Indian pharmacist or a fresher who just completed your pharmacy exams planning to work abroad with aspiration that extent beyond borders? Ready to elevate your pharmacy career and skills to a world-class health care system? Don’t you want to compromise on your quality of life and competitive salaries? All this with gaining exposure to diverse opportunities?
Too many questions? But no one to answer?
Elite Expertise has answers to every question you have! Read this blog to know more:
Are you are a skilled pharmacist with passion to learn more? If yes, then the world is increasingly having a shortage of skilled pharmacists and the countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, the US, the UK and so on are looking for your talent and invaluable contribution.
Things to consider before planning to work abroad:
- Which country suits you best?
- What are the salary expectations based on the country you work?
- What are the expanded roles in that country you get to work?
- Opportunities for grow in your career does the country provide?
- Other perks if any?
Let’s look each one and understand before you make a choice of the country to consider.
Working Abroad vs Working in India – A Pharmacist's Career Comparison
| Aspect | Working Abroad | Working in India |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | High earning potential AUD 80K+ CAD 80K+ USD 100K+ annually, may vary with experience |
Rs 2.5 - Rs 6 LPA on average for entry-level positions |
| Work Environment | Advanced Clinical Community Practice Settings with modern infrastructure |
Primarily Retail Hospital Dispensing roles |
| Scope of Practice | Independent Prescribing Australia, UK — clinical decision-making |
Limited Prescribing Rights Restricted clinical roles |
| Quality of Life | High Standard of Living Work-Life Balance | Moderate Standard Longer working hours |
| Professional Recognition | High Global Recognition Integrated into healthcare teams |
Often under-recognized compared to doctors and nurses |
| Career Growth Opportunities | Clinical Pharmacy Research Regulation Academia | Slower Progression Limited diversification |
| Training & Continuing Education | Structured CPD Employer-Funded Certifications | Limited opportunities, Often Self-Funded |
| Job Security & Benefits | Strong Labor Laws Healthcare Pensions Paid Leaves | Fewer job protections, Basic Benefits in private sector |
| Cultural Exposure | Multicultural Workspaces International patient care experience |
Mostly local exposure, Limited Cultural Diversity |
| Path to Permanent Residency | PR Pathways Available Australia, Canada, New Zealand |
Not Applicable |
| Family Benefits | Spouse Work Rights Free/Low-Cost Education for children in many countries |
Limited Family Benefits |
| Work-Life Balance | Prioritized in most Western countries | Often Challenging especially in private retail sector |
From the table it is evident of that the opportunities aboard are better than in India from a pharmacy a career aspect.
Can Indian pharmacist work in any country with his license?
No, you need to get a licence from the country and get yourself registered as a licensed pharmacist in that country.
Top 3 Countries for Indian pharmacists to work abroad
Why Canada:
- Shortage of pharmacists due to ageing population
- Robust Healthcare system
- Immigration friendly
- Competitive salaries
- Good work-life balance
- Welcoming multi-cultural society
- Additional perks
- Job stability
Pharmacist licensing exam for Canada:
- The licensing exam for Canada is called PEBC exam
- PEBC (Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada) is the regulatory board looking after the licensing exam
Steps involved to be licensed in Canada by an Indian pharmacist
Canada Pharmacist Licensure Process
| Step | Stage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | NAPRA Pharmacist Gateway ID | Create an account on the Pharmacists' Gateway Canada (managed by NAPRA) to begin the process. |
| 2 | Document Evaluation (PEBC) | Submit academic documents (degree, transcripts, license proof) to PEBC for credential evaluation. |
| 3 | PEBC Evaluating Exam | Multiple-choice exam assessing foundational pharmacy knowledge. Required unless your school was ACPE/CCAPP accredited at graduation. |
| 4 | PEBC Qualifying Exam (Part I & II) | Part I: MCQ on clinical and therapeutic knowledge. Part II: OSCE (assesses practical skills). |
| 5 | English Language Proficiency Test | IELTS Academic (≥ 7.0 overall, ≥ 6.5 each band), or accepted alternatives like OET, TOEFL iBT. |
| 6 | Bridging Program (if Applicable) | Some provinces (e.g., Ontario) may require completion of a bridging course after exams. |
| 7 | Jurisprudence Exam | Exam on pharmacy law and ethics, specific to the province (e.g., JEE in Ontario). |
| 8 | Internship / Practical Training | Supervised pharmacy practice (450–1000 hours) under a licensed pharmacist; hours vary by province. |
| 9 | Final Registration | Apply for licensure with your provincial pharmacy regulatory body (e.g., OCP, ACP, CPBC). |
