opra exam is the licensure exam where every international pharmacist needs to write for working as a pharmacist in AUSTRALIA OR NEW ZEALAND
If you are an Indian pharmacist planning to build BEST international pharmacy career abroad Then getting a job abroad is the best option.
Pharmacist usually go to CANADA ,USA ,IRELAND,AUSTRALIA in order to work or study pharmacy in these abroad countries .It is important to know the steps to work or study in these abroad countries before starting.
Australia has been a go to country for all the international pharmacy students specifically to the INDIAN students for building an international pharmacy career.Working as a pharmacist in Australia offers many opportunities like competitive salaries, good work-life balance, and professional growth opportunities.
This blog includes:-
1.Why choose Australia for pharmacist
2.How to work as a pharmacist in Australia from India
3.OPRA EXAM PREPARATION 2025
4.Tips to pass opra exam in 1st attempt
5.Pathways for PR in Australia
- Why choose Australia for pharmacists?
Pharmacists choose Australia as the first choice to work as a pharmacist.
Its because of the advanced health care system particularly in rural areas
High salaries are availed to the pharmacist
Good work life balance
Multiple opportunities
Direct PR pathway
2.How to work as a pharmacist in Australia from India
- Step 1: Initial Skills Assessment,Authority: Australian Pharmacy Council
- Step 2: OPRA EXAM (OVERSEAS PHARMACIST READINESS ASSESSMENT )
- Step 3: English Proficiency for AHPRA Registration
- Step 4: Immigration and direct work Visa Options (AFTER PASSING THE OPRA EXAM )
3. OPRA EXAM PREPARATION 2025
Opra exam test the knowledge of international pharmacist whether they have the knowledge of biomedical, pharmaceutical, and clinical sciences to work as a pharmacist in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ).
Opra exam Format :-Opra exam is an online exam where the registered pharmacist can write the exam in the approved centres in their home countries.
Opra exam Content ;-
The OPRA® exam encompasses five content areas.
| Content area | Percentage of questions allocated |
| Biomedical sciences | 20% |
| Medicinal chemistry and biopharmaceutics | 10% |
| Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics | 10% |
| Pharmacology and toxicology | 15% |
| Therapeutics and patient care | 45% |
For detailed info regarding the opra exam syllabus refer
Or watch
4.Tips to pass opra exam in 1st attempt
Tip 1:- Know more about the opra exam syllabus,opra exam format and opra exam scoring system Rash methodology
Tip2:-Prepare a time table if ur studying by self then refer to the books material and test series you can also use free resources provided by Eliteexpertise
Tip3:- Opra exam syllabus methodology is different and Australia will access the clinical knowledge of the student so it better to taking coaching from real pharmacist like Mr arief mohammad and harika bheemavarapu who are working clinical pharmacist in Australia kaps qualified from India
Mr arief mohammad provides opra exam preparation training
Mrs Harika Bheemavarapu provides opra exam preparation training
They both conduct the classes through online with
300+hours of lectures
10000 +Well structured subject oriented mocks
Easy to read study materials
Study materials
Refer for more info at To know more
To learn more Watch :-https://youtu.be/I_bwXI1w_Gw?si=omfHUpw9muHnvaQg
5.Pathways for PR in Australia
Australia provides workpermit (PR) in the country ,here are the below mentioned list of PR options available for obtaining the PR
- General skilled migrant-skilled nominated visa (subclass 190)
- General skilled migrant-skilled independent visa (subclass 189)
- General skilled migrant-skilled work regional (subclass4 91)
- Working holiday visa (subclass 417)
- Temporary skill shortage visa (subclass 482)
- Global talent independent visa (subclass 852)
- Business innovation and investment visa (subclass 188)
- Employer nomination scheme (subclass 186)
- Business talent visa (subclass 132)
- Skilled employer-sponsored -regional (subclass 858)
Faq:- Can I get a job in Australia from India as a pharmacist
A:- To work in Australia as a pharmacist under the Skilled Visa, you must be under 45 years old when you apply. To work in Australia, you must have adequate English language skills, pass the opra exam.
Are pharmacists in demand in Australia?
A:-. Yes, pharmacists are in high demand in Australia, especially in regional and rural areas, despite potential saturation in some urban centers. According to the Pharmacy Guild of Australia anticipates a shortage of pharmacists by 2028, with 50% of pharmacists intending to quit by 2033.
Is passing opra exam exam?
Yes if you prepare properly you can pass the exam in 1st attempt additionally u can also take opra exam preparation.
If your planning to work abroad as a pharmacist eliteexpertise can help you to clear all the pharmacist abroad exam in 1st attempt.
Watch the latest interview videos of theOPRA EXAM MARCH 2025 passed students
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – OPRA & Working as a Pharmacist in Australia
The Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment (OPRA) is the licensure-readiness exam that international pharmacists must pass to work as pharmacists in Australia or New Zealand.
International Pharmacy Graduates (IPGs) who wish to practice in Australia or New Zealand typically need to pass OPRA as part of their registration pathway.
Follow these steps: (1) APC Initial Skills Assessment → (2) OPRA exam → (3) English proficiency for AHPRA registration → (4) Immigration/work visa options after OPRA.
OPRA is an online, computer-based exam delivered at approved test centres in your home country (subject to APC arrangements and seat availability).
Therapeutics & patient care (45%); Biomedical sciences (20%); Pharmacology & toxicology (15%); Medicinal chemistry & biopharmaceutics (10%); Pharmacokinetics & pharmacodynamics (10%).
Most candidates plan 3.5–6 months. Use a structured timetable combining syllabus review, case-based learning, and timed mock tests with weekly progress checks.
Know the syllabus, format, and scoring; build a realistic study plan; practice high-yield cases and mocks; and consider guided coaching from practicing Australian clinical pharmacists.
Yes. Elite Expertise offers ~300+ hours of classes, 10,000+ structured mock questions, easy-to-read study materials, and mentorship from Mr. Arief Mohammad and Mrs. Harika Bheemavarapu.
Advanced healthcare system (strong regional demand), competitive salaries, good work–life balance, multiple opportunities, and clear pathways to permanent residency (PR).
Common options include Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190), Skilled Work Regional (491), Employer Nomination Scheme (186), Temporary Skill Shortage (482), Working Holiday (417), Global Talent, and relevant business/innovation visas (subject to eligibility).