How to become a pharmacist in Australia

Becoming a pharmacist in Australia is a fulfilling way to give back to the community. It involves different pathways depending on whether you study in Australia or are migrating from another country.

Migrating to Australia as a pharmacist

Everyone's journey is different and for some this process can be longer and more complex than expected. Completing this process does not guarantee you a job or a successful migration process.

If you are a pharmacist who received your qualification from a country outside of Australia and New Zealand, your journey involves many steps, with various organisations. Depending on your circumstances, your journey may sit within our Knowledge Stream or Competency Stream.

New Zealand pharmacists

If you are a pharmacist migrating from New Zealand, see our page for New Zealand Registered Pharmacists.

Studying pharmacy in Australia

If you are looking to study pharmacy in Australia, you can apply to study an accredited degree program at one of many universities across Australia. See the list of accredited pharmacy degree programs.

Getting started

The resources below are designed to support your journey toward becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia. They draw on information from across the sector into one place - providing guidance and clarity around each step.

Before you start

Explore key considerations before you begin such as the commitments, fees, key steps, and timeframes.

See key considerations

Living and working in Australia

Learn about different regions, cost of living, areas of work, and cultural safety in Australia.

Learn about working here

Visas and sponsorship

Learn about the different types of visas available.

See visas and sponsorship

Key organisations in the pharmacy sector

Learn about the key organisations you will interact with, their roles, and when you need to speak with them.

See key organisations

Documents checklist

Start to gather the documents you need at various steps of your journey.

See documents checklist

APC Skills Assessment

Get your skills and competency assessed to support your visa and registration requirements.

See APC Skills Assessment

Resources for APC candidates

Access our resources for Skills Assessments such as exam sample papers, guides, and various policies.

See Resources for APC candidates

Organising supervised practice

Learn about how to organise supervised practice and internships and who to speak with.

See organising supervised practice

Beyond General Registration

Explore your obligations as a pharmacist such as adhering to policies, maintaining registration, CPD activities, and what support is offered.

See beyond general registration