How to Become a Pharmacist in New Zealand for international pharmacy graduates 2025-2026

Key Takeaways

• Pathway to Becoming a Pharmacist in New Zealand

• Eligibility Requirements for International Graduates

• Registration Steps for Pharmacists in NZ

• Career Opportunities for Pharmacists in New Zealand

• Conclusion

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

And that is how you eventually become a pharmacist in New Zealand as an overseas pharmacy. Such a course will help pharmacists to remain within the lines of New Zealand’s professional, legal, and moral laws. For example, Elite Expertise offers a comprehensive training and mentoring program that is meant to prepare you for all test conditions, such as OPRA and help you complete your interns.

Pathway to Becoming a Pharmacist in New Zealand

OPRA Exam Procedure

• OPRA stands for Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment. OPRA is a computer test with 120 multiple-choice questions.

• In OPRA, the topic of biological, pharmacological, and clinical fields will be tested. It won’t review legislation policies only appropriate to New Zealand.

• It will require about AUD 2,190 and 2.5 hours of your time.

• Candidates are allowed to retake the test a maximum of two times.

• If you pass, you could enrol in the New Zealand Pharmacy Legislation course.

New Zealand Pharmacy Legislation (NZPL) Course

• This required online course teaches pharmacists in New Zealand about their legal and moral duties.

• This course has 10 modules and normally takes about 12 weeks, or 3 months, to finish. At the end of each module, there is a summary of the exercises, online quizzes, and a final test.

• The price is nearly NZD 2,400.

• If you wish to continue intern pharmacist registration, you must pass this step.

Eligibility Requirements for International Graduates

• You are required to have a Bachelor of Pharmacy B. Pharm or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD).

• Active registration with your home country’s pharmacy council is required.

• English language proficiency is mandatory, typically Academic IELTS with an overall score of 7.0 or higher.

• Submit an Initial Consideration application with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand along with required documentation.

• After approval, you qualify for the OPRA exam and NZPL course.

EVOLVE Internship Programme

• The Pharmacy Council of New Zealand offers an internship programme that includes supervision.

• It is carried out from February 1 to November 7 annually.

• It takes 1,450 hours of supervised practice; on average, it is 35 hours or more a week completed in approved pharmaceutical settings.

• Finally, it includes exams, portfolios, assessments, and workshops.

Career Opportunities for Pharmacists in New Zealand

• A licensed pharmacist can practise in a variety of fields, including hospitals, community pharmacies and industry, research, and regulatory responsibilities.

• Compared to many other countries, the pay and working conditions are excellent.

• The registration process makes sure that pharmacists meet the standards for their field, which makes it easier for them to get a job.

Conclusion

Elite Expertise gives training for OPRA exam. if you’re looking for a training centre for overseas pharmacy graduates who wish to take the OPRA examination and increase your opportunity of becoming a pharmacist in New Zealand? Elite Expertise is here to meet you and introduce you to our professional trainers who provide personalized courses, mentorship and assistance in applications, and much guidance as you prepare for an excellent journey onto your foreign pharmaceutical profession.