Introduction

Pharmacists ensure the safety, and quality of the medicines we use. They also optimise health outcomes by contributing to selecting, prescribing, monitoring and evaluating medicine therapy, and researching, testing and developing pharmaceuticals and medical products. Demand for pharmacists increased by nearly 200% from 2021 to 2022, and then remained higher in Australia. This shows the high employability of good quality Pharmacy graduates in Australia. 

Why study Pharmacy in Australia?

  1. High-ranking universities

Australian universities are well-known for their teaching quality, and their qualifications are recognised worldwide. According to QS Ranking 2023, there are 5 universities listed among the world’s Top 100 providing Pharmacy degrees in Australia, with Monash University ranked 2nd in the world for Pharmacy. 

  1. Easier Entry Requirements & Course Duration

Compared to other countries, it may be easier to meet entry requirements for Pharmacy degrees in universities in Australia. Also, a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy takes four years of full-time study to complete and the Master’s degree is two years, which may be shorter than some universities from different countries. 

  1. Diverse career areas

The Pharmacy Career Guide, published by the Australian Pharmaceutical Association, stated that community pharmacies for new graduates were the most popular career option in recent years. There are many job positions such as pharmacy assistants and pharmacy stock controllers. In addition, Pharmacy offers a variety of career options in not only traditional environments such as a local pharmacy or hospital pharmacy, but also in non-traditional environments. 

  1. Opportunity for Permanent Residency (PR)

Although pharmacists are not on the MLTSSL (Medium- and Long-Term Strategic Skills List), qualified pharmacists may be able to immigrate to Australia by applying for a State Nomination Visa (190/491) or Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (494 visa).   

What are career outcomes after graduation from Pharmacy courses in Australia?

  • Hospital Pharmacist 

A Hospital Pharmacist is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in medication management within a hospital or healthcare setting. They play a crucial role in ensuring that patients receive the appropriate medications, in the correct doses, and at the right times. 

  • Industrial Pharmacist 

An Industrial Pharmacist, also known as an Industrial Pharmaceutical Scientist, is a professional who works in the pharmaceutical industry. Their role involves applying pharmaceutical knowledge and scientific expertise to various aspects of drug development, manufacturing, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. 

  • Retail Pharmacist 

A Retail Pharmacist, also known as a Community Pharmacist, is a licensed healthcare professional who works in a community pharmacy or retail setting. They are often the most visible and accessible pharmacists to the general public. Retail pharmacists play a crucial role in providing medications, healthcare advice, and various pharmaceutical services to patients. 

What Pharmacy programs are available for international students in Australia?

  • Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) – 4 years 

A Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) degree in Australia is a comprehensive four-year undergraduate program that equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become licensed pharmacists. The curriculum encompasses a wide range of subjects including pharmacology, pharmaceutics, clinical pharmacy, and pharmacy practice, preparing graduates for roles in various healthcare settings. Practical training and internships are integral to the program, ensuring hands-on experience in real-world pharmacy environments. Upon completion, graduates must pass the registration examination to obtain their pharmacy license and practice as qualified pharmacists in Australia. 

  • Master of Pharmacy – 2 years 

The Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) program offers advanced education and training in pharmacy, allowing students to further develop their clinical and professional skills. This degree is often pursued by individuals who seek to enhance their knowledge, specialize in certain areas of pharmacy, or take on more advanced roles in healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry. The curriculum typically includes advanced pharmacology, clinical pharmacy, patient care, research methods, and practical experience through internships or clinical rotations. After completing the MPharm program and meeting any licensure requirements, graduates can practice as highly skilled and specialized pharmacists in various healthcare settings or pursue opportunities in pharmaceutical research, industry, or academia. 

Contact us to know which courses best suit you – we will offer you free consultations and free admission process! 

What courses/majors might you study for your Pharmacy degree in Australia?

In Australia, Pharmacy programs typically offer a range of courses or majors that cover various aspects of pharmaceutical sciences, clinical practice, and healthcare management. The specific courses offered may vary between universities, but here are some common courses or majors that you might find in in Australia:  

  • Medicines 
  • Chemistry of Biological Systems 
  • Anatomy 
  • Genes and Disease 
  • Organic Chemistry 
  • Pharmacology 
  • Cells and Tissues 
  • Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics  

How much does it cost to study Pharmacy in Australia?

