With over 1.2 lakh students moving to Australia to pursue higher education, the country has long been a destination of choice for Indian students. The country is especially vied by healthcare professionals. It has some of the best opportunities for global healthcare professionals, including pharmacists.
Pharmaceutical education in Australia is one of the best in the world. The quality of education is only rivalled by the quality of the healthcare system. For this reason, many students aim to study and work there.
If you’re a pharmacy graduate looking to pursue your masters in Australia, this blog is for you. We will take you through the process, requirements, and the best colleges for pursuing a Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
We will also introduce you to an alternative to a master’s for setting up a career in Australia, the OPRA exam way.
Buckle up for the ride into pharmaceutical education in Australia.
Why Choose a Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Australia?
The choice to do a master’s in Pharmaceutical Science in Australia is a decision backed by sound reasons. A variety of factors play a role in making it a much sought-after course for pharmacy graduates.
Let us understand the advantages of obtaining a master’s from Australia.
Quality of Education
Universities in Australia are known for their high-quality education and high standards for academia. They are equipped with world-class facilities. Along with this, providing industry exposure, the students are taught all the skills required in the real world.
Global Recognition
Obtaining a master’s degree from an Australian university will put you on the world map. It is a certificate of competency and credibility granted by a world-class institute. This will help you in starting and furthering your career.
Opportunities for Research
Australia leads in pharmaceutical research and innovation. Pursuing a master's in the subject offers access to state-of-the-art research facilities. You will learn how to handle equipment as well as be a part of research projects.
Work Opportunities
Part-time jobs as well as full-time jobs during semester breaks are common in Australia. This helps in gaining hands-on experience that will ultimately help during the job process. It is also the best way to manage living expenses.
Quality of Life
Australia ranks high on the list of countries having a high quality of life. From labour laws, work-life balance, and lifestyle, living in Australia has undeniable charm. It is one of the main reasons for migration to Australia.
What are the Eligibility Criteria to pursue a Master’s in Australia?
Indian pharmacy graduates can pursue a master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences in Australia either after a B.Pharm or even after a PharmD degree.
The eligibility requirements may differ between universities, but there are a few essential ones.
- Having a bachelor's degree in a relevant field from a recognized university.
- Having an English Language Proficiency certificate.
- A good GPA in your bachelor’s.
- A great SOP and strong recommendations from your professors.
Let us now look at the process of applying for a master’s program in Pharmaceutical Sciences in Australia.
If you are confused regarding your qualifications and eligibility to study in Australia, you can connect with our experts at Academically and get guidance from them.
Steps to Apply for a Master’s in Australia
The process of applying to Master's programs in Pharmaceutical Sciences in Australia is easy with the correct guidance. Here are the steps involved in getting enrolled in a pharmacy master's program at an Australian university.
- Shortlist the colleges as per your interests, requirements, and eligibility.
- Check the college admission requirements.
- Gather your educational documents, including degrees and mark sheets.
- Prepare a Statement of Purpose outlining your interests, experience, and skills.
- Prepare for and take the English Language proficiency tests.
- Collect your recommendations from your professors and mentors.
- Fill in and submit your application for admission.
- Apply for a student visa.
Once your visa is approved, you can make your travel plans in the prescribed time frame and migrate to Australia.
Top Universities for Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Australia
Here is a list of the best Australian universities with pharmaceutical sciences programs. We have listed the degree particulars, including course fees and duration.
1. Monash University
Degree: Master of Pharmaceutical Science
Duration: 2 years | Full-time
Campus: Parkville
Mode: On Campus
Fees: 55,000 AUD | 30.25 Lakh INR
2. University of Sydney
Degree: Master of Pharmacy
Duration: 2 years | Full-time
Campus: Camperdown, New South Wales
Mode: On Campus
Fees: 61,700 AUD | 33.9 Lakh INR
3. University of Queensland
Degree: Master of Pharmaceutical Industry Practice
Duration: 2 years | Full-time
Campus: Dutton Park
Mode: On Campus
Fees: 47,200 AUD | 25.9 Lakh INR
4. University of South Australia
Degree: Master of Pharmacy
Duration: 1 year
Campus: Adelaide, City East
Mode: On Campus | Online
Fees: 43,500 AUD | 23.9 Lakh INR
5. University of Technology Sydney
Degree: Master of Pharmacy
Duration: 3 years | Full-time
Campus: Ultimo, NSW
Mode: On Campus
Fees: 188,940 AUD | 1.03 Cr INR
6. Griffith University
Degree: Master of Pharmacy
Duration: 2-2.5 years | Full-time | Part-time
Campus: Gold Coast
Mode: On Campus
Fees: 40,000 AUD/ year | 22 Lakh INR/ year
What is the Scope of the Master’s of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Australia?
