Complete Guide to Pharmacist Registration in Australia for Overseas Candidates (2025)

Australia is a dream destination for overseas-trained pharmacists looking to advance their careers. With a high demand for pharmacists, excellent salaries (AUD 80,000 – AUD 120,000 per year), and a clear pathway to permanent residency, Australia offers fantastic opportunities for pharmacists from around the world.

If you’re an international pharmacist wondering how to become a registered pharmacist in Australia, this guide will walk you through every step of the registration process, from passing the OPRA exam to securing a pharmacist visa and final registration.

Table of Contents

1. Why Work as a Pharmacist in Australia?

2. Step 1: Skills Assessment & The OPRA Exam

3. Step 2: Provisional Registration & Visa Requirements

4. Step 3: Supervised Practice (Internship)

5. Step 4: Intern Written & Oral Exams

6. Step 5: Applying for General Registration

7. Final Thoughts

8. FAQs

Why Work as a Pharmacist in Australia?

To begin with, the answers to this question are many, but here are a few that could satisfy you of why you should choose Australia as a primary choice for a pharmacy career.

• High Demand for Pharmacists: While big cities or the metro areas have plenty of pharmacists, when it comes to many regional areas in Australia, it is experiencing a shortage (Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Workforce Capability Project).

• Competitive Salaries: Pharmacists in Australia earn between AUD 80,000 and AUD 120,000 per year, with salaries varying based on experience and location (Australian Bureau of Statistics).

• Healthy Work-Life Balance: Australia has always been known for a healthy work-life balance in comparison to other countries. Another reason to choose Australia is that pharmacists in Australia often enjoy flexible work hours. Full-time, part-time, and locum positions allow for personal flexibility.

• Pathway to Permanent Residency: Pharmacy is listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (Department of Home Affairs), which means there are visa options that can lead to permanent residency.

Step 1: Skills Assessment & The OPRA Exam

The first and foremost step in this path to becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia is proving your knowledge and competency through a skills assessment and passing the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) exam.

Skills Assessment (Conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council, APC)

Before applying for OPRA, pharmacists must undergo an eligibility assessment by APC. This includes:

1. Pharmacy Degree Verification: Your degree must be from a recognized institution.

2. English Language Proficiency: IELTS (minimum 7.0 in each band), OET, or PTE scores are required (APC official website: www.pharmacycouncil.org.au).

3. Application Fee: AUD 810 for assessment.

Once your skills assessment is approved, you can proceed to the OPRA exam.

What is the OPRA Exam?

The OPRA exam is conducted by the APC, or Australian Pharmacy Council, and is designed to assess the knowledge of overseas-trained pharmacists to ensure they meet Australian standards. It is conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC).

• OPRA Exam Structure: 120 multiple-choice questions

• OPRA Exam Duration: 2.5 hours

• OPRA Exam Fee: Approximately AUD 2,190 (APC website)

• OPRA Exam Dates: Held in March, July, and November each year

• Topics Covered in the OPRA Exam :

How to Apply for the OPRA Exam?

1. Create an Account: Visit the APC website and create an account in the candidate portal.

2. Submit Your Documents: You'll need your pharmacy degree, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and identity documents.

3. Pay the OPRA Exam Fee: Once documents are verified, you'll receive a confirmation for your OPRA exam date.

4. Sit for the OPRA Exam: The OPRA exam is computer-based and can be taken at test centers worldwide.

Passing the OPRA exam is the gateway to beginning your journey as a pharmacist in Australia!

Step 2: Provisional Registration & Visa Requirements

Once you pass the OPRA exam, the next step is obtaining provisional registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia (regulated by Ahpra, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). This allows you to complete supervised practice (internship) in Australia.

How to Apply for Provisional Registration?

1. Log in to Ahpra’s website and complete the provisional registration application.

2. Submit Required Documents:

   • OPRA exam results

   • Passport and identification documents

   • Evidence of English proficiency

   • Criminal history check

3. Pay Registration Fees (varies yearly; as of 2025 February, it is AUD 135 for the application fee and AUD 235 for provisional registration) (Ahpra website: https://www.pharmacyboard.gov.au/Registration/Fees.aspx).