1. Why Australia?
- High demand, especially in rural areas
- OPRA pathway is clear and structured
- Bridging programs are not mandatory like other countries
- Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) via 491, 190, and employer-sponsored visas
- Rapidly growing healthcare sector
- Other perks like children education, spouse work rights etc.
- Attractive packages
Pharmacist licensing exam for Australia:
- The licensing exam for Australia is called OPRA exam
- OPRA Exam (Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment)
- APC (Australian Pharmacy Council) is the regulatory board looking after the licensing exam
Get Expert Guidance
Steps involved to be licensed in Australia by an Indian pharmacist:
Overseas Pharmacist Registration
Pathway in Australia
Step-by-step guide for internationally trained pharmacists to achieve general registration via the APC & OPRA pathway.
| Step | Stage | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Eligibility Check
Eligibility |
Ensure your pharmacy degree is recognized by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). |
|
2
|
Register for the OPRA Pathway
Registration |
Create an account on the APC website and apply through the candidate portal as an overseas-trained pharmacist. |
|
3
|
Pass OPRA Exam
Exam |
Take the OPRA assessment, which tests your knowledge of core pharmaceutical sciences. |
|
4
|
APC Skills Assessment Outcome
Assessment |
After passing the OPRA exam, receive your Skills Assessment outcome to use for immigration and visa applications. |
|
5
|
Apply for Australian Visa
Visa |
Use the positive Skills Assessment to apply for a suitable visa (e.g., Subclass 491, 190, or 482). |
|
6
|
Provisional Registration
Provisional |
Apply to the Pharmacy Board of Australia to begin your internship as a provisionally registered pharmacist. |
|
7
|
Internship (1,575 Hours)
Internship |
Complete at least 1,575 supervised internship hours in an approved pharmacy setting in Australia. |
|
8
|
Intern Written and Oral Exams
Exam |
After completing 75% of the internship, take the Intern Written Exam and Intern Oral Exam. |
|
9
|
General Registration
Final Step |
Upon completing internship hours and passing both exams, apply for full general pharmacist registration. |
2. Why Ireland?
- Global hub for pharmaceutical companies
- High Demand – Shortage of qualified pharmacists, especially in community and hospital sectors
- Attractive Salary – Pharmacists earn between €50,000 – €80,000+ per year
- Clear Licensing Pathway – TCQR process. Easy and time saving there are no internship period.
- Work-Life Balance – Regulated work hours and strong employee rights
- Visa & Relocation Support – Many employers assist with work permits and relocation
- Pathway to PR – Opportunity to apply for Stamp 4 (long-term residency)
- Globally Recognized Experience – Irish pharmacy experience is respected in the EU and beyond
- Family-Friendly Immigration – Spouse can often work; children can study in Ireland
- Safe, Scenic, and Welcoming – A peaceful country with a growing Indian community
Pharmacist licensing exam for Australia:
- The licensing process for Ireland is called TCQR pathway
- TCQR pathway (Third Country Qualification Recognition) is the process by which pharmacists trained outside the EU/EEA can have their qualifications recognized by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) for registration and practice in Ireland
- PSI (Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland) is the regulatory board looking after the licensing exam
- Steps involved to be licensed in Ireland by an Indian pharmacist
Conclusion:
Every country has its own perks what suit best for is the option the you choose personally. All these licensure exams and pathways are not easy and need assistance. Proper guidance is the key to passing the exam in the first attempt and Elite Expertise does the same. We provide guidance and mentoring to every candidate for their chosen country be it Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Ireland. Our team is available 24*7 and you can contact us and we help you to choose the country the best suits you.