1. Initial Skill Assessment by the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (PCNZ)
The first step toward becoming a licensed pharmacist in New Zealand is to undergo an initial skill assessment by the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (PCNZ). This step ensures that your qualifications and current registration meet New Zealand's standards and determine your eligibility for the OPRA exam.
- Cost: NZD 777 (Approx. INR 38,500)
This PCNZ assessment fee covers the administrative costs involved in evaluating your documents and verifying your eligibility for the registration process.
2. OPRA Exam – Pharmacy Registration Exam in New Zealand
The OPRA Exam (Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment) is the next major step for overseas pharmacists. This online, multiple-choice exam is held three times a year—in March, July, and November. You will have 120 questions to complete in 2.5 hours, and only two attempts are allowed.
- Cost: AUD 2,190 (Approx. INR 1,15,000)
It’s recommended to take an OPRA exam preparation course to ensure you pass on your first attempt and avoid additional fees.
3. New Zealand Pharmacy Legislation (NZPL) Course
Passing the OPRA exam qualifies you to enrol in the NZPL Course. This online course focuses on pharmacy law in New Zealand and introduces you to the professional, legal, and ethical requirements of the healthcare system.
- Duration: 3 months (10 modules)
- Cost: NZD 2,400 (Approx. INR 1,19,000)
Since this NZPL course is offered only once a year, timely enrollment is crucial to avoid delays in your registration process.
4. Registration as an Intern Pharmacist in New Zealand
After completing the OPRA exam and NZPL course, the next step is to register as an Intern Pharmacist under the Intern Pharmacist Scope of Practice. This registration allows you to gain supervised practical experience, which is essential for becoming a fully licensed pharmacist.
Cost:
- NZD 957 (Approx. INR 47,500) – May Assessment
- NZD 340 (Approx. INR 17,000) – November Assessment
Registering as an intern pharmacist provides the practical experience needed to complete the EVOLVE Internship Programme successfully.
5. EVOLVE Internship Programme – Pharmacy Internship in New Zealand
The EVOLVE Internship Programme is essential for developing the skills required to work as a registered pharmacist in New Zealand. The internship runs from February 1st to November 7th and includes assignments, workshops, and appraisals. You’ll be supervised by experienced pharmacists to ensure you develop professional competencies.
- Cost: NZD 8,950 (Approx. INR 4,43,000)
This practical internship bridges the gap between theory and practice, making it a crucial step in the New Zealand pharmacy internship process.
6. Final Registration as a Pharmacist
Once the EVOLVE internship is completed, you can apply for final registration as a fully licensed pharmacist with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (PCNZ). This is the final step toward becoming a pharmacist in New Zealand and allows you to practise independently.
Cost:
- NZD 1,312 (Approx. INR 65,000)
- NZD 695.33 (Approx. INR 34,000) – Post-November Assessment
After completing all the steps, you will receive your pharmacist registration certificate, officially confirming your status as a licensed pharmacist.
Summary of the Registration Costs for Pharmacists in New Zealand
Below is a quick breakdown of the total cost involved in the registration process:
- PCNZ Skill Assessment: NZD 777 (INR 38,500)
- OPRA Exam: AUD 2,190 (INR 1,15,000)
- NZPL Course: NZD 2,400 (INR 1,19,000)
- Intern Registration: NZD 957 (INR 47,500) or NZD 340 (INR 17,000)
- EVOLVE Internship Programme: NZD 8,950 (INR 4,43,000)
- Final Registration: NZD 1,312 (INR 65,000) or NZD 695.33 (INR 34,000)
Total Estimated Cost:
- May Registration Pathway: NZD 16,386 (Approx. INR 8,28,000)
- November Registration Pathway: NZD 15,769 (Approx. INR 7,97,000)
Why Become a Registered Pharmacist in New Zealand?
The investment required to register as a pharmacist in New Zealand may seem high, but the career benefits make it worthwhile. New Zealand pharmacists earn competitive salaries and enjoy excellent work-life balance in a growing healthcare sector. With opportunities for professional growth, registration also opens doors to working in other countries like Australia and the UK through mutual recognition agreements.
Get Personalised Help for Pharmacy Registration
Going through the registration process for pharmacists in New Zealand can be challenging alone, but with the right guidance, it becomes easy and less stressful. Academically offers personalised coaching to help you pass the OPRA exam, complete the NZPL course, and succeed in the EVOLVE internship program. Contact us to get started on your journey!
