Did you know… a survey by Statista states that the pharmaceutical industry in Australia is slated to grow yearly by 4.96% from 2025 to 2029, resulting in a market volume of whopping US$12.91bn. With this exponential growth in the workforce, it is quite evident that there’s an ongoing demand in the field of pharmacy in Australia. If you are a pharmacist in your home country looking for better opportunities, Australia would be the ideal place to relocate. Most pharmacists in overseas countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, etc. struggle with a lot of issues. They’re either a victim of work politics or have no stability in their career, are overworked, and most importantly, are paid low wages.
The demand for pharmacists in Australia has been growing exponentially over the years.
In this article, we will know how to become a pharmacist in Australia and the endless perks that come along with it.
Qualify for the OPRA exam
The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA), formerly known as the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS), is a licensure exam that officially certifies pharmacists from different countries to work as a full-time pharmacist in Australia.
Step 1: Initial Skill Assessment
Initial skill assessment is what we call in layman’s terms, “Documentation”. Before you pay the fees, it is important to meet OPRA exam eligibility requirements.
Submit a copy of your original documents, such as your birth certificate, educational degree certificates, a valid passport, government-issued identity card, and a few passport-sized photographs.
To proceed further, submit an application to the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) along with your registration certificate as a pharmacist of your home country.
Step 2: Prepare for the OPRA exam
OPRA exam preparation revolves around a strategic process, and we will tell you exactly how to clear it on the first attempt itself. Wise investments are always recommend. You should be aware of the OPRA exam dates, its syllabus, paper structure, fees, and other important resources before you take a big leap.
OPRA exam dates are generally scheduled thrice a year. This year, 2025, it is held in March, July, and November. The OPRA exam paper structure gives maximum weightage to the “Therapeutics and patient care” section, covering the know-how of practical implementation of pharmacy knowledge through case studies and real-world scenarios. Earlier in KAPS, you had to attempt two different papers, but the revised structure of the OPRA exam requires you to pass just one paper. This is much more convenient and less time-consuming for candidates.
How to clear the OPRA exam in the first attempt itself?
OPRA exam is your gateway to becoming a pharmacist in Australia. To be honest, self-study isn’t really enough. Enroll yourself in the best OPRA training institute and get expert guidance, ample books, and resources. Attend 1-on-1 counselling sessions and webinars by renowned healthcare practitioners in Australia.
Solve the latest OPRA Exam sample questions and participate in mock tests that use the Rasch model of assessment to analyse your performance.
Please note, the next steps are applicable when you’ve qualified for your OPRA exam.
Pass the English Proficiency Test
Demonstrate your English speaking abilities by qualifying for any of the following tests:
- IELTS Academic with a minimum 7 band on each of the sections
- OET with a score of 350 out of 500 or B in each section
- PTE Academic with a score of 65 or more.
Get a work visa done according to the best suitable Visa for pharmacists, such as the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (491), the Skilled Employer Sponsor Regional (Provisional) Visa (494), or the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (482).
Apply for an Internship
After successfully qualifying for the OPRA exam and demonstrating your English speaking abilities, you must undergo a 1800-hour or 1 full-year internship training program in Australia. The intern training program will equip you with the practical experience required to work as a full-time pharmacist in Australia and also apply for a PR.
Submit Expression of Interest
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system to express your interest in working as a full-time pharmacist in Australia.
Register with the Australian Pharmacy Council
ALERT!!! This is the most important step. In order to work as a certified pharmacist, you need to get your license. Now that you have qualified OPRA, completed an internship to verify that you understand the work culture and the nature of the job, it is time to apply through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) portal to get your pharmacist license.
Congratulations! You’re now a licensed pharmacist in Australia.
After registration, look for potential job opportunities. Make sure you browse through the recent job postings on portals like LinkedIn, Indeed, SEEK, Workforce Australia. Keep your resume updated with relevant skills and work experience.
