Australia is a leading destination for international pharmacists seeking a promising career. The country is facing a severe pharmacist shortage. To offset this, it offers excellent career prospects in pharmacy. The nation is welcoming skilled pharmacy professionals from around the world.
One of the leading channels for international pharmacists entering the country is the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) Exam, which serves as a pathway to becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia.
In this blog, we will explore the PR pathway for pharmacists in Australia, what you need and what is the process. We will also discuss what to do once you have cleared your OPRA exam.
Let’s start.
Why Choose Australia as a Pharmacist?
Pharmacists are an essential part of Australia’s healthcare workforce. Many pharmacy roles, such as retail pharmacist and hospital pharmacist, fall under Australia’s skilled occupation framework. This means they are eligible for skilled migration through state-nominated and regional visa pathways.
In addition to professional stability, Australia offers:
- High standards of living
- Transparent migration rules
- Strong worker protections
- Clear PR and citizenship pathways
OPRA Exam: Gateway to Pharmacy Registration
The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) is a competency and knowledge exam conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). This exam is a mandatory step for internationally trained pharmacists wanting to work and migrate to Australia.
Exam highlights:
- Computer-based multiple-choice format
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- 120 questions covering biomedical, pharmaceutical, and clinical sciences
- Tests readiness according to Australian pharmacy standards
One of the best ways to pass the exam on the first attempt is by enrolling on an OPRA Preparation Course. This way, you can get all the help you need from one place. For example, from live or recorded classes, study materials, to AI-based mock exams and personalised guidance, you will get everything.
How the Skills Assessment Works
To migrate or register:
- Eligibility Check: You apply to APC to confirm your pharmacy qualification meets the criteria.
- OPRA Exam Registration and Pass: Once eligible, you register and sit for the OPRA exam.
- Skills Assessment Outcome: After passing, APC issues a skills assessment letter. This is essential for both registration and visa processes.
Component | Cost (AUD) | Approx. Cost (INR) |
| Eligibility Check | 810 | ₹48,600 |
| OPRA Exam | 2,245 | ₹1,32,455 |
| Skills Assessment Outcome Letter | 300 | ₹18,000 |
| Total Core Cost | 3,355 AUD | ₹1,98,000 |
Registration Process in Australia (AHPRA)
After passing OPRA and obtaining a skills assessment, you must register with the Pharmacy Board of Australia via AHPRA.
The registration steps are simple:
- Pass OPRA and receive a skills assessment
- Apply for provisional registration
- Complete supervised practice or internship (if required)
- Clear the intern assessments
- Obtain general registration to practice independently
Registration is essential not just for employment, but also for visa compliance and employer sponsorship.
PR Visa Options for Pharmacists
Australia does not follow a single PR route. Pharmacists typically access PR through state-nominated, regional, or employer-sponsored visas.
Most Relevant Visa Pathways
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
- Permanent residency from day one
- Requires nomination by an Australian state or territory
- Points-based system
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa
- Provisional visa (5 years)
- Requires living and working in regional Australia
- Leads to PR via Subclass 191 after meeting income and residency criteria
Employer-Sponsored Pathways
- Temporary Skill Shortage (482) or Regional Employer Sponsored (494) visas
- Can transition to PR after working for a sponsoring employer
Most pharmacists are not invited under the Skilled Independent (189) visa. This makes the state and regional pathways far more practical.
The Points System
Australia’s skilled migration operates on a points test. Here, higher scores improve your chances of invitation.
Points Are Awarded For:
- Age (maximum points for ages 25-32)
- English proficiency (Superior English adds significant points)
- Educational qualifications
- Work experience (overseas and Australian)
- State or regional nomination
- Partner skills or English ability
A competitive profile often requires 80-90+ points, especially for popular states.
What Makes PR Easier for Pharmacists?
- Willingness to work in regional Australia
- Strong English test scores
- Australian internship or local work experience
- Choosing the right state based on demand
- Employer sponsorship
- Early compliance with registration and visa conditions
States frequently revise occupation lists. So, flexibility and timing play a major role in success.
Visa Compliance: What You Must Follow
Once you hold a visa, you must:
- Work only in the nominated occupation
- Maintain valid AHPRA registration
- Follow regional or employer obligations
- Meet income and residency requirements (for PR transition)
Failure to comply can delay or even cancel your PR eligibility.
Turn Your OPRA Success into Australian PR
Passing the OPRA exam is a major milestone, but it is only the beginning. A successful PR journey requires careful planning across registration, employment, state selection, and visa strategy.
Australia offers pharmacists one of the most stable and achievable PR pathways in the world. All you need is:
- Right guidance
- Realistic expectations, and
- Strategic choices, especially regional opportunities
