Australia offers a dynamic, rewarding environment for pharmacists. Its healthcare system is one of the most trusted in the world. Pharmacists play a crucial role in community and hospital settings.
Becoming a pharmacist in Australia is the dream of many pharmacy students across the globe.
Today, we will discuss how you can register and become a pharmacist in Australia as an international student. If you have completed your pharmacy education in Australia and New Zealand, the path to registration in Australia is much simpler.
Becoming A Pharmacist in Australia as an International Student
International students who have completed a pharmacy degree in Australia or New Zealand need to register with the Pharmacy Board of Australia before starting their practice.
The APC’s International Student Stream Skills Assessment is the official process of professional registration. The outcome of this is required for the visa and migration process only.
If you have completed your pharmacy education elsewhere and are unsure which path to take to work in Australia, we have the solution for you.
From assessment exam preparation to visa applications, we will guide you through every step. Get in touch with our counselors and explore your options now.
Let us understand the process and significance of this assessment.
What is the Australian Pharmacy Council?
The Australian Pharmacy Council, or the APC, is an independent and non-profit organisation. It was founded in 1982. It acts as the national accreditation authority for pharmacy and training. Their primary functions include the following.
- Skill Assessment
- Accreditation of Programs and Providers
- Protection of Public Health
The Australian Pharmacy Council plays an integral role in maintaining high standards in the pharmacy sector. It works to ensure a safe and effective pharmacy practice and the overall protection of public health.
It works closely with other healthcare bodies to ensure pharmacists are well-trained, safe, and competent to work in Australia.
Significance of the Skill Assessment
The mission and vision of the Australian Pharmacy Council include the advancement and assurance of quality in pharmacy education. They also handle accreditation and assessment of education in the pharmacy sector nationally and internationally.
The role of the Australian Pharmacy Council fosters safety, efficiency, and effectiveness in the pharmacy practice in the Australian context. They ensure that quality is not compromised at any point and strive to maintain respect, fairness, and transparency in everything that they do.
This is how Australia has one of the most reliable and robust healthcare systems in the world.
What Is the International Student Stream Skills Assessment?
The primary purpose of this Skill Assessment is to assess the qualifications and competencies of international pharmacy graduates. This assessment ensures that international students meet the standards required to deliver safe and effective pharmacy services in the country.
If you’re an international student who:
- Studied pharmacy in Australia or New Zealand
- Completed a degree from an APC-accredited program
- Want to register or migrate as a pharmacist in Australia
Then this assessment is your official first step.
It’s not a written exam but an eligibility-based evaluation that confirms your academic background and qualifications meet Australian standards.
Who Can Choose the International Student Stream Skill Assessment?
The following eligibility criteria should be fulfilled if the candidate chooses the International Student Stream Skill Assessment Pathway.
You can apply if:
- You were an international student when you studied in Australia, or you studied in New Zealand
- Your pharmacy degree is from an APC-accredited or substantially equivalent institution
- You’re planning to:
- Apply for a skills migration visa
- Register as a pharmacist in Australia
- Start or continue working in Australia
The International Student Stream Skill Assessment: Roadmap to Apply
The International Student Stream Skills Assessment happens in three phases:
1. Before You Apply
Before you submit anything, make sure you:
- Have completed an approved pharmacy degree from Australia or New Zealand
- Were enrolled as an international student
- Gather all required supporting documents, including:
- Transcripts
- Degree certificate
- Work Experience proof
If someone else will communicate with the APC on your behalf (like a migration agent or family member), download and submit the Agent Authorisation form. This form must be signed by both you and the nominated agent.
2. Application Process
- Create a candidate account on the APC Portal
- Make your profile with accurate personal information.
- Submit a Skills Assessment Eligibility Check request.
- Upload your documents:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificate
- Identity proof (e.g., passport)
- Agent Authorisation form (if needed)
- Pay the fee through a credit or debit card.
Always review your documents carefully to avoid mistakes and incomplete document submission.
3. After You Apply: What to Expect
- The APC will take around 8 weeks to process your assessment.
- If documents are missing or incorrect, the process can be delayed.
- The Council may ask for additional information. You’ll have 6 months to provide them.
- Once everything is reviewed, you’ll receive your official Skills Assessment Outcome via email.
If approved, this outcome can be submitted to the Department of Home Affairs to support your visa application.
Fees and Processing Times
| Item | Details |
| Skills Assessment Fee | AUD 1,110 or INR 61,050 |
| Work Experience Verification | AUD 200 or INR 11,000 |
| Processing Time | 8 to 12 weeks |
| Reassessment (if required) | Additional fee applies |
| Validity of Outcome | Usually 3 years for migration |
Alternative Pathway to Become a Licensed Pharmacist in Australia
If you have a pharmacy degree outside of Australia and New Zealand, you can still register as a pharmacist in Australia. The pharmacy registration process in Australia for overseas graduate pharmacists is slightly different.
Depending on your country of graduation, you can either select:
- Competency Stream- For the UK, USA, Canada, and Ireland
- Knowledge Stream- For the rest of the world
Both streams require candidates to take exams to become registered pharmacists in Australia:
- Competency Assessment of Overseas Pharmacist Exam- Also known as the CAOP Exam. It is for the Competency Stream (for overseas-trained pharmacists migrating from Ireland, UK, USA, Canada)
- Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment Exam- Also known as the OPRA Exam. It is for the Knowledge Stream
The main eligibility requirement to become a pharmacist in Australia remains the same: having an APC-recognized pharmacy degree and registration in the home country.
If you’re a B.Pharm graduate dreaming of becoming a pharmacist in Australia, OPRA is your path to take.
Don’t let the exam scare you, Academically has all that you need for a successful attempt at OPRA. Enroll in our OPRA Exam Preparation Course now and begin your journey with experienced teachers, customizable courses, and AI-backed mock exams.
Let’s understand now what to do after you have the result of your skill assessment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete documents
- Using unofficial or unaccredited degree programs
- Ignoring APC emails requesting more info
- Missing deadlines or forgetting to check your Candidate Portal
Helpful Tips
- Keep digital and hard copies of all documents.
- Set calendar reminders for deadlines.
- Check your email regularly for APC updates.
- Use official channels (APC website, Home Affairs site) for accurate info.
Conclusion
The path of an international student to becoming a pharmacist in Australia is relatively easy. Once you have completed your education from an APC-accredited institute, you are already on your way to registration with the PBA.
The International Student Skill Assessment Outcome is to help you in your visa application and migration journey.
You have already completed the challenging task of completing your pharmacy education from Australia, the path for migration need not be difficult either.
Academically has experts who can guide you through not only the skill assessment process, but also in your migration journey.
Reach out to us for any assistance in your move to Australia.