KAPS Exam Fees in Australia: What Does it Cost for Foreign Pharmacists?
Author: Dr. Akram Ahmad
Discover the KAPS exam fees in Australia for foreign pharmacists aspiring to practice in Australia.
Key Takeaways:
- Foreign pharmacists who wish to register and practice in Australia are required to pass the KAPS Exam.
- To apply for the KAPS Exam, foreign pharmacists need to pay a non-refundable application fee or the initial skill assessment fee. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with processing the application.
- In addition to the application fee, foreign pharmacists must pay the KAPS Exam exam fee. This fee is for the actual assessment and evaluation of their pharmaceutical knowledge.
Introduction
Australia has long been an attractive destination for foreign pharmacists looking to advance their careers and practice in a diverse and dynamic healthcare system.
However, to ensure that foreign pharmacists meet the necessary standards of pharmaceutical knowledge and expertise, the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) has implemented the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) Exam.
In this blog, we will explore the KAPS Exam fees for foreign pharmacists aspiring to register and practice in Australia.
The KAPS Exam
The KAPS Exam is a vital assessment that foreign pharmacists must undertake to demonstrate their proficiency in pharmaceutical sciences.
It is designed to evaluate their knowledge and understanding of various aspects of pharmacy, including pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, and pharmacotherapy.
Also Read: KAPS Exam Syllabus and Books
Fees
Skills Assessment Eligibility Fees
The first vital step towards realising your dream is to undergo the Initial Skills Assessment Eligibility Request.
Cost: AU$1310 per request i.e. INR 72000 approximately.
Please note that fees are non-refundable.
Updated Your Skills Assessment Request
For those who have undergone a previous assessment but have since enhanced their skills and capabilities, seizing new opportunities requires an updated skills assessment request.
Cost: AU$610 per request i.e. INR 34000 approximately. (Fees are non-refundable)
KAPS Exam Fees
Apart from the application fee, foreign pharmacists are required to pay an exam fee to take the KAPS Exam.
The exam fee covers the cost of conducting the assessment, evaluating the answers, and issuing results to the candidates.
Once you get the green flag for the initial skill assessment, then the next step is to appear for the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) Exam.
Cost: AU$ 2230 per attempt i.e. INR 121000 approximately.
Fee Variability
The KAPS Exam fee may vary from year to year. The APC periodically reviews and updates the fee structure, considering factors such as administrative expenses and inflation. To get the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is crucial for candidates to visit the official APC website or contact the relevant authorities.
Appeal and other fees
If you want to appeal the decision made about your accreditation, examination or eligibility to the APC appeals panel it will cost about $450 per appeal i.e. INR 25000 approximately.
Additional Costs
In addition to the KAPS Exam fees and eligibility fees, foreign pharmacists should consider other associated costs.
These may include travel expenses if they need to be physically present in Australia for the exam, study materials, preparatory courses, and accommodation
Payment Method
All prices are in Australian dollars only.
Initial Skills Assessment Payment: Pay securely online through the candidate portal using either a credit or debit card issued by a bank in your country of residence.
Examination Registration Payment: During the registration process in the candidate portal, you will be asked to make a payment for the exam using an accepted credit card.
Updated Skills Assessments and Other Fees: For updated skills assessments or any other fees, you can use the APC credit card form to make the payment securely.
Refunds
Examination Fees: You are eligible for a refund of examination fees if applicable.
Other Fees: Unfortunately, there are no refunds for any other fees apart from examination fees.
Examination Fees Refund
We understand that there might be instances where you need to request a refund for the examination fee. While you can request a refund for any reason, please note that all refund requests are subject to the approval of APC.
The refund amount will depend on the timing of your cancellation:
Full Refunds: You are eligible for a full refund if you cancel your exam appointment up to 5 days prior to the exam session.
Partial Refunds: If you cancel your exam appointment within 5 days prior to the exam session and up to 4 weeks after the exam session, you will receive a partial refund.
Refund Process:
To initiate a refund request, you must cancel your exam appointment through your Candidate Portal only.
When cancelling, you will be required to provide a reason for the cancellation, and in most cases, supporting documents are not necessary unless special circumstances, such as COVID-19, apply.
Approval and Timing:
Once your refund request is approved, you will receive either a full or partial refund, based on the applicable criteria mentioned above.
Important Note
If you cancel your exam appointment due to unforeseen circumstances outlined in our Refund Policy, you may be eligible for a full refund at any time.
Please be aware that the APC does not entertain refund requests submitted after 4 weeks from the end of your exam session. It’s essential to adhere to the specified timelines for refund eligibility.
Conclusion
The KAPS Exam is a crucial gateway for foreign pharmacists seeking to practice in Australia. While the fees may seem significant, they are a necessary investment in achieving one’s professional goals.
By understanding the costs involved and planning ahead, foreign pharmacists can embark on their KAPS journey with confidence, and eventually, contribute their expertise to the Australian healthcare system.
Academically offers assistance with the KAPS Exam process and provides comprehensive online coaching for aspiring candidates.
FAQs
Q: How much is the pharmacist exam in Australia?
A: The pharmacist exam in Australia is the KAPS Exam- Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences. It costs about AU$ 2230 per attempt i.e. INR 121000 approximately.
Q: How many attempts are there for the Kaps exam?
A: There are no limits on the number of attempts for the KAPS Exam
Q: Is a pharmacist a high-paying job in Australia?
A: Yes, a pharmacist is considered a well-paying profession in Australia. Pharmacists in Australia typically earned competitive salaries compared to many other occupations.
Q: Is pharmacy a good job in Australia?
A: Pharmacy is generally considered a stable and rewarding career in Australia. Pharmacists play a vital role in the healthcare system, and the demand for their services was expected to remain strong due to Australia’s aging population and increasing reliance on medications.
Q: What IELTS score is required for pharmacists in Australia?
A: The standard English language requirement for pharmacists in Australia is an overall IELTS score of 7.0, with a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the four components (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking).