Third Country Qualification Recognition (TCQR) Pathway For Pharmacists
Before we break down the costs of the PSI process, let’s first understand the TCQR, also known as the Third Country Qualification Recognition pathway. This route is meant for pharmacists who completed their education and training outside the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA). Under the 2025 Holistic Assessment Path A, you may not need to take any exams if your qualifications are deemed equivalent.
However, if gaps are found, you’ll be required to sit the PSI Equivalence Exam, which includes an MCQ and OSCE examination(you need one of these exams or both, based on your holistic assessment).
Once your qualification is recognised through the TCQR process, you won’t need to take any additional registration exam. You can directly apply for registration as a pharmacist in Ireland via the PSI portal.
How Much Does It Cost to Take the PSI Exam for Ireland?
To become a registered pharmacist in Ireland (not Australia), international candidates from non-EU/EEA countries must follow the Third Country Qualification Recognition (TCQR) process. The main steps and associated costs are outlined below:
Steps Involved
- Application for Qualification Recognition (TCQR Stage 1)
- Holistic Assessment (TCQR Stage 2)
- PSI Equivalence Exam (MCQ and/or OSCE – only if required under Path B)
- Apply for Registration with PSI
- English Proficiency Test (Required only at registration stage)
PSI Process Fees (As of April 2025)
| Step | Fee |
| Stage 1: Application Fee | €500 |
| Stage 2: Holistic Assessment | €1,000 |
| Stage 3: PSI Equivalence Exam | €3,000* |
| English Language Test (IELTS/OET etc.) | ~AUD 300 |
*Only applicable if you're routed to Path B after assessment.
Key Clarifications
- There is no "Adaptation" period anymore under the new TCQR process.
- There is no Professional Registration Exam (PRE). Once your qualification is recognised, you can apply for registration directly—no additional exam is required.
- The total cost can vary:
- Minimum cost (Path A, no exam): €1,50
- Full cost (Path B, with exam): €4,500
- An English test is required only at the time of registration, not during qualification recognition.
Additional Expenses
During this journey, you may come across additional expenses. For better networking opportunities, learning, or job search, it is highly recommended that you take a short course to enhance your pharmacy knowledge or skills. For this, you can take a student visa and study in Ireland. This can also be simultaneously done with your adaptaion. The cost for such healthcare courses in Ireland can range from €12,000 to €20,000.
You should also take into expenses for visa (if you are not sponsored), accommodation, daily expenses, etc while you are on your adaptation.
Conclusion
Ireland has a treasure trove of opportunities and has several benefits for global pharmacists. If you are a pharmacist graduate, you should consider moving to Ireland for a more rewarding and fulfilling pharmacy career. To kick-start your journey to Ireland as a registered pharmacist, get in touch with Academically. With our specially designed preparation course for the PSI Equivalence Exam, you can receive training from top mentors, connect with industry experts, and access high-quality study materials.
