For pharmacy graduates looking to build a global career, two countries often stand out: Australia and Ireland.
Both offer promising opportunities with varied industry exposure, but the journey to becoming a licensed pharmacist and the job prospects can differ.
This blog explores the career scope, salaries, and registration processes before registering as a pharmacist.
Let’s understand and choose what fits your needs best.
What are the Types of Exams for Pharmacists?
Before diving into the scope of work and role for pharmacists in Australia and Ireland, let’s explore the exams you will need to pass before working as an international pharmacist.
| Feature | Australia – OPRA Exam | Ireland – PSI Equivalence Exam |
| Exam Name | OPRA (Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment) | PSI Equivalence Exam |
| Administered By | Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) | Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) |
| Eligibility Pathway | Knowledge Stream (for non-recognized qualifications) | Third Country Qualification Recognition (TCQR) |
| Exam Format | 120 MCQs, 2.5 hours, computer-based | MCQs + OSCEs (Objective Structured Clinical Exams), online |
| Focus Areas | Clinical decision-making, therapeutics, pharmacy law, and patient care | Irish pharmacy law, clinical pharmacy, communication, and patient safety |
| Exam Frequency | 3 times a year (March, July, November) | Typically 2–3 times a year |
| Post-Exam Requirements | 12-month internship + Intern Written & Oral Exams | Directly register as a pharmacist |
| Language Requirement | IELTS/OET/PTE (English proficiency mandatory) | IELTS/OET/TOEFL/CAE (English proof required post-exam) |
| Registration Outcome | General registration with Pharmacy Board of Australia | Registration with PSI to practice in Ireland |
The OPRA exam (Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment) is more clinically focused and converted into a single MCQ exam followed by a structured internship. Ireland’s PSI exam Ireland includes both theoretical and practical components (MCQs and OSCEs), followed by final registration.
Career Scope & Roles Available
The Australian healthcare system is growing, and the areas in the country that are far from the cities and have less population are the ones where the demand for pharmacists is high. In case you are an Australian pharmacist, you have the opportunity to be employed in:
- Community pharmacies – Conducting natural medicines with direct customer involvement and managing a full dispensing service
- Hospital pharmacist- active involvement in patient care, clinical or management roles in different hospital settings
- Aged care facilities – Preparing and packing medicines for old people.
- Clinical research and academia – evaluation of the impact of mental
- Government and regulatory bodies – advising, developing, and implementing access to medicines and public health
- Consultant Pharmacist – Conducting HMRs, working independently, diversifying skills to work in chronic disease management.
- Entrepreneur – introducing new systems and services. Managing service businesses.
The job of a pharmacist, as it is getting more diverse, has, for example, the right to prescribe
Opportunities in Ireland
Ireland will have a consistent demand for pharmacists, particularly in community and hospital settings, due to its aging population and newer regulations. Moreover, the healthcare sector remains stable even during economic downturns.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI Ireland exam) is what you will need to appear for, especially for the non-EU graduates. Once registered, pharmacists can work in:
- Community pharmacies – personalized patient care offering a range of services beyond dispensing medicines
- Hospital pharmacies – Work in multidisciplinary teams involved in medication management, patient safety, and research. You can also get the opportunity to work in specialized areas.
- Academia and research – Research in the advancement of medical knowledge or improvement of healthcare practices. You can also pursue teaching in academia, supervising and guiding other pharmacists.
Ireland’s smaller size means fewer job openings compared to Australia, but the roles are stable and well-respected.
Average Salaries and Job Benefits
An Australia pharmacist exam pass opens doors to competitive salaries. Entry-level pharmacists earn around AUD 70,000–100,000 annually, with experienced professionals earning over AUD 100,000. Rural placements often come with relocation bonuses and visa sponsorships.
Benefits include:
- Paid internships
- Professional development support
- Opportunities for permanent residency
Pharmacist Earnings in Ireland
In Ireland, newly registered pharmacists typically earn Euro 45,000–Euro 55,000 annually. With experience, this can rise to Euro 70,000 or more. While the cost of living in cities like Dublin is high, Ireland offers:
- Strong union support
- Continuing education programs
- Pathways to EU-wide mobility
How to Get Registered and Start Working?
Here is how you can register in Australia and Ireland
Registration in Australia
For becoming a pharmacist in Australia, international graduates must follow the Knowledge Stream pathway:
1. Eligibility Check with the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC)
2. OPRA exam Australia – a 2.5-hour multiple-choice questions test that measures clinical preparedness and ability to work in Australia.
3. English proficiency (IELTS, PTE, or OET). This is required when you want to register as a pharmacist in Australia, showing you have language proficiency.
4. Appear for Intern – Written and Oral exams
5. General registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia
The OPRA exam is held three times a year (March, July, November) and is designed to test real-world clinical decision-making, communication, and pharmaceutical knowledge.
Registration in Ireland
To register in Ireland, the pathway is different from that in Australia.
1. Appear for the PSI Equivalence exam in Ireland through the Third Country Qualification Recognition (TCQR) pathway. This pathway is for candidates outside of the EU/UK.
2. Get your application recognized and receive certification with PSI.
3. If not recognized, you will have to appear for the holistic assessment, which will include questions of education, regulatory standards, CPD hours, and work experience.
4. Once complete, it includes MCQs and OSCEs.
5. Once completed and qualified, register as a pharmacist with PSI.
6. If you are not qualified at the assessment stage, you will need to appear for an aptitude test, which includes MCQs and OSCE or both, depending on your performance at the holistic stage.
7. Once completed, receive a certificate of qualification and register as a pharmacist.
8. English language proof at the registration stage
Recent updates have streamlined the process, removing the mandatory adaptation period for many candidates. However, the PSI exam preparation still requires a deep understanding of Irish pharmacy law, patient care, and clinical practice.
How Elite Expertise Can Help
Whether you’re preparing for the OPRA exam in Australia or the PSI equivalence exam, structured guidance is essential. Elite Expertise offers:
- Tailored coaching for both OPRA and PSI exams
- Mock tests and clinical case discussions
- Community support
- Access to study materials till the end of your examination
- Mentorship from practicing pharmacists in Australia and Ireland
With Elite Expertise, you will have the right instructors, who are clinical pharmacists working in Australia and Ireland, guiding you through every step in your journey.
Final Thoughts
Australia and Ireland are both excellent choices for pharmacy students. If you are looking for industry experience, higher income, and long-term migration options, Australia is a good option.
If you are looking for EU mobility and a straightforward healthcare system, Ireland might be your choice.
They also offer a continuous growth and learning path, the opportunity to network with other professionals, and be a part of technological and pharmaceutical advancements.
Whether you wish to work in Australia or Ireland, both are great career choices. Navigate pharmacist exam preparation, registration, ensure you meet the standards and the language proficiency, and you will have a fulfilling journey.
