• To become a pharmacist in Australia, overseas pharmacists have to take the OPRA Exam.

• OPRA is Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment. It is to check whether overseas pharmacists have the skills and knowledge to practice in Australia.

• The final registration as a pharmacist is done with the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC).

Are you an overseas pharmacist wondering how to become a pharmacist in Australia? Well, then, this blog is right for you. 

Becoming a pharmacist in Australia is an ideal choice rather than choosing any other country. Because in Australia you can earn an amazing salary of INR 50 Lakh per annum, apart from this you will also get great work life balance!

If you are wondering about the visas, that’s sorted too. In Australia, there are about 185,000 visas available for skilled workers and more than 3000 current openings for pharmacists.

So, read on this blog to understand how to become a pharmacist in Australia.

To become a pharmacist in Australia, overseas pharmacists have to take the Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment or OPRA. This exam is to check whether the overseas pharmacists possess necessary skills and knowledge to practice pharmacy in Australia. 

This exam is conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). Once you pass the OPRA Exam, you have to register with the APC as a pharmacist to work in Australia.

The process of becoming a pharmacist in Australia is pretty straightforward if you know the steps. Let’s break it down!

1. Check Eligibility

The first and most important step is to check whether you are eligible for the OPRA Exam. Only if you are eligible to take the exam, you can become a registered pharmacist by clearing the OPRA Exam. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

• A degree in pharmacy (B.Pharm, M.Pharm or Pharm.D)

• Registration as a pharmacist in home country

2. Apply For Initial Skills Assessment

Initial Skills Assessment is to validate the documents you submit. You will have to submit your academic documents, proof of licensure, and evidence of work experience to the APC.

Once the initial skills assessment is done, you can take the OPRA exam.

3. Take The OPRA Exam

This is the most important step and clearing this exam will take you to Australia. The Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment (OPRA) is a multiple choice exam. It consists of 120 questions to be completed in 2.5 hours. 

To pass the exam on the first attempt, enrol into the best OPRA Preparation Course. Because this way you can get all the help you need from one place. For example, from live or recorded classes, study materials, to mock exams and personalised guidance, you will get everything.

4. Prove English Proficiency

To work in Australia overseas pharmacists must demonstrate English language proficiency through standardised tests. The English proficiency tests that overseas pharmacists can take are:

• IELTS Academic 

• OET

• PTE Academic

Achieving the required score as set by the AHPRA is mandatory for registration and visa purposes.

5. Finish Intern Training and Submit an Expression of Interest

After passing the OPRA exam and proving English proficiency, overseas pharmacists must complete an intern training program in Australia. During this time, you’ll gain practical experience under supervision. This will prepare you for independent practice in Australia.

Once your internship is complete, you have to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system to indicate your interest in working in Australia as a pharmacist.

6. Obtain Registration with the Australia Pharmacy Council

After completing your intern training and passing the registration requirements, apply to the Australia Pharmacy Council (APC) through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to obtain your pharmacist registration.

This step officially qualifies you to practice pharmacy in Australia.

7. Find Pharmacist Jobs In Australia

Once you get registered as pharmacist in Australia, it’s time to search for pharmacist jobs. You can find jobs by using:

• Job portals like SEEK, Indeed, and LinkedIn to find openings for pharmacists in Australia.

• Networking with other pharmacists and joining Australian pharmacy associations.

• Applying to hospitals, community pharmacies, or retail chains that regularly hire pharmacists.

8. Obtain a Visa for Australia

To work in Australia, you need the right visa. Common visa options for overseas pharmacists are:

So, that’s how you become a pharmacist in Australia. A few simple steps if taken properly, you can see yourself working as a pharmacist in Australia. 

With high demand, great salaries, and an excellent work-life balance, Australia is the perfect destination for pharmacists seeking growth and stability.

Now, it’s your chance to level up. Do it today and do it with the best OPRA Preparation Course to pass the exam on the first attempt!