Dreaming of working as a pharmacist in Australia but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Thousands of pharmacy graduates across the world are looking toward Australia for better careers, higher pay, and a world-class healthcare system.
The good news? The journey is absolutely possible, and much simpler when you understand the pathway. Whether you’re a fresh pharmacy graduate, a PharmD intern, or an experienced pharmacist planning to move abroad, this guide breaks down everything you need to know in a clear, friendly, step-by-step way.
Australia needs skilled pharmacists, and the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) Exam is your first big milestone. Once you understand how it works, the entire pathway from skills assessment to internship to full registration starts to make sense.
So take a breath, grab a notebook, and let’s walk through your Australian pharmacist journey together. Your new beginning starts right here.
What Is the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) Exam?
If you’re planning to become a pharmacist in Australia, the OPRA exam is the very first gateway you’ll cross. Think of it as your entry ticket, your proof that you have the clinical and pharmaceutical knowledge needed to practice safely in Australia.
The OPRA exam is a fully computer-based test made up entirely of multiple-choice questions. It assesses your understanding of biomedical sciences, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, therapeutics, and patient care. This exam officially replaces the KAPS exam, which had its final session in November 2024.
And here’s why OPRA matters so much:
You cannot get provisional pharmacist registration in Australia without passing it.
It ensures every overseas-trained pharmacist starts on the same level as Australian graduates, maintaining safety and quality in patient care.
In short, OPRA is your first big milestone. Clear this exam, and you’re officially on the Australian pharmacy pathway.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Pharmacist in Australia?
Planning your journey also means planning your budget. The pathway to becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia comes with a few key fees, so it’s good to know what you’re signing up for:
- Eligibility Check: AUD 810 (~₹48,329)
- Exam Registration: AUD 2,190 (~₹1,30,668)
- Skills Assessment Outcome: AUD 300 (~₹17,899)
These costs cover the essential steps of eligibility verification, exam registration, and assessment outcomes.
Eligibility Criteria for OPRA
Before you dive into exam preparation, let’s make sure you’re actually eligible, and the good news is, the OPRA exam keeps things quite simple and accessible.
To sit for OPRA, you need just a few essentials:
- A Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from any country
- Active registration as a pharmacist in your home country
Required Documents
Before you apply, you’ll need to gather a set of important documents, think of this as your pharmacy passport into Australia. Everything must be in English, so make sure to get translations if your originals are in another language.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Degree certificate
- Official transcripts
- Birth certificate
- Valid passport
- Government-issued ID
- Passport-sized photograph
- Pharmacist registration certificate from your home country
The Roadmap to Your Australian Pharmacy Career
Becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia may seem like a long journey, but breaking it down step by step makes it manageable. Here’s your clear roadmap:
Step | What You Do | Key Points / Tips |
| Step 1: Initial Skills Assessment by APC | Submit your degree, transcripts, registration certificate, and English proficiency proof. | APC verifies your eligibility before you can take the OPRA exam. Make sure all documents are accurate and translated into English. |
| Step 2: Take the OPRA Exam | Computer-based exam with 120 MCQs over 2.5 hours. Covers biomedical sciences, pharmacology, therapeutics, and patient care. | Focus on therapeutics & patient care they carry 45% of the weightage. Results are available within 4 weeks. |
| Step 3: Meet English Language Requirements | IELTS, OET, PTE | Strong communication skills are vital for internships and oral exams. |
| Step 4: Internship & Provisional Registration | Complete a 1,575-hour paid internship under provisional registration in hospital, community, or aged care settings. | Seek employers offering visa sponsorship if relocating. Learn Australian pharmacy laws, PBS system, and patient care practices. |
| Step 5: Intern Written & Oral Exam | Written Exam: 120-min computer-based restricted open-book exam. Oral Exam: case-based assessment of practical knowledge and communication. | Pass both to demonstrate competency for independent practice. Mock tests and workshops are highly recommended. |
| Step 6: Apply for Full Registration | Submit application to the Pharmacy Board of Australia for general registration. | Once approved, you can work independently as a pharmacist anywhere in Australia. |
Pharmacy Intern Written & Oral Exam
After passing the OPRA exam and completing your provisional registration, the next big milestone is the Pharmacy Intern Written and Oral Exam. Passing these is mandatory to move from provisional registration to full pharmacist registration in Australia.
Exam | Eligibility | Format & Key Details | Tips |
| Written Exam | - Provisionally registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia (or previously registered) - Completed at least 75% of 1,575 internship hours | - Restricted open-book, computer-based, in-person - Duration: 120 minutes - 75 MCQs + Fill-in-the-Blank calculations | - Attend mock assessments and workshops - Focus on clinical knowledge, legislation, and calculations |
| Oral Exam | - Must pass Written Exam (valid for 18 months) | - Case-based questions testing real-world application - Includes communication and decision-making skills - Date & time allocated randomly | - Practice communication and patient counseling scenarios - Prepare with supervisors or mentors |
Step-by-Step Exam Procedure
- Complete Required Internship Hours
Finish 1,575 supervised hours, with at least 75% done before the Written Exam. - Register for the Written Exam
Submit your application, pay the fee (~AUD 770 / ₹44,874), and check APC exam schedules. - Sit for the Written Exam
Restricted open-book exam focusing on clinical knowledge, pharmacy law, ethics, calculations, and professional judgment. - Receive Written Exam Results
Pass is valid for 18 months, allowing time to apply for the Oral Exam. - Apply for the Oral Exam
Applications open/close according to APC schedule. Date and time assigned randomly. - Sit for the Oral Exam
Tests case-based problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills in real-world scenarios. - Receive Results & Apply for Full Registration
Once both exams are cleared, submit your application to the Pharmacy Board of Australia for general registration.
Why Choose Australia for Your Pharmacy Career?
Australia has a high demand for skilled pharmacists, especially in clinical and hospital settings. Some key reasons international pharmacists consider Australia include:
- Competitive salaries: The average pharmacist earns significantly more in Australia compared to many other countries.
- Professional growth: Opportunities exist in community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, clinical research, and academia.
- Structured training: Australia has a well-regulated internship system ensuring pharmacists gain practical experience before practicing independently.
- High quality of life: With excellent healthcare, education, and social support systems, Australia is attractive to professionals planning long-term careers abroad.
Parting thoughts
Becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia may seem like a long journey, but every step from the OPRA exam to internship, and finally to full registration, is achievable with the right preparation and guidance. Each milestone is designed to ensure you’re ready to provide safe, high-quality care in Australia’s advanced healthcare system. With determination, structured planning, and the right mentorship, you can turn your dream into reality. So start your preparation today, stay focused, and take one step at a time. Your exciting Australian pharmacy career is just around the corner
