How to Find a Pharmacist Internship in Australia After Passing the OPRA Exam in 2025 from India

Key Takeaways

• Passing the OPRA exam is the first step toward becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia.

• You must apply for provisional registration before starting your internship.

• An internship requires 1,575 hours of supervised practice in an approved site.

• Success depends on submitting early applications, being flexible, networking effectively, and being exam-ready.

• Elite Expertise offers comprehensive training, mentorship, and step-by-step support, from initial setup to full registration with OPRA.

Australia has now become one of the best and top destinations for every aspiring Indian pharmacy graduate who is looking forward to building a successful career abroad. With well-structured training, attractive work opportunities, and the right pathways toward permanent residency, the country is now seen as a dreamy destination.

Starting from March 2025, the OPRA (Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment) Exam has replaced the previously existing KAPS exam. This particular change has certainly standardized the overall process for every overseas-trained pharmacist to register and start working in Australia.

But one common question many candidates from India ask is:

“If I pass the OPRA exam, can I directly get an internship in Australia?”

The answer is yes, but with a process. Passing the OPRA makes you eligible to apply for provisional registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). Only after receiving provisional registration can you begin your internship under supervision in Australia.

Understanding the OPRA Exam

The OPRA Exam is conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) to assess whether overseas pharmacists are ready to practice in Australia.

• Who needs it?

Any overseas pharmacist who wishes to work as an intern pharmacist in Australia must clear OPRA to qualify for provisional registration.

• Format & Details:

  • Computer-based online multiple-choice test

  • 120 questions

  • Duration: 2.5 hours

  • Exam fee: AUD 2,190

• Outcome: Passing OPRA allows candidates to move to the next step: applying for provisional registration.

Internship Pathway at a Glance

Here’s a simplified table to show the process from India to full registration as a pharmacist in Australia:

Applying for Provisional Registration

After clearing OPRA, you must apply to AHPRA for provisional registration before starting your internship.

Documents Required:

• OPRA exam results and APC skills assessment outcome letter

• Pharmacy degree certificates (attested copies)

• Proof of work experience (if required)

• Police clearance and certificate of good standing

• English proficiency test results (IELTS, OET, or PTE Academic)

• Passport and identity documents

Why It Matters:

• Without provisional registration, you cannot legally work as an intern pharmacist in Australia.

• It officially allows you to complete the required supervised practice hours.

Internship Requirements in Australia

In order to turn into a full-time and registered pharmacist in Australia, you need to complete a valid internship that involves a supervised practice under a renowned and registered pharmacist.

• Duration: Total 1,575 hours of supervised pharmacist practice

• Supervision: Must be done under the supervision of a registered Australian pharmacist

• Workplaces: Community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, or any other approved sites

• Visa Requirement: Valid work rights (Either Temporary Skill Shortage type of visa, a permanent residency, or through student-to-work pathway)

• Approval: Both the preceptor and internship site must get approved by the Pharmacy Board of Australia

The Right Ways to Find an Internship in Australia

Searching and finding the right internship from India might be overwhelming and challenging, but once you have started with proper planning, it can be easily done. Here are some of the effective and working strategies.

1. Apply to Pharmacy Chains – Chemist Warehouse, Priceline Pharmacy, TerryWhite Chemmart, Blooms The Chemist

2. Explore Hospital Internships – Public hospitals (via state health departments) and private hospitals (Ramsay, St. Vincent’s)

3. Use Job Portals – Seek.com.au, Indeed.com.au, LinkedIn Jobs

4. Apply Directly – Contact local pharmacies, especially in rural regions, with a CV + cover letter

5. Network Actively – Join pharmacy forums, groups, expos, and online webinars

6. Leverage Recruitment Agencies – Healthcare recruiters can assist with rural and regional placements

Internship Responsibilities

During your internship, you will:

• Dispense and check prescriptions under supervision

• Counsel patients on medicines

• Learn Australian pharmacy laws and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

• Maintain detailed logbooks of your supervised practice

• Prepare for the Intern Written Exam and Intern Oral Exam

• Build decision-making skills required for local pharmacy practice

Challenges You May Face

1. High Competition – Especially in metro cities

2. Visa Sponsorship Issues – Employers may hesitate to sponsor overseas interns

3. Rural Preference – Regional internships are easier to secure and sometimes offer benefits

4. Timing of Intakes – Many start in January/February, so apply early

5. Experience Gaps – Stay updated with clinical knowledge to stay employable

Tips to Secure Your Internship

• Apply as soon as you receive provisional registration

• Be flexible with location — rural roles are less competitive

• Prepare an Australian-style CV tailored to local expectations

• Network through social platforms and professional associations

• Contact employers directly with confidence

• Keep revising OPRA topics for the intern exams

Completing the Internship & Moving to Full Registration

Once you finish your 1,575 supervised hours, you must pass two additional exams:

• Intern Written Exam – Assesses clinical knowledge and pharmacy law

• Intern Oral Exam – Evaluates communication, professionalism, and decision-making skills

After passing these, you can apply for general registration with AHPRA and work as an independent pharmacist anywhere in Australia.

How Elite Expertise Can Help You

Securing an internship in Australia from India is possible, but it requires structured preparation and expert guidance. This is where Elite Expertise makes a difference.

They support overseas pharmacists from OPRA to full registration with services like:

• Comprehensive OPRA exam preparation courses with topic-based classes, mock tests, and strategies

• Internship guidance and AHPRA registration support, including expert CV reviews tailored to Australian standards

• Coaching for Intern Written and Oral Exams, complete with mock viva sessions

• Mentorship from experienced consultants like Mr. Arief Mohammad and Mrs. Harika Bheemavarapu, both clinical pharmacists in Australia

With Elite Expertise, you don’t just prepare for the OPRA — you gain the confidence and practical support to complete your internship and achieve full pharmacist registration.

Conclusion

Indian pharmacists can apply and hold onto a valid internship in Australia after applying and passing the OPRA exam in 2025. The OPRA examination is the right pathway that needs to be cleared and then followed by provisional registration with the AHPRA, searching and finding approved internship site, and then completing about 1,575 of supervised hours. Although the entire process remains competitive, it can be easily approached with a flexible and proactive learning plan to improve your chances of getting the internship.

Finding the right pathway on your own may feel overwhelming. That’s why many overseas pharmacists have been choosing Elite Expertise, your trusted partner to prepare you for the OPRA exam and also guide you through every other step of your internship and the registration journey.

With our professional support, your dream of working as a registered pharmacist in Australia can absolutely turn into a reality.

About the Author

Aditi Pathak

Content Writer | Elite Expertise

Aditi Pathak is an experienced SEO content writer with over 4 years of expertise in crafting engaging, well-researched, and search engine–optimized content. Currently pursuing her Master’s in English, she brings together strong academic knowledge and creative writing skills to deliver blogs and articles that are both informative and reader-friendly. Aditi is passionate about simplifying complex topics into clear, accessible content that resonates with diverse audiences. Her focus lies in creating value-driven content strategies that enhance online visibility while keeping readers informed and engaged.

Follow On