Navigating the International Student Stream Skills Assessment Outcome to Become Pharmacists in Australia

Written by

Salma Firdaus

Reviewed by

Dr. Alok Semwal
Become Pharmacists in Australia
Created On : Sep 28, 2023 Updated On : Jun 28, 2025 4 min read

Key Takeaway

  • Understand the pathway to register as a pharmacist in Australia as an international student.
  • Learn more about the International Student Skill Stream Assessment.
  • Find out the steps to apply for this skills assessment.
  • Know more about the eligibility requirements and prerequisites for this pathway.

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-trainedsafe, 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

  1. Create a candidate account on the APC Portal
  2. Make your profile with accurate personal information.
  3. Submit a Skills Assessment Eligibility Check request.
  4. Upload your documents:
    • Academic transcripts
    • Degree certificate
    • Identity proof (e.g., passport)
    • Agent Authorisation form (if needed)
  5. 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

ItemDetails
Skills Assessment FeeAUD 1,110 or INR 61,050
Work Experience VerificationAUD 200 or INR 11,000
Processing Time8 to 12 weeks
Reassessment (if required)Additional fee applies
Validity of OutcomeUsually 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.

 

FAQs

Does the International Student Skill Assessment have any exams?

No. This skill assessment is purely for the verification of the educational degree of the candidate and does not involve any written exam.

Who is eligible for this pathway?

Only international students who have received or will receive their pharmacy degree from Australia or New Zealand are eligible for this pathway.

How much time is required for this assessment?

The timeline for getting a response from the agency can be anywhere between 8 to 12 weeks. In case of missing or incorrect documents, this can be further delayed.

Can a pharmacist, registered in the UK, apply for this assessment

No. For UK-registered pharmacists, the pathway to take is the Competency stream. Here, you’ll need to take the CAOP exam.

What is the cost of the International Student Skill Assessment?

The cost of the assessment is 1110 AUD, which is about 61,000 INR. If you also have work experience, the verification of that will add another 200 AUD or 11,000 INR.

Salma Firdaus
Salma Firdaus
about the author

Salma Firdaus is a pharmacy graduate from Jamia Hamdard with three years of research experience and a knack for academic writing. At Academically, she turns complex scientific concepts into clear, engaging content. Driven by a passion to connect education with real-world careers, she aims to make learning easier, more meaningful, and genuinely enjoyable for the readers.

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