How to Become a Pharmacist in Australia from India (2025) – Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a pharmacist in Australia from India involves several steps, including skill assessments, exams, English proficiency tests, and supervised practice. The primary pathway for internationally qualified pharmacists is the Knowledge Assessment Pathway regulated by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) and the Pharmacy Board of Australia.

This guide will walk you through each step required to become a registered pharmacist in Australia.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Step 1: Skills Assessment by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC)

3. Step 2: Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) Exam

4. Step 3: English Language Proficiency Requirements

5. Step 4: Visa Application & Migration to Australia

6. Step 5: Provisional Registration with Ahpra

7. Step 6: Supervised Practice (Internship)

8. Step 7: Intern Written & Oral Examinations

9. Step 8: General Registration as a Pharmacist in Australia

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Step 1: Skills Assessment by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC)

The first step is to assess the skills required for this pathway. The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) assesses your educational qualifications and professional experience to determine their equivalence to Australian standards, known as Skills Assessment.

Application Submission: There are a few documents that are to be submitted to the APC, like:

Documents Required for APC Skills Assessment

• Pharmacy Degree (Bachelor of Pharmacy or equivalent)

• Academic Transcripts (subjects covered, grades)

• Work Experience (if applicable)

  This ensures that your educational background aligns with the competencies required in Australia.
  

Assessment Outcome: Upon successful evaluation, the APC will issue a Skills Assessment Outcome. This document is crucial as it confirms your eligibility to proceed with the registration process and is often required for visa applications.

For comprehensive details, refer to the APC's Skills Assessment Information.

Step 2: Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) Exam

The OPRA exam tests if your skills are on par with the Australian pharmacy and healthcare standards and as the name indicates, it assesses the candidate's readiness to practice in Australia.

Exam Details:

• OPRA Exam Format: The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) designed to assess your understanding of essential pharmaceutical concepts.

• OPRA Exam Duration: You will have 150 minutes to complete the OPRA exam.

• OPRA Exam Content Areas: The questions cover a range of topics, including biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, and clinical pharmacy practice.

Step 3: English Language Proficiency Requirements

Australia is an English-speaking country, and communicating with the patients is the key to a pharmacist's role. So effective communication is mandatory in the Australian healthcare system. This can be done by proving your efficiency by clearing the English language proficiency test with the required score: Some of the tests accepted are:

• IELTS Academic: A minimum score of 7.0 in each band (listening, reading, writing, and speaking).

• OET (Occupational English Test): A grade of B in each component.

• TOEFL iBT: A total score of at least 94.

• PTE Academic: A minimum score of 66 in each of the four communicative skills.

Tips to prepare for the OPRA exam:

• Enroll in Preparation Courses: Many institutions offer courses tailored to these exams, providing strategies and practice materials.

• Regular Practice: Engage in daily reading, writing, listening, and speaking exercises to enhance your proficiency.

• Mock Tests: Taking full-length mock tests can help you gauge your readiness and identify areas for improvement.

Ensure your test results are current and meet the standards set by the Pharmacy Board of Australia.

Step 4: Visa Application & Migration to Australia

With a successful skills assessment and proof of English proficiency, the next step is to navigate the migration process.

Key Considerations:

• Visa Options: Explore visa categories that align with your qualifications and career objectives. The Department of Home Affairs provides detailed information on various visa pathways, including skilled migration visas.

• Documentation: Prepare all necessary documents meticulously. This typically includes your skills assessment outcome, English language test results, and other personal identification documents.

• Professional Advice: Consider consulting with a registered migration agent to receive personalized guidance tailored to your situation.

Visa Options for Pharmacists

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – No employer sponsorship required

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – Requires nomination by an Australian state

3. Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) – For regional employment opportunities

   Check visa updates: Department of Home Affairs

Step 5: Provisional Registration with Ahpra

Upon arrival in Australia, securing provisional registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) is essential. This registration permits you to undertake supervised practice within the country.

Application Process:

• Online Submission: Complete your application via the Ahpra portal. Ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date.

• Required Documentation: You'll need to provide evidence of your pharmacy qualifications, skills assessment outcome, English proficiency test results, and any other documents specified by AHPRA.

• Processing Time: Be mindful of application deadlines and processing times to ensure a smooth transition into your supervised practice phase.

Step 6: Supervised Practice (Internship)

Provisional registration necessitates the completion of a supervised practice period, commonly referred to as an internship. This phase is designed to integrate your academic knowledge with practical experience in the Australian healthcare context.

Details:

• Duration: A minimum of 1,575 hours of supervised practice is required. This equates to approximately 40 weeks of full-time work, though part-time arrangements may extend this period.

• Supervision: Your practice must be under the direct supervision of a pharmacist who holds general registration. The supervisor plays a pivotal role in mentoring, providing feedback, and ensuring you gain comprehensive exposure to various aspects of pharmacy practice.

• Practice Settings: Internships can be undertaken in diverse environments, including community pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, or other approved healthcare settings. Exposure to different settings can enrich your experience and broaden your professional competencies.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Practice Plan: Develop a supervised practice plan in collaboration with your supervisor, outlining learning objectives and expected competencies.

• Progress Reports: Regular assessments and progress reports are essential to track your development and address any areas needing improvement.

• Logbook Maintenance: Keeping a detailed logbook of your activities, experiences, and reflections can be beneficial for both personal growth and as evidence of your training.

Guidelines and requirements are outlined in Ahpra's Supervised Practice Framework.

Step 7: Intern Written & Oral Examinations

After completing at least 75% of your supervised practice hours (approximately 1,181 hours), you become eligible to undertake the registration assessments. These examinations are designed to evaluate your readiness for independent practice.

Assessments:

• Intern Written Examination: This test assesses your applied pharmaceutical knowledge, ensuring you can effectively integrate theoretical concepts into practical scenarios.

• Oral Examination (OSCE—Objective Structured Clinical Examination): This examination evaluates your clinical and communication skills through simulated patient interactions and problem-solving tasks.

Preparation Tips:

• Review Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the examination formats and content outlines provided by the APC and Ahpra.

• Practical Experience: Engage actively during your supervised practice to gain hands-on experience, which is invaluable during these assessments.

• Study Groups: Collaborating with peers can provide diverse insights and enhance your understanding of complex topics.

Step 8: General Registration as a Pharmacist in Australia

Upon successful completion of your supervised practice and passing the required examinations, you can apply for general registration as a pharmacist in Australia.

Application Process:

• Submission: Apply through the [Ahpra portal](https://www.ahpra.gov.au)

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Becoming a pharmacist in Australia from India requires dedication, but the structured Knowledge Assessment Pathway (KAP) ensures that international pharmacists meet Australian standards. Follow each step carefully to secure a rewarding pharmacy career in Australia.

Start your journey today by applying for an APC Skills Assessment.

For professional guidance, visit: Australian Pharmacy Council

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