If you’re an overseas pharmacist aiming to build your career in Australia, the OPRA exam is likely one of your first major milestones, and like any international licensing exam, the cost plays a crucial role in planning, especially when you’re applying from another country.
For 2026, the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) Exam has introduced an update to its fee structure. While it’s not a big change, being aware of it early can make a real difference in how you plan your exam attempt, finances, and overall journey to Australia.
Let’s take a closer look at what the OPRA exam is, why it matters for overseas pharmacists, and what’s new this year.
What Is the OPRA Exam?
The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) Exam is a computer-based multiple-choice exam conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). It evaluates whether internationally trained pharmacists meet Australian standards in clinical, pharmaceutical, and biomedical sciences.
You can apply if you have B.Pharm or PharmD degree, active registration as a pharmacist in your home country and required academic and identity documents. No prior work experience is required, allowing candidates to apply immediately after graduation.
OPRA Exam Format: What to Expect
The OPRA exam follows a single-paper format and uses Rasch adaptive testing methodology, meaning there’s no fixed pass mark. The syllabus places a strong emphasis on therapeutics and patient care, ensuring candidates are clinically prepared for Australian practice.
The exam consists of 120 MCQs completed in 2.5 hours, with no negative marking. Results are available within four weeks. The test is offered three times annually (March, July, November). The syllabus emphasizes therapeutics and patient care for clinical readiness in Australian practice.
OPRA Exam Fee Update for 2026: What Has Changed?
Now, to the update that many candidates are keen to understand.
- Previous OPRA exam fee: AUD 2,190
- Updated OPRA exam fee (2026): AUD 2,245
For candidates applying from India, using the current exchange rate (1 AUD = ₹60.19), the revised fee works out to approximately ₹1.35 lakh INR.
Although there is a slight increase, the OPRA exam continues to be competitively priced when compared with other international pharmacist licensing exams, especially considering the long-term career opportunities and ROI it offers in Australia.
Before vs After OPRA Fee Update
For overseas pharmacists planning to work in Australia, it’s important to know how the fees for OPRA and other Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) assessments compare. Here’s a simple overview of the costs before and after the 2026 OPRA update:
| Assessment / Request | Cost (Before) | Cost (Now) |
| Eligibility Check | AUD 810 per request | Same |
| Skills Assessment Outcome | AUD 300 per request | Same |
| Updated Skills Assessment Request | AUD 610 per request | Same |
| OPRA Exam | AUD 2,190 | AUD 2,245 |
Conclusion
The OPRA exam remains a crucial gateway for overseas pharmacists who aspire to practice in Australia, and staying informed about updates, especially fee changes, is an essential part of smart planning. While the 2026 fee revision introduces a small increase, it does not significantly alter the overall value of the OPRA pathway. With clear eligibility criteria, global test accessibility, and strong long-term career prospects in Australia, OPRA continues to be a worthwhile investment. Planning early, budgeting accurately, and understanding each step of the process will help you move forward with confidence toward your goal of becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia.
