• M. Pharmacy is a graduate-entry course open to students with a B. Pharm or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree.

• It is a two-year program designed for those seeking registration as a pharmacist in Australia.

• Master of Pharmacy and Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences are different courses, so choose M. Pharmacy for registration.

• The course fee ranges between 72,614–90,767.50 AUD (₹40–50 lakhs).

• After registration, graduates can apply for Permanent Residency (PR).

• Some universities have one intake per year, while others have two—check university-specific details.

• IELTS score requirement: 6.5 for admission, 7 for registration.

• On a study visa, students can work part-time while studying.

Alternative pathways include taking a lower-cost course (e.g., the Master of Public Health, Health and Management) and passing the OPRA exam separately.

Australia is well known among students who want to have a career in pharmacy. The Master of Pharmacy (M. Pharm) program provides international students with a chance to register as pharmacists and work as licensed pharmacists in Australia. Numerous students get confused between the M. Pharmacy and the Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences programs, but only the M. Pharmacy allows for registration as a pharmacist.

This blog will cover everything you need to know about studying M. Pharmacy in Australia, from eligibility criteria and registration processes to career prospects and PR opportunities.

Introduction

Table of Contents

Why Choose an M. Pharmacy in Australia?

Alternative Route: OPRA Exam

Eligibility and Admission Requirements

Intake Periods

Course Duration and Fees

Affordable Alternative

Pharmacist Registration Process in Australia

Job Opportunities and PR Pathway

Career Prospects

Permanent Residency (PR) Pathway

Conclusion

FAQ’s

• Direct pathway to pharmacist registration in Australia.

• High demand for pharmacists in the healthcare sector.

• More job chances and pay options than other healthcare programs.

• Can apply for PR after finishing the registration process.

To apply for M. Pharmacy in Australia, students must:

• Hold a B. Pharm or PharmD degree.

• Meet English proficiency requirements:

• IELTS: Minimum 6.5 (for admission), 7.0 (for registration).

• Equivalent scores in PTE or OET are also accepted.

• Pass a graduate-level entry exam (varies by university).

Meet financial requirements (₹40-50 lakhs for tuition fees).

• Most universities offer one intake per year.

• Some institutions provide two intakes—check specific university guidelines.

• Duration: 2 years

• Tuition Fees: ₹40–50 lakhs (varies by university)

• Additional Expenses: Living costs, health insurance, and registration exam fees

If cost is a concern, students can take cheaper courses like the Master of Public Health or Health Management while simultaneously preparing for the OPRA exam. This approach can reduce tuition expenses while still leading to pharmacist registration.

• Complete M. Pharmacy from an accredited university.

• Pass the pharmacist registration exam.

• Apply for registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.

• Complete an internship (can be started while studying or part-time).

• Receive full registration as a pharmacist.

Once registered, pharmacists can work in hospitals, community pharmacies, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies across Australia.

Career Prospects

After completing the registration process, M. Pharmacy graduates can work as:

• Clinical Pharmacists

• Community Pharmacists

• Hospital Pharmacists

• Regulatory Affairs Specialists

• Pharmacists are in high demand in Australia.

• After gaining work experience, registered pharmacists can apply for PR under Australia’s Skilled Migration Program.

• Pharmacists are listed in Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL), making PR applications smoother.

Students can take a less expensive course, like a Master of Public Health, and then take the OPRA exam to get registered. This option can save money compared to going straight for an M. Pharmacy degree.

If you aim to work as a registered pharmacist, a Master of Pharmacy is the right choice. Those interested in research, drug development, or teaching can opt for a Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences instead.

An M. Pharmacy in Australia is a great choice for students seeking a rewarding pharmacy career with a clear PR pathway. The program leads to pharmacist registration, which opens doors to high-paying jobs in the Australian healthcare sector.

If you’re considering studying M. Pharmacy in Australia, book a FREE one-on-one consultation with our experts at Academically for personalised guidance today!