What Is the OPRA Exam?
Just a quick refresher: the OPRA exam has now replaced the older KAPS exam as part of the new pharmacist registration process in Australia. This updated exam structure has been designed to test knowledge and understanding practice of pharmacy in Australia.
It's more focused on therapeutic care, a relevant approach that reflects real-life pharmacy scenarios you’ll face while working in Australia.
Also Read: OPRA Exam Passing Marks
How Much Does the OPRA Exam Cost in 2025?
Let’s get straight to the numbers. The OPRA pathway includes a few different stages, each with its own fee. Here’s the official fee structure in Australian Dollars (AUD) along with the approximate cost in Indian Rupees (INR), based on an exchange rate of INR 55 per AUD (as of 2025).
| Step | Fee (AUD) | Approx. in INR |
| Eligibility Check | $810 | ₹44,550 |
| Skills Assessment Outcome | $300 | ₹16,500 |
| Updated Skills Assessment (if needed) | $610 | ₹33,550 |
| OPRA Exam | $2,190 | ₹1,20,450 |
| Total (without optional update) | $3,300 | ₹1,81,500 |
Note: The exchange rates fluctuate. So, make sure to check the latest rate when making payments.
Must Check: OPRA Exam Preparation Course
Quick Explanation of Each Fee
- Eligibility Check (AUD $810): This is the first step. Here, the APC (Australian Pharmacy Council) verifies your academic qualifications to see if they meet Australian standards.
- Skills Assessment Outcome (AUD $300): Once your documents are reviewed, you’ll receive an official letter confirming whether your qualifications are considered comparable.
- Updated Skills Assessment (AUD $610): This one is optional. You only pay this if you want your assessment re-evaluate, maybe because you’ve completed extra training, gained new experience, or added new documents.
- OPRA Exam (AUD $2,190): This is the big one, the OPRA exam that tests your readiness to practise as a pharmacist in Australia.
Other Costs You Should Consider
Apart from the OPRA exam and assessment fees, there are a few more things to keep in mind:
- English language test (IELTS or PTE): INR ₹15,000 – INR ₹17,000
- Documentation, translation and courier charges: INR ₹5,000 – INR ₹10,000
- OPRA Preparation courses (optional but helpful): INR ₹25,000 – INR ₹1,00,000
- Travel and accommodation (for taking OPRA Exam): This depends on your location and exam centre
While the assessment and OPRA process costs around INR 1.8 lakhs, the realistic total investment usually comes to around INR ₹2.5 to INR ₹3.5 lakhs, depending on your choices and preparation needs.
Also read: OPRA Exam Syllabus
Is OPRA More Affordable Than KAPS?
Surprisingly, yes.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Criteria | Old KAPS Exam | New OPRA Exam |
| Focus | Theoretical knowledge | Therapeutic care |
| Number of Exams | 2 papers | Single paper |
| Total Cost (approx.) | INR ₹2.2 – INR ₹2.5 lakhs | INR ₹1.8 - INR ₹2 lakhs |
| With Additional Expenses | INR ₹3.0 – INR ₹4.0 lakhs | INR ₹2.5 to INR ₹3.5 lakhs |
| Preparation Support | Academically’s KAPS Preparation Course | Academically’s OPRA Preparation Course |
So yes, OPRA is not only more aligned with modern pharmacy practice, but it’s also more cost-effective and efficient than the old process.
No matter how the exam evolves, Academically is always ahead in guiding overseas pharmacists with up-to-date content, expert-led courses, and consistent support to help you ace the OPRA exam.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a pharmacist in Australia is a big thing. But more importantly it is how you prepare. Be it financially preparing or academically preparing both are important. When it comes to finances, make sure you are aware of the OPRA exam fees, more importantly OPRA Exam fees in Indian rupees. Because this way you can plan more carefully.
So, if you’ve made up your mind to become a pharmacist in Australia, consider the OPRA exam as your launchpad. Start preparing, plan your budget, and go all in, you’ve got this!
If you need any help or guidance feel free to reach out to us by filling out this form!