Australia is one of the most attractive destinations for overseas-trained pharmacists looking to build a stable and rewarding healthcare career. With its advanced healthcare system, high demand for pharmacists, and excellent work-life balance, it offers an ideal environment for professionals in the pharmaceutical field.
If you’re an internationally qualified pharmacist considering relocating to Australia, understanding the registration process is essential. This guide outlines each step you need to follow and shows how Elite Expertise, a trusted OPRA exam preparation provider, can help you succeed.
Why Work as a Pharmacist in Australia?
1. High Demand Across the Country
Australia is currently experiencing a shortage of pharmacists, especially in rural and regional areas. Whether in hospital, clinical, or community settings, qualified pharmacists are in demand nationwide.
2. Attractive Salary Packages
Pharmacists in Australia earn competitive salaries ranging from AUD 80,000 to AUD 120,000 annually, depending on experience and work location.
3. Work-Life Balance
With flexible job opportunities, including full-time, part-time, and locum roles, pharmacists in Australia enjoy an outstanding balance between work and personal life.
4. Path to Permanent Residency
The pharmacy is listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL), opening pathways to permanent residency through several visa options.
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Registered Pharmacist in Australia
Step 1: Skills Assessment
The first step is verifying your pharmacy qualifications through the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC).
Requirements:
- A pharmacy degree from a recognized university
- Payment of an AUD 810 assessment fee
Once your documents are submitted, APC will evaluate your credentials to determine if you meet Australian standards for pharmacy education.
Step 2: Pass the OPRA Exam
After your qualifications are verified, the next step is passing the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment OPRA exam. This exam tests your ability to practice safely and competently in Australia.
Key Details:
- Format: 120 multiple-choice questions
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Fee: AUD 2,190
- Exam Sessions: March, July, and November
OPRA Exam Syllabus Breakdown:
- Biomedical Sciences—20%
- Medicinal Chemistry and Biopharmaceutics—10%
- Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics—10%
- Pharmacology and Toxicology—15%
- Therapeutics and Patient Care—45%
Passing this exam is a critical step toward your pharmacy registration, and preparation is essential.
Step 3: Apply for Provisional Registration and Visa
Once you’ve passed the OPRA exam, apply for provisional registration through the Pharmacy Board of Australia (AHPRA).
What You Need:
- OPRA results
- Valid passport and ID
- English proficiency test scores
- Criminal background check
Fees:
- Application Fee: AUD 135
- Provisional Registration Fee: AUD 235
You must also apply for a visa that allows you to live and work in Australia. Most international candidates apply for skilled migration or student visas, depending on their internship and employment pathway.
Step 4: Internship (Supervised Practice)
This stage involves completing 1,575 hours of practical training under the supervision of a registered pharmacist in Australia.
Requirements:
- Enroll in an approved Intern Training Program (ITP) such as that offered by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA)
- Gain hands-on experience in pharmacy practice settings.
- Learn professional communication, ethical decision-making, and patient care.
Intern Assessments:
- Intern Written Exam (by APC)—Fee: AUD 770
- Intern Oral Exam (by Pharmacy Board)—Fee: AUD 415
Intern exams are conducted at specific times during the year, and candidates must complete at least 75% of their internship before attempting them.
Step 5: Apply for General Registration
After completing the internship and both exams, you can apply for general registration with AHPRA.
How to Apply:
- Submit an online application via the AHPRA.
- Upload the intern exam results and the internship certificate.
- Submit valid identification and documentation.
- Pay the registration fee of AUD 470
Once approved, you’ll officially become a registered pharmacist in Australia!
Why Choose Elite Expertise for OPRA Exam Preparation?
Preparing for the OPRA exam can be challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the Australian pharmacy system. That’s where Elite Expertise comes in—offering expert-led guidance and resources to help you pass with confidence.
Expert Tutors
Elite Expertise’s trainers include Mr. Arief Mohammad and Mrs. Harika Bheemavarapu, both experienced consultant clinical pharmacists in Australia. They’ve helped thousands of students pass licensing exams such as KAPS, OPRA, PEBC, and PSI.
Structured Study Material
- Detailed handouts for each subject area
- Mock exams that mirror the real OPRA test
- OPRA-aligned question banks
Flexible Learning Modes
- Live interactive classes for real-time guidance.
- Recorded lectures to learn at your own pace
- Online support and mentorship throughout your journey
Proven Success
Elite Expertise boasts a 95%+ pass rate for first-time candidates, with numerous positive student testimonials. Their focus is not just on exam success but on building long-term professional careers.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a pharmacist in Australia is a multi-step journey, but it’s achievable with the proper guidance and preparation. From the skills assessment to the OPRA exam preparation, visa application, internship, and final registration, each step brings you closer to your dream of practicing in Australia.
With Elite Expertise, you don’t have to walk this path alone. Their personalized coaching, expert faculty, and high-quality resources make them one of the most trusted OPRA exam preparation providers for overseas pharmacists.
🔹 Join Elite Expertise today and take the first step toward your Australian pharmacy career.
🔹 Master the OPRA exam with confidence and secure your future in Australia.
Contact Elite Expertise now and enroll in the next OPRA exam preparation batch!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Becoming a Pharmacist in Australia
Australia offers a strong demand for pharmacists, competitive salaries (AUD 80,000–120,000), excellent work-life balance, and clear pathways to permanent residency. The advanced healthcare system and opportunities for professional growth make it an ideal destination.
The Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) exam evaluates your clinical knowledge and readiness to practice safely in Australia. Passing this exam is a mandatory step before you can apply for provisional registration and begin your internship.
You must hold a recognized pharmacy degree, complete a skills assessment with the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC), pass the OPRA exam, meet English language proficiency standards, and clear background checks.
The OPRA exam costs AUD 2,190, consists of 120 multiple-choice questions, lasts 2.5 hours, and is held three times a year (March, July, and November). It covers biomedical sciences, pharmacology, patient care, and more.
Accepted tests include IELTS Academic (minimum overall score 7.0, no band below 6.5), OET (Grade B in all components), TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic. Proof of English proficiency is required before provisional registration.
The internship (supervised practice) requires 1,575 hours under a registered pharmacist. You’ll gain practical experience, develop communication and patient care skills, and must pass both an intern written and oral exam before applying for general registration.
While costs vary, the main fees include:
– Skills Assessment: AUD 810
– OPRA Exam: AUD 2,190
– Provisional Registration: AUD 235
– Intern Written Exam: AUD 770
– Intern Oral Exam: AUD 415
– General Registration: AUD 470
Additional costs may include English tests, visa fees, and training program costs.
Yes. Pharmacy is on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL), making you eligible for various skilled migration visas once you meet registration and work experience requirements.
Elite Expertise provides structured study materials, mock exams, live and recorded classes, and mentorship from experienced pharmacists. With a 95%+ pass rate, they help candidates succeed in licensing exams and build successful pharmacy careers.
The timeline varies, but most candidates complete the process within 12–24 months, including skills assessment, OPRA exam preparation, provisional registration, internship, and final registration with AHPRA.