Key Points to Remember

• Australia → OPRA Exam + practicum → AHPRA registration.

• Dubai → DHA Exam + document verification → DHA license.

• Australia: More attractive salary & possible immigration.

• Dubai: Tax-free income & quick registration.

• Focus: OPRA = applied sciences & patient care skills; DHA = general clinical reasoning & compounding skills.

• Both tests require intensive prep and proper paperwork.

Today, PharmD and B.Pharm graduates no longer have to confine their careers to their home countries. The global healthcare market is seeking highly-skilled professionals, with Australia and Dubai emerging as the most attractive destinations.

However, before you can practice in either country, there is one big hurdle: passing the licensing exam. In Australia, it is the OPRA Exam. In Dubai, it is the DHA Exam.

Though both examinations have the same goal, to certify the candidate’s competency to practice, they differ significantly in their design, cost, and results. Let’s examine their differences.

Understanding the OPRA Exam – Australia

In March 2025, the country changed its procedure for issuing licenses; the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) replaced KAPS. The change indicates that Australia prefers readiness for practice over just theoretical knowledge.

Why OPRA Exists

• Evaluates if international graduates possess the scientific and clinical knowledge required for safe practice.

• Indicates that you can go into a supervised internship year.

• Connects the knowledge of the theory with the practical care of the patient.

Exam Format Snapshot

• Mode: Computer-based, closed book.

• Duration: 150 minutes.

• Questions: 120 MCQs (90% scored, 10% unscored).

• Focus sectors: Biomedical sciences, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, and most substantially, therapeutics & patient care.

Steps to Take

1. Confirm that you are qualified (B.Pharm/M.Pharm/PharmD, 4 years full-time study, pharmacy registration in your home country).

2. Upload the documents through the APC portal.

3. Pay fees (~AUD 3,300 for the first attempt, which includes eligibility and outcome checks).

4. Schedule through Pearson VUE and take the exam.

Then you do your internship, take the intern written and oral exams, and eventually, register yourself with AHPRA.

Elite Expertise OPRA Exam Preparation Course – Australia

OPRA is often an intimidating and confusing topic for many graduates. Hence, Elite Expertise has built a well-organised course to make the first attempt count and thus achieve maximum success.

• Duration: ~3.5 months of guided study.

• Format: Live classes, recorded sessions, mock exams, assignments, and unlimited access until you pass.

• Support: Mentor guidance, peer WhatsApp groups, counselling sessions, and progress tracking.

• Fees: Approx. AUD 1,700 + GST.

Being a perfect mirror of the OPRA exam, this course keeps candidates ready for the exam and gives them confidence on test day.

Inside the DHA Exam – Dubai

Dubai has earned a great name in a very short period of time as a healthcare hub. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Exam for pharmacists is just the beginning of accessing the amazing, thriving Dubai market with no taxes.

Purpose of DHA

• Pharmacists who are in line with the healthcare requirements of the UAE are guaranteed.

• Enables a legitimate work permit in any hospital, clinic, or community pharmacy.

• Allows access to international networking in the region, which is among the top ten fastest-growing areas.

Exam Format Snapshot

• Mode: Computer-based (Prometric).

• Length: 3 hours.

• Questions: 150 MCQs.

• Passing Score: 60%.

• Cost: USD 240 (+ Dataflow fees).

Eligibility Essentials

• Pharmacy degree (B.Pharm, M.Pharm, or PharmD).

• At least 2 years of work experience.

• Local registration + Good Standing Certificate.

• Positive Dataflow PSV verification.

After passing the DHA exam, you can get a license and start your job right away.

Elite Expertise DHA Exam Preparation Course – Dubai

Elite Expertise has introduced a DHA preparation course, especially for international pharmacists, which aims for quick success.

• Focus: DHA recall MCQs, clinical case-based modules, pharmaceutics, pharmacology, and compounding.

• Format: Live lectures, recorded modules, practice exams, and self-assessments.

• Support: Dataflow PSV verification assistance, document eligibility, and the entire DHA licensing journey.

• Additional Perks: Resources for study without charge, notes that can be downloaded, faculty support for difficult parts, and counselling step by step.

Designed especially for the DHA exam syllabus, this course not only equips candidates with the required knowledge but also enables them to develop confidence. It improves basic concepts and passes the licensing exam.

OPRA vs DHA: How Do They Compare?

Lifestyle & Career Outcomes

• Australia: Multicultural cities, a well-organised healthcare system, and an amazing balance between work and life. The perfect place for people who are looking for a stable career and want to get permanent residency. Yes, salaries are higher but more taxes are paid.

• Dubai: Dynamic, international setting with the benefit of tax-free salaries. It is ideal for people who are looking for rapid growth and desire international exposure. However, a long-term stay in Dubai is not possible.

Salary Comparison: Pharmacists in Australia vs Dubai (2025)

Australian salaries are bigger before taxes; however, Dubai’s tax-free salaries + perks (housing, transport, allowances) frequently result in very competitive net earnings.

Final Thoughts

Both Australia (OPRA) and Dubai (DHA) offer attractive pharmacy career opportunities overseas in 2025.

• If you want to take a series of organised exams, get higher pay and be able to settle down for a long time, then pick Australia.

• If you are looking for a quick start, a tax-free income and a global exposure, then go for Dubai.

It does not matter which one you select. The point is that you will be able to take your exam not only being prepared but also with a feeling of confidence and competence if you decide to study with Elite Expertise.