Your Complete Guide to Becoming a Registered Pharmacist in Australia

If you’re an aspiring pharmacist looking to practice in Australia, it’s essential to understand the entire process, from education to licensing. Whether you’re a domestic student or an international graduate, this guide will walk you through how long it takes to complete your pharmacy education, the registration exams involved, and the costs associated—especially if you’re preparing from India.

How Long Pharmacy Degree Take

One of the first questions future pharmacists ask is: how long pharmacy degree take? In Australia, becoming a pharmacist typically requires a 4-year Bachelor of Pharmacy degree or a 2-year Master of Pharmacy for students who already hold a relevant science degree. After graduation, you’ll need to complete a mandatory internship year under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. So, in total, you’re looking at about 5 years of study and training before becoming eligible for full registration.

Pharmacy Registration Exam in Australia

Once your academic qualifications are complete, you must pass the pharmacy registration exam in Australia. This is a critical step in ensuring you’re ready to provide safe and competent care. The exam is administered by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) and includes both a written and oral component, focusing on pharmaceutical knowledge, ethics, and clinical practice.

The pharmacy registration exam in Australia is known for its thoroughness and is designed to assess your ability to work independently in a pharmacy setting. Both domestic and international candidates must pass this exam before they can be registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.

OPRA Exam Document Checklist

International pharmacists planning to take the Pharmacy Registration Exam in Australia must apply through the Overseas Pharmacists Registration Assessment (OPRA). To do this, you’ll need to gather all required documents. The OPRA exam document checklist typically includes:

• Passport-sized photographs

• Certified copies of your pharmacy degree and transcripts

• Proof of English language proficiency (like IELTS or OET)

• Valid passport copy

• Evidence of your internship or supervised practice

• Resume or CV

• APC Eligibility letter (if applicable)

Ensure all documents are certified correctly, as incorrect submissions can delay your application process significantly.

OPRA Exam Fees in India

If you’re applying from India, you might be wondering about the OPRA exam fees in India. While the exact fees may vary slightly based on currency exchange rates and document verification services, here’s a general breakdown:

• Application processing fee: AUD 1,290

• KAPS (Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences) exam: AUD 2,100

• Document certification and courier charges (India-based): ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 approx.

Altogether, Indian candidates should budget around INR 2 to 2.5 lakhs for the entire OPRA application and exam process.