If you’ve already cleared the KAPS exam, let us tell you something important: you’re holding more power than you might realize.
Most pharmacists clear KAPS with just one goal in mind: Australia, but what many don’t know (and wish they had known earlier) is that KAPS doesn’t limit you to just one country. In fact, with the right experience, one exam can open doors to three different countries.
Yes, you read that right.
If you are a KAPS-qualified pharmacist, you may be eligible to work not only in Australia, but also in two other countries, without appearing for additional licensing exams.
In this blog, we’ll break it all down for you, which countries these are, how eligibility works, what experience is required, and how you can use your KAPS qualification strategically to build an international pharmacy career.
So, if you’ve cleared KAPS or are planning to, keep reading, because this information could completely change how you look at your future.
What Is the KAPS Exam and Why Does It Still Matter?
The KAPS (Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences) exam has long been the gateway for internationally qualified pharmacists who want to work in Australia. It is conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) and is known for maintaining high professional standards.
While KAPS is now replaced by the OPRA exam, its value has not disappeared. Pharmacists who have already cleared KAPS are still fully recognized, and the qualification continues to open international opportunities when combined with the required work experience.
In simple terms, whether you passed KAPS earlier or OPRA now, the purpose remains the same, to prove your pharmacy knowledge meets international benchmarks and that’s exactly why this qualification still matters far beyond just one country.
The Big Reveal: What Your KAPS Qualification Can Really Unlock
This is where things get really interesting. If you have already passed the KAPS exam, you are eligible to work in two international countries without appearing for their licensing exams, under specific conditions.
Yes, your KAPS qualification can take you far beyond Australia.
Instead of writing separate country-specific exams, eligible KAPS-qualified pharmacists can use their existing qualification as an equivalency pathway, making the entire process simpler and more efficient.
And now, here’s the reveal.
With the right work experience, KAPS-qualified pharmacists can work in Qatar and Dubai, often without writing the DHA exam or the Qatar Pharmacy Licensing Exam.
The Key Requirement: Work Experience
To use your KAPS qualification for these opportunities, you must have:
- At least 2 years of work experience after graduation
Your experience can be from:
- Retail Pharmacy
- Hospital Pharmacy
Accepted qualifications include:
- B.Pharm
- M.Pharm
- Pharm.D
If you meet this experience requirement, your KAPS qualification becomes extremely valuable, opening doors that many pharmacists don’t realize are already within reach.
What Is DataFlow?
DataFlow is a mandatory verification process and not an exam. It involves checking your pharmacy degree, KAPS result, and work experience by the concerned authority to confirm their authenticity. While this step is compulsory for registration, it does not include any written test, and with the right guidance, it can be completed smoothly without unnecessary stress.
Salary Expectations and Career Growth
One of the biggest reasons pharmacists consider working abroad is the earning potential, and this is where these opportunities truly stand out. Pharmacists working in these countries can expect a starting salary of around ₹80,000 per month, which can go up to ₹1.5 lakh per month, depending on factors like previous work experience, qualification, skills, and interview performance.
An important advantage is that this salary is completely tax-free, which means what you earn is what you take home. While it’s tempting to aim for the highest package right from the start, it’s often smarter to focus on getting your first international role, gaining experience for at least a year, and then moving ahead. Many pharmacists see their salary grow significantly within 2–3 years, often reaching ₹1.5–2 lakh per month, along with better roles and responsibilities.
Final Thoughts
Passing the KAPS exam is more than just a step toward Australia, it’s a qualification that can open multiple international pathways when used strategically. If you have the required work experience, your KAPS result can help you build a rewarding pharmacy career beyond borders, even if your original plan didn’t work out.
The key is understanding your options, meeting the eligibility criteria, and taking the right steps at the right time. With proper guidance, the process becomes far more manageable, and the opportunities far more achievable.
At Academically, we support pharmacists at every stage of their journey, from exam preparation and eligibility guidance to DataFlow assistance and career planning. If you’re ready to make the most of your KAPS qualification, now is the time to take action.
Your international pharmacy career may be closer than you think.