Do You Need to Pass the OPRA Exam After Completing an MPharm in Australia?

Do You Need to Pass the OPRA Exam After Completing an MPharm in Australia?
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Do You Need to Pass the OPRA Exam After Completing an MPharm in Australia?

Australia is well known among students who want to have a career in pharmacy. If you're considering pursuing a Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) in Australia, you might be wondering whether you need to pass the Overseas Pharmacists Registration Assessment (OPRA) exam to practice as a pharmacist. The answer is no—if you complete an MPharm from Australia, you do not need to take the OPRA exam. Instead, you will follow a different registration pathway through the Pharmacy Board of Australia (PBA) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

MPharm in Australia: Eligibility and Admission Requirements

To apply for a Master of Pharmacy in Australia, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Educational Qualification: A Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree.
  • English Proficiency Requirements:
    • IELTS: Minimum 6.5 (for admission), 7.0 (for registration).
    • Equivalent scores in PTE or OET are also accepted.

Cost of Studying MPharm in Australia

The tuition fees for an MPharm in Australia range between 72,614 AUD – 90,767.50 AUD (approximately ₹40–50 lakhs), depending on the university and location.

Top Accredited Universities offering MPharm in Australia

University Name Campus Location Duration Program Name
Charles Darwin University Darwin, NT 2 years Master of Pharmacy
Griffith University Gold Coast, QLD 2 years Master of Pharmacy
The University of Sydney Camperdown, NSW 2 years Master of Pharmacy
The University of Western Australia Crawley, WA 2 years Master of Pharmacy
University of Canberra Canberra, ACT 2 years Master of Pharmacy
University of Technology Sydney Ultimo, NSW 2 years Master of Pharmacy

Registration Process After Completing MPharm in Australia

After earning your MPharm degree, you must complete the following steps to become a registered pharmacist in Australia:

  1. Internship Year: You must complete a supervised internship (typically 1 year), working under a registered pharmacist.
  2. Internship Written & Oral Exams: You must pass two key exams conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC):
    • Intern Written Exam
    • Oral Examination
  3. Apply for General Registration: Once you pass your exams and complete the required supervised practice hours, you can apply for general registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia (PBA).

Who Needs the OPRA Exam?

The OPRA exam is only required for overseas-trained pharmacists (those who obtained their pharmacy degree outside Australia). If you have an MPharm degree from Australia, you are exempt from taking the OPRA exam.

Start Your MPharm Journey with Academically!

If you're looking to study MPharm in Australia or need guidance on the OPRA exam and pharmacy registration process, Academically can help! Connect with us today to get expert support on admissions, career pathways, and licensing requirements.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Is OPRA mandatory after an M.Pharm in Australia?
  • No, if you have completed an M.Pharm from Australia, you don’t need to take the OPRA exam. You can directly register as a pharmacist after completing your M.Pharm.

  • Is an Australian M.Pharm recognised in New Zealand?
  • Yes, an Australian M.Pharm degree is recognised in New Zealand via the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act (TTMRA). Pharmacists registered in Australia can work in New Zealand under this act.

  • How can I register in Australia after my M.Pharm?
  • After clearing M.Pharm, you need to apply for registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia. After this, you may also need to apply for a visa with the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.

  • What is better—an M.Pharm in Australia or the OPRA exam?
  • In terms of cost and time involved, the OPRA exam is a better alternative than M.Pharm. However, in terms of visa and ease of process, M.Pharm is a better option.

  • Can I take the OPRA exam while pursuing an M.Pharm?
  • Yes, taking the OPRA exam while pursuing an M.Pharm can be a great alternative as it can help you register as a pharmacist in Australia without any visa troubles.