Australia continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations for internationally qualified pharmacists. With strong healthcare standards, global exposure, and rewarding career opportunities, it’s no surprise that thousands of pharmacists aim to practise there each year.
To ensure patient safety and professional competence, Australia follows a structured registration pathway, with the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) playing a central role. If you’re planning your move, this guide breaks down the entire journey costs, exams, and registration steps.
OPRA Cost Overview: Plan Before You Begin
Before starting your registration journey, it’s important to understand the financial commitment involved. Below is an estimated breakdown to help you plan effectively.
Stage | Cost (AUD) | Approx. INR |
| APC Eligibility Check | 810 | ₹48,329 |
| OPRA Exam Fee | 2,190 | ₹1,30,668 |
| Skills Assessment Outcome | 300 | ₹17,899 |
These figures are indicative and may vary depending on exchange rates and official fee updates.
Step 1: Initial Skills Assessment by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC)
Your journey begins with the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC), the body responsible for assessing overseas pharmacy qualifications.
During this stage, APC evaluates:
- Your pharmacy degree qualification
- Academic transcripts
- Current professional registration status
- English language compliance, where applicable
Once your credentials meet Australian standards, you’ll receive approval to proceed. This eligibility allows you to book the OPRA exam, marking your official entry into the Australian registration pathway.
Step 2: Sit for the OPRA Exam
The OPRA exam is designed to assess whether you are ready to practise safely and competently as a pharmacist in Australia. Unlike traditional exams, OPRA focuses heavily on clinical judgement and patient-centred decision-making.
OPRA Exam Format at a Glance
- 120 multiple-choice questions
- 2.5 hours duration (no breaks)
- Fully computer-based
- Uses adaptive testing with Rasch methodology
- Results released in approximately 4 weeks
This structure ensures the exam evaluates both depth of knowledge and real-world application.
OPRA Syllabus Weightage
Understanding the syllabus distribution is key to smart preparation:
- Biomedical Sciences – 20%
- Medicinal Chemistry & Biopharmaceutics – 10%
- Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics – 10%
- Pharmacology & Toxicology – 15%
- Therapeutics & Patient Care – 45%
Therapeutics carries the highest weightage, highlighting OPRA’s strong clinical focus.
Step 3: Fulfil English Language Requirements
Clear communication is non-negotiable in Australian healthcare settings. Before moving ahead, you must meet the English language requirements set by the authorities.
Accepted Tests
- IELTS Academic: Overall score of 7.5, with no band less than 7
- OET: Minimum B grade in all components
- PTE: Above 65 in each of the 4 skills
Step 4: Provisional Registration and Internship
After clearing OPRA and meeting English standards, you can apply for provisional registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).
This stage allows you to:
- Begin a paid pharmacy internship in Australia
- Work under the supervision of an approved preceptor
- Complete 1,575 hours of supervised practice
This hands-on experience helps you transition smoothly into the Australian healthcare system.
Step 5: Intern Written and Oral Examinations
Once you complete at least 75% of your internship hours, you become eligible for the intern examinations.
Intern Written Exam
- Restricted open-book format
- Only physical copies of:
- Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH)
- Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary (APF)
- No handwritten notes, PDFs, or digital materials
- 75 questions (MCQs and calculation-based)
- 120 minutes, plus pre- and post-exam procedures
Intern Oral Exam
After passing the written exam, you can apply for the Intern Oral Exam, which evaluates your readiness for independent practice.
This exam assesses:
- Clinical reasoning and judgement
- Ethical and professional decision-making
- Patient counselling and communication skills
- Real-world problem-solving abilities
Step 6: Apply for General Registration
Once you have:
- Completed all 1,575 internship hours
- Passed both the Intern Written and Oral Exams
You can apply for general registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia is a detailed process, but it is well-structured and achievable with the right planning. Each stage from APC assessment and OPRA to internship and final registration is designed to prepare you for safe, confident practice in a globally respected healthcare system.
With clarity on costs, requirements, and timelines, you can approach this journey with confidence and focus on what matters most: exam success and professional growth.
