How to Become a Pharmacist in Australia with a Foreign Pharmacy Degree

If you’ve ever typed “How can I work as a pharmacist in Australia?” into Google at 2 a.m., you’re not alone.

For many pharmacy graduates, Australia represents something bigger than just a job, it’s better clinical exposure, a stable healthcare system, structured professional growth, and often, a long-term migration goal.

The moment you start researching, things get confusing the terms like Skills assessment, OPRA exam, Internship hours and Provisional registration. 

There are different sources giving different explanations. 

Let’s simplify it and breakdown how to become an international registered pharmacist in Australia.

What Is the OPRA Exam?

The most important thing to understand is what the OPRA exam is all about. This exam is conducted by the APC. It is curated to assess whether an international pharmacist has adequate knowledge which is required to practice in Australia.

You should think of it as an academic checkpoint.

The OPRA exam checks your foundational knowledge. In subjects like pharmacology, pharmaceutics, therapeutics, and pharmacy practice align with what an entry-level pharmacist in Australia is expected to know.

It’s not about trick questions. It’s about competency.

Who Can Apply?

• If you have pursued Bachelors of Pharmacy 
• If you have pursued a Doctor of Pharmacy 

And here’s something many candidates worry about unnecessarily:

Why Is the OPRA Exam Required?

Those who completed their qualification outside countries like Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA. Needs to pass the OPRA exam. 

Passing the exam allows you to:

• Receive a positive Skills Assessment Outcome
• Apply for provisional registration
• Progress toward internship and full registration

Without clearing the OPRA exam, you cannot move forward in the Australian registration process.

Is Home Country Registration Required?

Many candidates assume they must be registered in their home country before applying.

The reassuring part is that home country registration is not mandatory for the eligibility check. What matters most is your academic qualification.

What Is the Complete Procedure After Eligibility Approval?

Once the skill assessment is done. Here is how the process goes: 

Once the Australian Pharmacy Council confirms that your degree meets their standards, the process moves forward in a clear sequence.

Step 1: Sit for the OPRA Exam

This is the most important step of the whole process. Think of it this way, that it is your ticket to Australia. 

• 120 multiple-choice questions
• 2.5 hours duration
• Single-paper format
• No negative marking
• Conducted three times a year (March, July, November)

Step 2: English Language Requirements

After clearing the OPRA exam. You need to prove your english proficiency by giving any one of the following tests: 

• IELTS Academic - 7 band 
• OET - Minimum B in listening, speaking and reading. C+ in writing 
• PTE - Minimum overall score of 66

Step 3: Apply for Provisional Registration

You’ve passed OPRA and met the English requirements. Now you can apply for provisional registration.

This registration allows you to start working as an intern pharmacist in Australia. Under supervision while you begin gaining hands-on experience in real practice settings.

Step 4: Complete Your Internship (1,575 Hours)

This part is practical and hands-on.

You’ll need to complete 1,575 supervised hours as an intern pharmacist. 

During your internship, you’ll gain real exposure to:

• Patient counselling
• Dispensing practices
• Medication safety protocols
• Australian pharmacy law
• Clinical judgement in real scenarios

This is where everything becomes real.

Step 5: Pass the Intern Written and Oral Exams

After completing at least 75% of your internship hours, you become eligible to sit for:

• Intern Written Examination
• Intern Oral Examination

These exams assess your practical knowledge, communication skills, and readiness for independent practice.

OPRA Exam Dates – 2026

Cost Breakdown for the OPRA Pathway

Before starting your journey, it’s important to understand the financial investment involved. While exact expenses may vary depending on currency exchange rates and personal circumstances, here is the official fee structure for the Knowledge Stream pathway:

Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) Fees

Australian Pharmacy Council

• Eligibility Check: AUD $810
• OPRA Exam Registration: AUD $2,245
• Skills Assessment Outcome Issuance: AUD $300

These are mandatory fees paid directly to the Australian Pharmacy Council through the official candidate portal.

Closing Thoughts

Becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia with a foreign pharmacy degree is a structured and achievable journey. While the process involves multiple steps — from eligibility and the OPRA exam to internship and final registration — each stage is clearly defined.

With proper planning, preparation, and patience, your B.Pharm or PharmD can open the door to a rewarding pharmacy career in Australia.

Understand the pathway, prepare strategically, and move forward with confidence.