What if your PharmD could take you to a country where pharmacists are respected and salaries touch ₹80 lakh a year! For many PharmD graduates, it’s not entirely about a bigger paycheck. It’s about life in a country where your skills and degree are put on a high pedestal. A place where the degree opens up doors, for a life full of great opportunities.
So, if you are a PharmD student, a fresh graduate, or someone halfway through your degree, a question that comes to every PharmD‘s mind: “What’s next?”
Don’t worry, we are here to help you and guide you. In this blog, we will walk you through what it means to work and live abroad.
Life Abroad After PharmD – What's It Really Like?
Before going straight to the topic, let’s talk about what it’s really like to live abroad as a PharmD and how you will be valued for your work.
1. Respect & Recognition
In many top countries, pharmacists are treated as an integral part of the healthcare system. You are not someone who’ll just hand out medicines. Your opinion will be valued and respected, and as a result, you will be paid well.
2. High Quality of Life
Living abroad provides a high quality of life. As a registered pharmacist, you’ll get many perks like overtime pay, paid leaves, bonuses, etc. Most countries follow a 5-day work week, which means a great work-life balance.
3. Permanent Residency (PR)
Several countries provide easy and early PR, like Australia, where you can get your PR around 1 year or so. For pharmacists, getting a PR visa is quite easy.
We know there is a lot to navigate through, from licensure exams to visa paperwork. We will help you make your journey smoother than ever!
4. Family & Future
Your spouse and children can easily accompany you if you get the PR some countries even provide free schooling and healthcare.
How To Choose The Best Country Based On Your Goals
No two pharmacists have the same journey. Your ideal destination depends on your personal and professional priorities. Here’s how to match your goals to the right country:
If you want a permanent settlement, Australia and New Zealand will be the best for you, because these countries have a clear PR pathway and support family immigration.
- If a high salary is your main goal, though every country provides higher pay compared to India, you should specifically go for top-tier countries like Australia, USA, UK, Ireland, which provides the highest paying salary.
- If you want an easy licensure process, Ireland or any Gulf country might be the fit, though they also need you to qualify for the exam, but they are a bit easier in comparison. Also, pay zero taxes, no matter what your salary is.
Top Countries to Work Abroad for PharmD Graduates
| Country | Avg. Salary (Annual) | Avg. Salary (Annual) | Licensure Process | Language Requirement |
| Australia | AUD 60,000–100,000+ | ₹33– ₹56 lakh | Initial skill assessment → OPRA Exam → English Proficiency Test → Internship & Registration | English Proficiency Test |
| USA | USD 120,000–130,000 | ₹1 crore – ₹1.08 crore | FPGEE → TOEFL → Internship → NAPLEX + MPJE | English Proficiency Test |
| Ireland | €65,000–€82,000 | ~₹85 lakh | Third country registration→ Verification→PSI Exam (MCQ + OSCE) → Adaptation (Internship) | English Proficiency Test |
| Gulf Countries | AED 120,000 - 180,000 | ₹27–₹41 lakh | DHA Exam (Dubai), SPLE Exam (Saudi Arabia), BPLE (Bahrain), QPE (Qatar), MOH (Kuwait) | No Language Exam |
| UK | £ 30000 - £ 45000 | ₹31 to ₹47 lakh | Document Assessment → English Proficiency Test→ OSPAP → Foundation Training→ GPhC Registration Assessment | English Proficiency Test |
| Canada | CAD 80000 - CAD 120000 | ₹49 – ₹74 lakh | National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) registration → PEBC document evaluation form → PEBC Exam | English Proficiency Test |
Job Opportunities
- Community and hospital pharmacies
- Aged care facilities
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Clinical and consulting roles
Salary Range
- The salary range is between AUD 60,000–100,000 around 33–56 lakh INR.
Licensure Process
- Initial skill assessment
- OPRA Exam
- English Proficiency Test
- Internship & Registration
United States
Job Opportunities
- Retail chains (CVS, Walgreens)
- Clinical settings and hospitals
- Pharmaceutical research
- Academia and consulting
Salary Range
So, the average annual salary for a pharmacist in the USA is approximately USD 120,000–130,000 that is around ₹1 crore – ₹1.08 crore.
Licensure Process
- Pass FPGEE (Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Exam)
- Pass TOEFL iBT
- Apply for internship (~1,500 hours)
- Pass NAPLEX and MPJE
Want to live the American dream? Academically helps you prepare for FPGEE and NAPLEX with targeted coaching and mentorship.
Ireland
Job Opportunities
- Hospital and community pharmacy
- Clinical pharmacy
- Industry (regulatory, manufacturing)
Salary Range
Average: €65,000–€82,000 (~₹85 lakh/year)
Licensure Process
- Submit third-country registration
- Document Verification
- PSI Exam (MCQ + OSCE)
- Complete the Adaptation (Internship)
- Get full registration
Gulf Countries
Job Opportunities
- Private hospitals and pharma chains
- Clinical pharmacy roles
Salary Range
Average salary range AED 120000 - 180000, somewhere around ₹27–₹41 lakh per year.
Licensure Process
Every country has its own licensure process. Some of the key ones include:
- DHA Exam (Dubai)
- SPLE Exam (Saudi Arabia)
- BPLE (Bahrain)
- QPE (Qatar)
- MOH (Kuwait)
United Kingdom
Job Opportunities
- NHS hospitals
- Community pharmacies
- Clinical and consulting pharmacy
Salary Range
The average salary for pharmacists in the UK ranges from £30,000 to £45,000 per year, which is approximately ₹31 to ₹47 lakh annually.
Licensure Process
- Apply for GPhC registration
- Complete OSPAP (1-year postgraduate course)
- Complete pre-reg training + assessment
Canada
Job Opportunities
- Community pharmacies
- Hospital pharmacies
- Long-term care and assisted living facilities
- Pharmaceutical companies and regulatory agencies
- Academia and research institutions
Salary Range
So, the average annual salary ranges from CAD 80,000 to CAD 120,000, which is approximately ₹49 lakh – ₹74 lakh per year.
Licensure Process
- National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) registration
- PEBC document evaluation form
- PEBC Exam
Which Country Is The Best?
See, the thing is there is nothing like one best country for PharmD, it depends on you what you want when living abroad as a pharmacist, it’s about what deeply aligns with your goals. Different countries have different advantages, the right choice depends on your priority.
Take your time while choosing the country you want to settle in. Take numerous factors into account, like salary, whether you can take your spouse or family easily, work-life balance, etc.
If you are confused about which country might be the perfect fit, we at Academically would love to guide you and be a part of your life-changing journey
Let your PharmD open doors not just to a job, but to a future worth building.