Step 3: Supervised Practice (Internship) Under a Preceptor

With provisional registration in hand, you can now start your internship under a registered pharmacist (preceptor). This is a crucial phase where you gain practical experience and familiarize yourself with Australia’s healthcare system.

• Duration: 1,575 hours (approximately one year of full-time work) (Pharmacy Board of Australia)

• Intern Training Programs (ITP): You must enroll in an approved intern training program provided by organizations like the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

Step 4: Intern Written & Oral Exams

After completing at least 75% of your internship hours, you’re eligible for the intern written and oral exams.

Intern Written Exam

• Conducted by: Australian Pharmacy Council

• Exam Fee: Approximately AUD 770 per attempt

• Exam Dates: Held three times a year (February, June, October)

Intern Oral Exam

• Conducted by: Pharmacy Board of Australia

• Format: Practical assessment involving case scenarios, patient counselling, and ethical decision-making

• Fees: Approximately AUD 415 per attempt

Step 5: Applying for General Registration

Once you’ve completed your internship and passed your exams, you can apply for general registration through Ahpra.

How to Apply?

1. Complete the online application on the AHPRA website.

2. Submit the internship completion certificate.

3. Provide exam results & identification documents.

4. Pay registration fees (AUD 470).

Once your application is approved, congratulations! You are now a fully registered pharmacist in Australia!

Why Choose Elite Expertise for OPRA Preparation?

If you are preparing for the OPRA exam, choosing the right coaching institute is crucial. Elite Expertise is the best platform for OPRA exam preparation, and here’s why:

• Experienced Educators: Our faculty, Mr. Arief Mohammad and Mrs. Harika Bheemavarapu, consists of accredited clinical pharmacists and subject-matter experts with years of experience training thousands of students for various licensure exams like the KAPS exam, OPRA exam, PEBC exam, and PSI exam for various countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Ireland, respectively.

• Comprehensive Study Material: We provide structured content, mock tests, and exam-focused strategies to ensure success.

• Flexible Learning: With live interactive classes and recorded sessions, you can study at your own pace.

• High Success Rate: Over 95% of our students have successfully passed the OPRA exam on their first attempt.

Final Thoughts: Your Journey to Becoming a Pharmacist in Australia

Becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia as an overseas candidate is a step-by-step process that requires dedication, preparation, and patience. By following the outlined steps—skills assessment, OPRA exam, provisional registration, internship, written & oral exams, and final registration—you can successfully achieve your goal of working as a pharmacist in Australia.

Key Takeaways:

✔ Start with the APC skills assessment and meet the English proficiency requirements.
✔ Pass the OPRA exam to demonstrate your knowledge and eligibility.
✔ Obtain provisional registration and complete 1,575 hours of supervised practice (internship).
✔ Pass the intern written & oral exams to qualify for full registration.
✔ Apply for general registration with Ahpra and begin your career in Australia.

With high salaries, strong job demand, and a clear PR pathway, Australia is an excellent destination for pharmacists seeking a rewarding career and a better quality of life.

Need help preparing for the OPRA exam? Don’t navigate this journey alone! Elite Expertise provides expert guidance, study materials, and structured courses to help you succeed.

Join Elite Expertise today & start your journey to becoming a pharmacist in Australia!
🌐 Visit www.eliteexpertise.com.au

Ready to take the next step? Your Australian pharmacy career starts now!

This blog is for informational purposes only and reflects our own views and interpretations. While we strive for accuracy, guidelines and requirements may change. Readers are advised to verify information with official sources such as the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) and Ahpra before making any decisions. We do not take responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided.

⚠️ Disclaimer

About the Author

Sahana Rao

Sahana Chinthapatla is renowned for her expertise in scientific and medical writing, backed by an MPharm in Pharmacology and years of experience in research analysis and scientific writing.

As the Head Business Writer at Elite Expertise, she provides insightful and well-researched content on KAPS, OPRA, PEBC, PSI and global pharmacy pathways, guiding aspiring pharmacists in their professional journeys.

Follow On

Head Business Writer | Elite Expertise