Introduction
Did you know… the Australian pharmaceutical industry has experienced a whopping growth. Experts are projecting a staggering 5% growth in the market share from 2025 to 2029. This would result in a revenue generation of over $12.91 billion. Pharmacists from countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal, etc., are looking for better opportunities. They must consider moving to Australia.
Are you excited to know how? We have curated a step-by-step process on how to get a pharmacist license in Australia in 2025. We have covered all the essential aspects of obtaining a pharmacist's registration in Australia. Let’s have a look.
Step 1: Qualify the initial skills assessment
The first step to practice as a registered pharmacist in Australia is qualifying the initial skills assessment. What do you mean by skills assessment? It’s simple. Before spending big on an exam, it is important to know whether you are eligible for it. Nobody wants to file a hefty application fee only to get their documents rejected, right? The Australian Pharmacy Council conducts this Initial Skills Assessment. This assessment will evaluate your education, professional experience, and English language skills to make sure they meet Australian standards.
How do you know the eligibility criteria prior to qualify for skill assessment? Here’s a checklist for the same:
Have a recognised pharmacy degree (BPharm, MPharm, Pharm D).
Be registered with the official pharmacy council of your home country.
Very important step: No matter which country you go to, an English Proficiency Test is necessary.
IELTS Academic (minimum score of 7.0 in each band)
OET (minimum score of B in each band)
PTE Academic: Minimum score of 65 in each band.
Top tip: For pharmacists, we recommend appearing for the OET. Unlike IELTS, you wouldn’t have to deal with history, art or any field that’s not related to your domain. In OET, you only solve communication-related questions.
Do I need any documents for the initial skills assessment?
100% yes, everything has to be on paper. When applying for the skills assessment, you'll need to submit:
Mark sheets/academic transcripts of your pharmacy degree.
Proof of registration as a pharmacist in your home country.
Valid passport and government ID.
Passport-sized photographs.
English language proficiency test results.
Application Process
Create an account on the APC Candidate Portal.
Complete the online application form and upload the required documents.
Pay the assessment fee (AUD 810 as of 2025).
Await the outcome of your assessment, which typically takes several weeks to complete.
Step 2: Prepare well for the OPRA Exam
OPRA exam is also known as Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) exam, introduced in March 2025, replacing the previous Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) exam. It evaluates the readiness of overseas-trained pharmacists to practice safely and effectively in Australia.
Structure of the OPRA Exam
Computer-based test having 120 MCQ.
Duration of the exam: 2.5 hours.
Maximum emphasis to be put on therapeutics and patient care
Exam Dates and Fees
The OPRA exam happens thrice a year:
March
July
November
The OPRA exam fees is AUD 2190 which is equivalent to 1 lakh 19 thousand Indian rupees.
Step 3: Get your registration and VISA formalities done
Congratulations on clearing the OPRA exam with flying colours. You're just a few mini steps away from achieving your dream to work as a registered pharmacist in Australia.
Get your registration done from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. This will help you practice pharmacy in Australia legally.
Visa Options
Let’s get to know about the power of Visa; what Visa will get you:
Skilled Work Regional Visa belongs to Subclass 491: For skilled workers nominated by a state or UT government.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa belongs to Subclass 494: An employer in regional Australia sponsors the skilled workers.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa belongs to Subclass 482: Allows employers to sponsor skilled workers, when they can't find a skilled Australian.
Step 4: Complete an Internship Programme
Internship is a common practice during registration. It helps you to prove worthy enough as a full-time pharmacist in Australia. This involves working under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. It helps you gain practical experience in the Australian healthcare system.
Duration: 1575 hours.
Intern Training Programme: Enroll in an approved ITP for a structured learning process.
During your internship, you will develop relevant skills in areas such as patient care, medication administration, and communication skills.
Qualify the Intern Written and Viva Exam
After completing your internship, you will need to pass the written examination and the viva voce. These exams assess your knowledge and skills.
Intern Written Examination
MCQ covering various aspects of pharmacy practice.
Duration: 2 hours.
Content Areas:
Therapeutics and patient care
Pharmacy law and ethics
Pharmacology
Professional Practice
Step 6: Register with AHPRA
Once you have passed the intern exams, it is time to register with AHPRA. Come, let’s get you registered:
Eligibility for Registration at AHPRA
Complete a 1575-hour internship.
Qualify for the APC’s Intern Written and Oral Exams.
Hold a current certificate of English language proficiency (if required).
Be deemed a fit and proper person to practice (including a criminal history check).
Application Process
Log on to AHPRA’s online portal
Complete the application form for general registration as a pharmacist.
Upload supporting documents, including proof of internship completion and exam results.
Pay the registration fee.
Once approved, you’ll be added to the national register. After that, you can begin working as a fully licensed pharmacist in Australia!
Step 7: Explore Employment Opportunities
With your general registration in hand, it’s time to find work. Pharmacists in Australia are in demand across various sectors.
Common Employment Sectors:
Community Pharmacies: e.g., Chemist Warehouse, TerryWhite Chemmart
Hospital Pharmacies: within public or private healthcare systems
Aged Care Facilities: ensuring safe medication use in elderly populations
Pharmaceutical Industry – including regulatory affairs, research, and sales
Academic or Research Institutions – for pharmacists interested in teaching or R&D
Salary of an OPRA-qualified Pharmacist (as of 2025):
Freshers: AUD 70k to AUD 85k per year (38 lakhs to 46 lakh Indian rupees)
Experienced: AUD 95k to AUD 1 lakh 20k+ per year (51 lakhs to 65 lakh Indian rupees)
Easy Pathway for PR or Permanent Residency in Australia
PR Options:
Skilled Independent Visa belonging to Subclass 189: This is purely based on points earned, and no sponsors are needed
Skilled Nominated Visa belonging to Subclass 190: Purely sponsored by the state
Employer Nomination Scheme belonging to Subclass 186: Employer-sponsored PR
Here’s the cheat code for the best chances to get a PR:
Gain at least 1–2 years of local work experience.
Improve your English test scores.
Stay updated on regional sponsorship opportunities.