The cost of studying pharmacy in Australia can vary depending on the level of education and the specific university or institution. If you apply for a G8 Australian university, the tuition fee may be around 48,000 – 55,000 per year. However, the tuition fees of lower ranking universities should be more affordable, around 35,00 – 40,000 per year.   

 

Contact us at [email protected] or 07 3003 1899 to know the tuition fees for your preferred courses!  

What are entry requirements for international students to study Pharmacy in Australia?

  • For the Bachelor’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed Year 12 or a Diploma course and attained IELTS Academic 6.5 – 7.0 (with no sub-score less than 6.5). Most universities also require students to fulfill prerequisites in Chemistry, Biochemistry or Mathematics.  
  • For the Master’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed a Bachelor’s degree and attained IELTS Academic 6.5-7.0 (with no sub-score less than 6.5-7.0). Most universities also require students to fulfill prerequisites in Chemistry, Biochemistry or Mathematics.  

If you don’t meet entry requirement for your preferred course? Contact SOL Edu, one of the best education agencies in Brisbane, today! Our team will offer you free consultation and free application process.

Where to study Pharmacy in Australia?

Bachelor’s Level 

Master’s Level 

Want to know which course/s best suit your expectation and situation? Contact SOL Edu at [email protected] or fill out the enquiry form! Our team will offer you free consultation and free application process. 

How to pass a skill assessment for a Pharmacist in Australia?

For immigration purposes, pharmacy degree holders need to pass a skill assessment assessed by one of approved authorities in Australia. To know which organisation/authority that you should submit your skills assessment for, you need to clarify what is your occupation. Below are two examples of skills assessment criteria.  

Category 1: Skills assessment assessed by VETASSESS 

If your occupation is Industrial Pharmacist (ANZSCO Code 251512), the authority to assess your skills assessment is VETASSESS. To have a positive skills assessment outcome, you need to meet the following criteria:  

(1)       For those who have completed a Bachelor or higher degree with a field highly relevant to the nominated occupation:  

  • You must have at least one year of post-qualification employment at an appropriate skill level, 
  • your experience must be undertaken in the last five years, 
  • you must work 20 hours or more per week, and 
  • your job must be highly relevant to the nominated occupation. 

 

(2)       For those who have completed a Bachelor or higher degree with a field highly that is not relevant to the nominated occupation:  

  • You must have at least three years of post-qualification employment at an appropriate skill level. However, if you have an additional qualification of at least Diploma level in a highly relevant field, you are required to have two years of experience only. 
  • your experience must be undertaken in the last five years, 
  • you must work 20 hours or more per week, and 
  • your job must be highly relevant to the nominated occupation. 

 

Please note that in case your employment has occurred before you get your qualification, then five years of highly relevant experience are needed, in addition to at least one year of highly relevant employment within the last five years. 

 

Category 2: Skills assessment assessed by Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) 

If your occupation is Hospital Pharmacist (ANZSCO Code 251511) and Retail Pharmacist (ANZSCO Code 251513), the authority to assess your skills assessment is Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). To have a positive skills assessment outcome, you must: 

  • Have graduated from an accredited degree program in Australia or New Zealand. To demonstrate your qualification, you must show (1) your degree certificate/letter of completion if your degree has not been issued yet, and (2) your academic transcript. 

International students do not need to have worked as a pharmacist to apply for a skills assessment. However, if you wish to include your work history to support your visa/migration application, you need to provide a resume and the resume must include:  

  • All working periods when you have worked as a registered pharmacist, 
  • Employer’s name of organisation, contact details and address, 
  • Commence and finish dates. 
  • Please note that APC only considers your work experience if you have worked:  
  • As fully registered pharmacist,  
  • More than 20 hours per week, 
  • For at least 12 months in the last 10 years  

Want to know if your qualification and work experience are eligible for a migration skill assessment? Contact SOL Edu today at [email protected] or fill out the inquiry form. Our team will reach out to you within 24 hours at the latest!  

Migration to Australia as a Pharmacist – what is the pathway?