The scope of a Master’s in Pharmaceutical Science in pharmaceutics in Australia is huge. It reaches from research and academia to regulatory affairs and consulting. Students are equipped with the knowledge and skills required in many fields of work. We have highlighted a few of them here.
Drug Delivery Research:
This is one of the main arms of work for pharmacy graduates. They can get into research and development of new drugs and formulations. This includes not only lab work, but also preparing project documents like risk assessment, PDR, etc.
Quality Control and Assurance:
This department ensures that the products being manufactured are compliant with regulatory standards. This department also ensures quality is maintained throughout the development and manufacturing stages. Here, graduates can work on outlining protocols, SOPs, etc.
Regulatory Affairs:
This department ensures that products meet the regulatory requirements. Graduates can work in regulatory affairs departments in industry or consulting firms. They communicate with regulatory agencies and prepare regulatory submissions. They also update the company on any updated regulatory requirements.
Academia and Teaching:
Some graduates pursue academic careers. Teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students in pharmacy schools is one of the professions they can get into. They can also be involved in research projects on campus.
Pharmacy Consultant:
Graduates can get into consulting after gaining hands-on experience in either the industry or the hospital and retail pharmacy.
Clinical Pharmacist:
This is another lucrative career option after graduating with a master’s in pharmaceutical science. Graduates can work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare center settings. They would directly interact with patients and be involved in patient care.
Also Read: How Can an Indian Pharmacist Migrate to Australia: Step-by-Step Process
What’s the salary of a Master’s of Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate?
The salary is reflective of the nature of the work and the experience required to enter these fields.
Salary of Pharmacists in Australia per Month in Indian Rupees (INR and AUD)
| Job Roles | Salary in INR | Salary in AUD |
| Research Scientist | ₹7,705,556 | $145,912 |
| Consultant Pharmacist | ₹7,293,905 | $138,117 |
| Pharmacist Manager | ₹6,601,201 | $125,000 |
| Oncology Pharmacist | ₹6,218,860 | $117,760 |
| Operational Pharmacist | ₹5,809,057 | $110,000 |
| Hospital Pharmacist | ₹5,581,923 | $105,699 |
| Emergency Department Pharmacist | ₹5,756,511 | $109,005 |
| Quality Pharmacist | ₹4,672,752 | $88,483 |
| Clinical Trial Pharmacist | ₹4,488,817 | $85,000 |
What Next?
If you’re debating between getting a Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences in Australia vs an M.Pharm degree in India, the answer is relatively simple. With all the advantages and career growth opportunities provided by studying in Australia, it will be the best choice.
After completing your Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences at an Australian university, if you wish to go back to your home country, you can return and get a good job there.
However, if you wish to set up practice in Australia, you have to clear the OPRA exam. The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment is an exam conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council to offer registration to international pharmacists.
The easy way out here is if, instead of pursuing a master's in Australia, you choose to take the OPRA exam right after your B.Pharm in India.
Yes, you can take the OPRA exam from India itself, and on clearing the exam, you can get an internship and then complete registration. This allows you to practice pharmacy in Australia without having to do your masters here. This is a cost and time-saving method for Indian pharmacists to register and migrate to Australia.
Final Words
To conclude, we must highlight that if you are looking for advancement in your skillset and education, you must choose Australia to pursue higher education in pharmacy. However, if your goal is to set up practice in Australia, you can do so by taking the OPRA Exam right after B.Pharm/PharmD in India.
Academically provides one of the best OPRA Exam Preparation Courses, from AI-backed mock exams to extensive notes and audio-visuals.
The OPRA Exam serves as a better alternative to a master's in Australia, and thus, we motivate Indian and global pharmacists to pursue the OPRA exam instead of a master's in Australia.
Connect with our experts and explore your options.