Are you an overseas pharmacist wondering how to become a pharmacist in Australia? Well, then, this blog is right for you.
Australia is an ideal choice for practising as a pharmacist. The country offers you not just amazing salaries of more than INR 50 Lakh per annum, but also a great work life balance.
If you are wondering about the visas, that’s sorted too. In Australia, there are about 132,000 visas available for skilled workers and more than 2000 current openings for pharmacists.
In this blog we will discuss how to become a pharmacist in Australia.
OPRA Exam: The Licensing Gateway
To become a pharmacist in Australia, overseas pharmacists have to take the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment or OPRA. This exam is to check whether the overseas pharmacists possess necessary skills and knowledge to practice pharmacy in Australia.
This exam is conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). Once you pass the OPRA Exam, you have to register with the Pharmacy Board of Australia or AHPRA as a pharmacist to work in Australia.
How To Become A Pharmacist in Australia?
The process of becoming a pharmacist in Australia is pretty straightforward if you know the steps. Let’s break it down.
1. Check Eligibility
The first and most important step is to check whether you are eligible for the OPRA Exam. Only if you are eligible to take the exam, you can become a registered pharmacist by clearing the OPRA Exam. The eligibility criteria are as follows:
- A degree in pharmacy (B.Pharm, M.Pharm or Pharm.D)
- Registration as a pharmacist in home country
2. Apply For Initial Skills Assessment
Initial Skills Assessment is to validate the documents you submit. You will have to submit your
- Academic documents
- Proof of licensure
- Evidence of work experience
to the APC. Once the initial skills assessment is done, you can take the OPRA exam.
3. Take The OPRA Exam
This is the most important step and clearing this exam will take you to Australia. The OPRA is a multiple choice exam. It consists of 120 questions to be completed in 2.5 hours.
One of the best ways to pass the exam on the first attempt is by enrolling into an OPRA Preparation Course. This way you can get all the help you need from one place. For example, from live or recorded classes, study materials, to AI based mock exams and personalised guidance, you will get everything.
4. Prove English Proficiency
To work in Australia overseas pharmacists must demonstrate English language proficiency through standardised tests. The English proficiency tests that overseas pharmacists can take are:
- IELTS Academic
- OET
- PTE Academic
It is mandatory to achieve the required score as set by the AHPRA for registration and visa purposes.
5. Finish Intern Training and Submit an Expression of Interest
After passing the OPRA exam and proving English proficiency, overseas pharmacists must complete an intern training program in Australia. During this time, you’ll gain practical experience under supervision. This will prepare you for independent practice in Australia.
Once your internship is complete, you have to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system to indicate your interest in working in Australia as a pharmacist.
6. Obtain Registration with the Australia Pharmacy Council
After completing your intern training and passing the registration requirements, apply to the PBA to obtain your pharmacist registration.
This step officially qualifies you to practice pharmacy in Australia.
7. Find Pharmacist Jobs In Australia
Once you get registered as a pharmacist in Australia, it’s time to search for pharmacist jobs. You can find jobs by using job portals like
- SEEK
- Indeed, and
You can find openings for pharmacists in Australia.
Networking with other pharmacists and joining Australian pharmacy associations.
Applying to hospitals, community pharmacies, or retail chains that regularly hire pharmacists.
8. Obtain a Visa for Australia
To work in Australia, you need the right visa. Common visa options for overseas pharmacists are:
| Visa Type | Description |
| Subclass 190 | Skilled Nominated Visa |
| Subclass 491 | Regional Sponsored Visa |
| Subclass 482 | Temporary Skilled Shortage Visa |
| Subclass 494 | Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional Visa |
| Subclass 407 | Training Visa |
Final Words
So, that’s how you become a pharmacist in Australia. A few simple steps, and you can see yourself working as a pharmacist in Australia.
Australia is the perfect destination for pharmacists seeking growth and stability, with
- High demand
- Great salaries, and
- Excellent work-life balance
Now, it’s your chance to level up. Do it today and do it with the best OPRA Preparation Course to pass the exam on the first attempt!