Step 1: Apply for a 485 visa 

After completing at least 2 years pharmacy course, you are eligible to apply for visa 485 (Post-Higher Education Work stream). You are required to have at leastIELTS overall 6.5 with no band score under 5.5 in the past 1 year before you lodge your visa application.

Under visa 485, you can stay in Australia for 2-5 years depending on your degree and nationality. However, if you undertook and completed at least  2 years of study in a ‘Regional Area’ such as the Gold Coast, Adelaide or Perth, you can be eligible for an additional 1 or 2 years of the 485 Visa Thus, you will have more time to prepare yourself for permanent residence (PR) or a temporary visa that can lead to a PR. 

Step 2: Apply for a PR or a visa that can lead to a PR 

After successfully completing an accredited pharmacy course in Australia, you’ll find some pathways to facilitate your migration to the country. Depending on your occupation, you might be eligible for one or more of the following visa options: 

Skilled visas    

  • 190 – Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) – is a permanent residence visa but you need a nomination from one of Australian states or territories to apply for this visa. Each state may have its own occupation list and additional requirements, so you must investigate if you meet all the state’s eligibility criteria before asking for a nomination.    
  • 491 – Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) is not permanent, but it can lead to a PR (visa 191). You must commit to stay and work in your nominating regional Australia for a minimal period of time and achieve at least 65 points to be apply for this visa.     

Employer Sponsored visas    

Contact SOL Edu today at [email protected] to know which visa you are eligible for! 

 

Migration to Australia as a Pharmacist – what is the pathway?

Which high school subjects are necessary for enrolling in a Pharmacy program in Australia?

To enroll in a Pharmacy program in Australia, you typically need to complete certain high school subjects such as Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology to meet the prerequisites for admission. However, keep in mind that specific requirements might vary slightly between different universities and programs. 

Are internships mandatory for pharmacy graduates in Australia?

Yes, internships are a mandatory part of the process to become a registered pharmacist in Australia. The length of the internship can vary, but it is typically around one year (48 weeks).  

How to become a pharmacist in Australia?

In Australia, the path to becoming a registered pharmacist typically involves completing a Bachelor/Master of Pharmacy (BPharm) degree followed by a period of practical training. Here’s an overview of the timeline: 

  • Bachelor or Master of Pharmacy: These courses will help students acquire the necessary knowledge and skills in pharmaceutical sciences, clinical pharmacy, and healthcare practice. 
  • Internship: After completing the pharmacy degree, graduates are required to undertake an internship. The internship provides practical experience in real-world pharmacy settings under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. The duration of the internship is generally 48 weeks paid internship.  
  • Pharmacy Board of Australia (PBA) Registration Exam: Upon successful completion of the internship, graduates need to pass the Pharmacy Board of Australia’s (PBA) registration examination. This examination assesses the graduate’s competency to practice as a pharmacist. 
  • Registration as a Pharmacist: After passing the registration examination, graduates become eligible to apply for registration as a pharmacist with the Pharmacy Board of Australia. Once registered, they can legally practice as a pharmacist in Australia. 

How long does it take to become a pharmacist in Australia?

  • Pathway 1: You can become a pharmacist in Australia through this pathway, which takes approximately 5 years to complete. It involves earning a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree (4 years) and undertaking a 48-week paid internship. 
  • Pathway 2: Another option to become a pharmacist in Australia is through this pathway, which takes around 6 years. It involves completing a bachelor’s degree (not specifically a Bachelor of Pharmacy), followed by a Master of Pharmacy program in Australia, and finally, undertaking a 48-week paid internship. 

Are pharmacists in high demand in Australia?

Yes, Australia is already facing a deficit of 2448 full-time equivalent pharmacists. This underscores the urgency of addressing the situation to ensure the healthcare system’s stability and the public’s access to necessary pharmaceutical services. 

What is the expected salary as a Pharmacist in Australia?

The salary for a pharmacist in Australia is very high compared to the other occupations. According to Talent.com (2023), the average salary for a pharmacist is $105,699 annually or $54.20 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $88,108 per year, while most experienced workers can earn up to $129,023 per year. 

Interested in studying Pharmacy in Australia?  

Contact SOL Edu, one of the best education agencies in Brisbane, today for free counselling and a free application process!