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The Indian Pharmacist's Guide to Working in Australia in 2025
Complete 2025 guide for Indian pharmacists to work in Australia - OPRA exam, visas, internships & registration. Start your journey with Elite Expertise.
Krupa
6/30/20254 min read


For a pharmacist in India looking to expand their career internationally, Australia offers a golden opportunity. With an aging population and a developed healthcare system, a growing demand for skilled pharmacists, the country welcomes internationally qualified professionals, especially those from India. However, making a move requires a clear understanding of the registration pathway, eligibility rules, exams such as OPRA (previously known as KAPS), and visa procedures.
This detailed guide serves as your one-stop resource for navigating the entire process, from India to working legally as a registered pharmacist in Australia.
Registration Pathway of Indian Pharmacists to Australia
Pharmacists trained outside of Australia must follow a structured assessment and registration pathway governed by two key organizations.
Australian Pharmacy Council(APC): Assess your academic qualifications and facilitate the exams (KAPS, OPRA, Australian Intern written exams, etc.)
Pharmacy Board of Australia (PBA): Oversees national registration and licensing
👉 Also Read: Indian pharmacist work and migration to Australia
What are the steps included in the registration pathway?
Skills assessment by APC
Successfully clear the OPRA Exam(Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment exam)
Visa and migration process
Complete the internship and clear the Australian Intern Written and oral exams.
Registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia
What are the Eligibility requirements for Indian pharmacists?
Indian pharmacists must meet specific requirements before applying for this process:
Educational qualification: A B. Pharm, M. Pharm, Pharm D from an institution recognized by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI)
Registration status: Active or past registration with the Pharmacy Council of India, or at least eligible to register
Documents required:
Degree certificate
Academic transcript (for assessment)
Valid passport and ID proof
A License Registration certificate or a letter stating the eligibility to register
What is the step-by-step process of becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia?
1. Skills Assessment:
Apply to the APC for document evaluation, submitting all required documents.
Candidates must upload all required documents to the candidate portal.
Processing time: 8-12 weeks
Fees: AUD 810.00
After evaluation, APC will provide a positive outcome and eligibility to sit for the OPRA exam.
2. Successfully clear the OPRA Exam (Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment Exam)
The KAPS exam will be replaced by the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA) Exam in March 2025. This Exam is conducted to assess the competency of internationally trained pharmacists to practice safely in Australia.
Computer-based single-paper Exam with 120 questions for 2.5 hours
The OPRA Exam covers the core subjects in pharmacy, including clinical knowledge, biomedical sciences, patient care, and therapeutics, to ensure candidates meet the high standards expected by the Australian HealthCare sector.
Preparation tips:
Join a structured OPRA exam coaching program like those offered by Elite Expertise
Use APC-recommended books
Allocate 3-6 months for preparation and studies
How to prepare for the OPRA Exam?
A quality coaching program is not just about teaching; it's about mentorship, strategy, and performance enhancement. At Elite Expertise, for instance, our OPRA training is divided into structured modules that simulate real exam scenarios.
Focus on the OPRA Exam syllabus and resources
Biomedical science
Therapeutic care
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
Toxicology and pharmacology
Clinical practice care
Key study resources
Australian Medicine Handbook
Therapeutic guideline
APC Sample papers on the official website
Mock tests
Customized study material offered by coaching institutes like Elite Expertise
Why choose Elite Expertise for OPRA Training?
At Elite Expertise, we specialize in training pharmacists for global licensure exams. Our OPRA coaching program is designed by pharmacists, for pharmacists, with a deep understanding of what it takes to pass.
Here is why students trust us:
Experienced trainer with Australian clinical and academic experience, including consulting with experienced clinical pharmacists Mr. Arief Mohammad & Mrs. Harika Bheemavarapu
Complete coaching for Exam inclined with the core syllabus
Flexible learning schedule for professionals-both live and recorded lectures
Unlimited revision access until you pass the Exam
Personalized feedback on practice tests and mock exams
100+ case study discussions that will enhance clinical exposure
High success rate and global student community
What are the types of visas to consider by Indian pharmacists for migration?
To legally enter Australia, Indian pharmacists must apply for skilled visas.
The most common among them are:
Subclass 189 (skilled independent)
Subclass 190 (state sponsorship)
Subclass 491 (regional work visa)
Subclass 409 (training visa)
Subclass 482 (employer sponsorship visa)
Requirements for these types of visas are:
Positive skills assessment letter from APC
Proof of English test (accepted tests are PTE, IELTS, OET)
Point Score system -at least 65+ (Which considers age, education, work experience, English test score, etc.)
1. Internships and supervised practice in Australia
After arriving in Australia, Pharmacists need to complete a supervised internship
Hours to be completed are 1575 hours
Conducted under the guidance of a registered pharmacist in Australia
2. What are the Australian Intern Written and Oral exams?
Australian intern written exam:
Conducted by: APC
Format: Multiple-choice question
Topics: Pharmacy practice, clinical therapeutics, pharmaceutical science
Held twice a year
Australian intern oral exam:
Conducted by: Pharmacy Board of Australia
Format: face-to-face assessment by real-time experience-based case scenario sessions
Focus on patient counseling, dispensing, clinical scenarios, legal, and professional issues
👉 Also Read: Visa Points for Pharmacy Career in Australia
Successfully clearing both these examinations can lead to general registration in Australia as a licensed pharmacist with AHPRA.
At Elite Expertise, candidates can also receive training for the Australian intern written and oral exams. For an Indian pharmacist aiming to become a registered pharmacist in Australia, Elite Expertise is a one-stop solution for all your processes.
What are the Career Opportunities and salary expectations?
Australia offers strong job prospects for pharmacists, especially in rural and regional locations.
Common Career roles are:
Community pharmacy
Hospital pharmacists
Aged care and consultant pharmacy
Academia and research
Industrial and regulatory affairs
Salary guide:
👉 Also Read: How Much Does a Pharmacist Earn in Australia? (2025 Salary Guide by Role & Location)
Final thoughts
For Indian pharmacists, migrating to Australia can open doors to global career opportunities, enhanced lifestyles, and long-term security. While the journey involves careful preparation and multiple steps, the right guidance and coaching are essential to make your journey smoother.
Whether it's cracking OPRA or PTE or needing assistance in the skills assessment process, Elite Expertise is here to support you with structured training and expert guidance. Join our success-driven program and fulfill your dreams in Ace.


About the Author
Krupa Karamchand
Content Writer | Elite Expertise
Krupa Karamchand is a B. Pharm graduate and KAPS-qualified pharmacist with over 7 years of experience in the pharmaceutical field. As an experienced SEO content writer, she combines her in-depth healthcare knowledge with proven digital strategies to create informative, engaging, and search engine–optimized blogs. Krupa is passionate about making complex medical topics easy to understand and accessible to all readers.
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Elite Expertise is an online education platform dedicated solely to providing coaching and preparation services for the OPRA, PEBC, PSI and PTE exams. We do not offer any sponsorship or migration services. All information provided on our platform is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal or immigration advice. For inquiries regarding sponsorship, visa applications, or migration services, please consult with licensed immigration professionals or relevant authorities.