For Indian pharmacists aiming to build an international career, Australia is one of the most rewarding destinations. With its aging population, advanced healthcare system, and shortage of skilled professionals, demand for qualified pharmacists continues to grow. Australia welcomes internationally trained pharmacists, particularly from India, provided they follow the official registration and licensing pathway.
This guide explains everything you need to know—from eligibility requirements to the OPRA exam 2025, internships, visas, and career opportunities.
Registration Pathway for Indian Pharmacists
Internationally trained pharmacists must complete a structured assessment process managed by:
- Australian Pharmacy Council (APC): Handles skills assessments and exams (OPRA, written, and intern assessments).
- Pharmacy Board of Australia (PBA): Grants final registration and licensing.
Key Steps in the Registration Pathway
- Skills Assessment (APC):
- Submit degree certificates, transcripts, a passport, and proof of registration.
- Processing time: 8–12 weeks | Fee: AUD 810
- A positive outcome makes you eligible for the OPRA exam.
- Clear the OPRA Exam (Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment):
- Replacing KAPS from March 2025.
- Computer-based, 120 questions, 2.5 hours.
- Covers biomedical sciences, clinical practice, pharmacology, and patient care.
- Migration & Visa Process:
- Apply for visas such as Subclass 189 (independent), 190 (state sponsorship), 491 (regional), or 482 (employer-sponsored).
- A minimum of 65+ points is required, along with an English proficiency test (IELTS/PTE/OET).
- Internship in Australia:
- Complete 1,575 supervised practice hours under a registered pharmacist.
- Complete 1,575 supervised practice hours under a registered pharmacist.
- Intern Written & Oral Exams:
- Written Exam (APC): Multiple-choice test on pharmacy practice, clinical therapeutics, and sciences.
- Oral Exam (PBA): Face-to-face case assessments covering counseling, dispensing, law, and ethics.
- General Registration:
- Upon clearing all steps, pharmacists receive registration with AHPRA and can legally practice in Australia.
- Upon clearing all steps, pharmacists receive registration with AHPRA and can legally practice in Australia.
Eligibility Requirements
Indian pharmacists must meet the following criteria:
- Education: B. Pharm, M. Pharm, or Pharm D from a PCI-recognized university.
- Registration Status: Registered or eligible to register with the Pharmacy Council of India.
- Documents Required: Degree certificate, transcripts, passport, registration/license, and proof of eligibility.
How to Prepare for the OPRA Exam
The OPRA exam is the biggest milestone for Indian pharmacists. Proper coaching and strategy are essential:
Syllabus Focus Areas:
- Biomedical sciences
- Therapeutics and clinical care
- Pharmacodynamics & pharmacokinetics
- Toxicology and pharmacology
Study Resources:
- Australian Medicines Handbook
- Therapeutic Guidelines
- APC sample papers & mock tests
- Coaching support from institutes like Elite Expertise
👉 At Elite Expertise, OPRA training includes:
- Experienced trainers with Australian clinical experience
- Flexible live and recorded sessions
- Unlimited revision access until you pass
- 100+ case-based discussions
- Personalized feedback & mentorship
Visa Options for Indian Pharmacists
To work in Australia, pharmacists may apply for:
- Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
- Subclass 190 – State Nominated Visa
- Subclass 491 – Regional Work Visa
- Subclass 482 – Employer-Sponsored Visa
- Subclass 409 – Training Visa
Each requires a positive APC skills assessment, English test results, and sufficient points in the migration system.
Career Opportunities & Salary Expectations
Australia offers diverse career paths for pharmacists:
- Community pharmacy
- Hospital and clinical pharmacy
- Aged care & consultant pharmacy
- Academia & research
- Industrial and regulatory affairs
Salary Range (2025):
- Community pharmacists: AUD 70,000–95,000/year
- Hospital/clinical pharmacists: AUD 85,000–120,000/year
- Consultant/aged care pharmacists: AUD 100,000+
Final Thoughts
Migrating from India to Australia as a pharmacist requires dedication, planning, and exam preparation. While the journey involves multiple steps, the outcome is rewarding—international career growth, financial stability, and a better lifestyle.
With expert guidance from Elite Expertise, pharmacists can receive structured OPRA coaching, visa support, and exam preparation for smooth migration. If your dream is to work as a registered pharmacist in Australia, the right training and mentorship can help you achieve it.
FAQs: How Indian Pharmacists Can Work in Australia
Yes. Indian pharmacists can work in Australia by completing the official registration pathway, which includes a skills assessment, clearing the OPRA exam, completing an internship, and passing the intern written and oral exams before applying for general registration.
The OPRA (Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment) exam replaced the KAPS exam in March 2025. It is a 2.5-hour, computer-based test with 120 multiple-choice questions assessing biomedical sciences, pharmacology, therapeutics, and patient care knowledge.
Indian pharmacists must hold a B. Pharm, M. Pharm, or Pharm D degree from a PCI-recognized university, be registered or eligible for registration with the Pharmacy Council of India, and provide relevant documents like degree certificates, transcripts, passport, and registration proof.
Focus on biomedical sciences, pharmacology, therapeutics, and patient care. Use resources like the Australian Medicines Handbook, Therapeutic Guidelines, APC sample papers, and join expert coaching programs like Elite Expertise for mock tests, case-based discussions, and personalized mentorship.
Common visa options include Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), Subclass 190 (State Sponsored), Subclass 491 (Regional Work), Subclass 482 (Employer-Sponsored), and Subclass 409 (Training Visa). Each requires a positive APC skills assessment, English test results, and sufficient migration points.
The internship requires 1,575 hours of supervised practice (about one year). It helps you apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, improve clinical skills, and prepare for the intern written and oral exams.
Pharmacist salaries in Australia vary by role and experience: Community pharmacists earn AUD 70,000–95,000/year, hospital pharmacists earn AUD 85,000–120,000/year, and consultant pharmacists can earn AUD 100,000+ per year.
You must achieve the following minimum scores: OET – Grade B (Reading, Listening, Speaking) & Grade C (Writing); IELTS – 7.0 in each module; PTE – 66 in Reading, Listening, and Speaking & 56 in Writing. Results must be within the last two years.
After passing the OPRA exam and completing your internship and assessments, you can apply for general registration with AHPRA, allowing you to work legally as a pharmacist in Australia.
Elite Expertise offers OPRA-focused coaching, mock exams, mentorship, visa guidance, and interview preparation. Their support helps Indian pharmacists confidently clear each step and successfully migrate to Australia for a rewarding pharmacy career.