s a clear signal of how much the profession is valued.
Australia has recognised pharmacists as a priority profession by including them on its Skilled Occupation List (SOL). It means that if you’re qualified and fulfill the eligibility criteria, you can have an easy PR pathway under Skilled Migration Programme.
Reason 2: High Salary Packages & Rapid Career Progression
Australia has always been very generous with providing salaries to their employees. There’s always a fair exercise of paying employees what they deserve and not keeping them underpaid and overworked unlike some countries.
Let’s take a look at the salary insights to have a better understanding.
Average Salaries by Experience Level
| Designation | Annual Salary (AUD) | Approx. in INR (₹) |
| Entry-Level Pharmacist | $60,000 – $75,000 | ₹33 – ₹41.25 Lakhs |
| Mid-Level Pharmacist | $80,000 – $110,000 | ₹44 – ₹60.5 Lakhs |
| Senior/Clinical Expert | $120,000 – $150,000+ | ₹66 – ₹82.5 Lakhs (or higher) |
City-wise Salary Insights
| City | Avg. Salary (AUD) | Approx. in INR (₹) |
| Melbourne | $150,218 | ₹82.6 Lakhs |
| Sydney | $149,975 | ₹82.5 Lakhs |
| Canberra | $140,201 | ₹77.1 Lakhs |
| Perth | $135,000 | ₹74.2 Lakhs |
| Brisbane | $124,480 | ₹68.5 Lakhs |
Reason 3: Exceptional Work-Life Balance & World-Class Living Standards
When most people ask, “Is Australia a good place to live?” - they’re questioning safety, freedom, clean air, and a healthy lifestyle and Australia doesn’t disappoint.
Work-Life Balance That Actually Exists
Many countries have a toxic work life which makes employees work half-heartedly. However, in Australia is much more liberal approach towards work life. Australia promotes mental well-being, work life balance, structured workflow and more.
- Pharmacists in hospitals and community based setting works around 38 - 40 hours per week
- Generous paid leaves: 4 weeks of annual paid leave + 10 paid holidays
- Flexible work schedule in public healthcare organisations
Are You Working in Healthcare Sector?
If yes, then you can enjoy:
- Private health cover discounts
- Free or subsidised health check-ups
- Employee wellness programmes in top hospitals
Pharmacists save over 60% of their monthly earnings after expenses.
Quality of Life
- Clean environment & low crime rate
- Enjoy well-maintained sea beaches, clean parks, and hiking spots
- Delicious food, great nightlife, explore beautiful cafes and more
- Free healthcare facilities
- State of the art public transport systems
Reason 4: Globally Recognised Qualifications & Clear Licensing Pathways
Australia has set a higher benchmark for education. University of Sydney, Melbourne, Monash have constantly maintained a high rank under QS World University Rankings.
Recognised Degrees
The OPRA Exam & Registration Pathway
To become a registered pharmacist in Australia, you need to:
- Get your qualifications assessed by the APC. This process is also known as Initial Skills Assessment.
- Once qualified, you need to pass the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA).
- Prove your English Proficiency by getting more than 7 bands in IELTS.
- Complete a fully supervised internship of 1575 hours (written and oral).
- Apply for AHPRA registration under the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
Quick Fact: Most steps are digitised, and the process takes 9–15 months on average.
Did you know…
Once you’re a registered pharmacist in Australia, your license becomes valid for other top-tier countries like New Zealand, Canada, and the UK, due to mutual recognition agreements.
Reason 5: A Safe, Inclusive & Multicultural Society That Feels Like Home
This is 21st century and everybody desires a world where their voices are heard. Australia is a safe and inclusive society for everyone With nearly 30% of its population born overseas, and over 200 languages spoken, Australia is a proud multicultural hub.
Freedom of Culture and Religion
Australian laws strongly protect minorities and everybody’s freedom of speech. You’ll find vibrant communities of Indians, Pakistanis, Sri Lankans, Filipinos, Bangladeshis, and many more.
Safety and Personal Freedom
- Ranked among the top 10 safest countries globally
- Political stability, clean streets, and low violent crime rates
- Strict anti-discrimination laws in workplaces and educational institutions
LGBTQ+, disability, and gender inclusion actively promoted
Reason 6: Migration Pathways for Indian Pharmacists Are Clear & Achievable
Australia offers one of the most streamlined skilled migration systems in the world, and pharmacists are listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
This means you’re not just eligible to apply, you’re actively needed.
Visa Pathways Tailored for Pharmacists:
| Visa Type | Key Details |
| Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa | Permanent residency; state sponsorship required |
| Subclass 491 – Skilled Regional Visa | Live/work in regional areas; path to PR |
| Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage | Employer-sponsored; fast-tracked process |
| Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme | PR pathway through employer sponsorship |
Step-by-Step: Migration Process for Indian Pharmacists
- Get Skills Assessed by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC)
- Take the OPRA exam (or go through Vetaassess if want to work as a pharmacy technician)
- Complete English proficiency test ( either IELTS, OET or PTE)
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) on SkillSelect
- Get invited and apply for your visa
- Complete internship + register with Pharmacy Board of Australia (AHPRA)
- Begin working!
Note: The whole process takes 12–18 months with expert help, even faster.
Reason 7: Real-World Education & Career-Ready Industry Linkages
Wondering how Australia produces some of the most globally employable graduates in pharmacy?
The secret lies in its hands-on, industry-connected education system.
Whether you’re studying pharmacy fresh or entering a bridging programme before full registration, you’ll experience education rooted in real-world practice.
What Sets Australian Pharmacy Education Apart?
- Internships & Clinical Placements: The last year at every university that imparts pharmacy education focuses on internships on clinical concepts. You generally get to work in hospitals, community pharmacies, or even research labs.
- Industry Guest Lectures: Experts from Pharma companies and health tech startups regularly teach modules.
Research Opportunities: Australia's research impact is massive; from the cervical cancer vaccine to Wi-Fi, many innovations have roots in Australian labs.
Reason 8: Life Beyond the Paycheck: Why You’ll Never Want to Leave
Not everything in life can be measured by money. We all want to be internally happy. Australia goes beyond the paycheck and provides a quality lifestyle to everyone.
When in Australia, find:
- World-famous beaches, outdoor parks, BBQ spots, and hiking trails
- Weekend café culture: brunches, beach walks, sports events
- Low pollution, clean cities, and strong environmental laws
- Public safety that lets you walk alone at night without fear
- Events, arts, and music festivals happening year-round
Fun Fact: In Melbourne, you can finish a Friday shift and head to Phillip Island to see penguins by sunset. In Perth, after work, you might be surfing by 5 PM.
Food From Every Culture
Missing home? Don’t worry.
You’ll find:
- Regional themed restaurants in every corner of major cities
- Specialty grocery stores for spices, rice, and regional foods
- Halal, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options everywhere
Top 5 Australian Cities for Pharmacists
| City | Avg. Salary (AUD) | Highlight |
| Melbourne | $150,218 | Best city for families & education |
| Sydney | $149,975 | Cultural hub with great salaries |
| Canberra | $140,201 | Calm, clean & well-governed |
| Perth | $135,000 | Beaches, mining & pharma jobs |
| Brisbane | $124,480 | Tropical climate & affordability |
If you're looking for a professionally rewarding, financially stable, and personally fulfilling life, few countries offer what Australia does. Pharmacists aren’t just in demand here; they are respected, well-paid, and given a lifestyle many only dream of.