The Indian Pharmacist's Guide to Working in Australia in 2025

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?

1. Skills assessment by APC

2. Successfully clear the OPRA Exam(Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment exam)

3. Visa and migration process

4. Complete the internship and clear the Australian Intern Written and oral exams.

5. 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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