If you’re asking yourself, “how long pharmacy degree programs actually take,” you’re already thinking ahead. Pharmacy isn’t just another qualification on your CV. It’s a commitment for a lifetime, a career, and for many an inherent calling. But before you plunge into preparations, sample papers, and coaching, you need to understand what the pathway looks like. For example, if you’re considering practising in a country like Australia, where the licensure exam called OPRA is a gateway for getting a full time job as a pharmacist.
In this guide, we’ll know the duration of pharmacy degrees around the world but also how the OPRA exam fits into the bigger picture for international pharmacy graduates.
How Long Does a Pharmacy Degree Take?
The answer depends on where you study. Let’s break it down by region.
In Australia
A pharmacy degree here usually means, after high school diploma you pursue:
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours): 4 years
- Clinical Internship: 1 year
Or, a Pharm. D degree of 5-6 years which has a dedicated clinical practice in the last year.
That’s 5-6 years minimum, followed by licensing exam like the OPRA exam to be officially recognised as a pharmacist.
However, if you pursue an M.Pharm, Pharm. D then you don’t need to appear for OPRA. Remember, this licensure exam is only applicable for those who have pursued their higher studies from Australia.
Overseas pharmacists must appear for OPRA exam in order to obtain their licensure from AHPRA.
In USA
The academic journey of a budding pharmacist is as follows:
- Pre-Pharmacy Undergraduate Studies: 2 to 4 years
- Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.): 4 years
So, you’re looking at 6 to 8 years total, including an internship and finally, the registration. If you’re coming from other countries like India, Georgia, Pakistan, Nepal, etc. you need to clear the licensure exam like USMLE. Upon qualifying, you register yourself as a pharmacist with the registration board.
In UK
The typical route is:
- M.Pharm Degree: 4 years
- Pre-registration Year: 1 year
Total: 5 years
In India
There are a couple of different options:
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) – 4 years
- Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) – 2 years (basic route, less commonly used internationally)
Some go on to do a Master’s in Pharmacy (M.Pharm) for further specialisation and further get registered with the council.
What Exactly Is the OPRA Exam?
For pharmacists trained outside Australia, the OPRA exam is one of the most crucial checkpoints on the path to practising professionally. Lets get to know more about the OPRA exam.
What is the Full Form of OPRA Exam?
OPRA stands for Overseas Pharmacist Registration Assessment. It’s run by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) and is designed to confirm that you meet the local standards for practice in Australia.
You’ll be tested on pharmaceutical knowledge, ethics, problem-solving, and communication skills, basically, everything you need to work seamlessly in the field.
OPRA Exam Syllabus
The OPRA exam syllabus covers a wide range of topics:
| Content area | Emphasis required to study as per weightage of questions |
| Biomedical Sciences | 20% |
| Medicinal Chemistry and Biopharmaceutics | 10% |
| Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics | 10% |
| Pharmacology and Toxicology | 15% |
| Therapeutics and Patient Care | 45% |
What to Study: OPRA Exam Material That Actually Helps
There’s a lot out there, but not all of it’s worth your time. Focus on resources that reflect Australian standards. These are your best bets:
- Pharmaceutical Calculations by Howard C. Ansel
- Rang & Dale’s Pharmacology by James M. Ritter
- Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics by Roger Walker and Cate Whittlesea
- Aulton’s Pharmaceutics by Michael E. Aulton
- Previous year OPRA exam sample questions examples
When’s the OPRA Exam in 2025?
The APC conducts this exam 3 times a year, mostly in March, July, November. Register for your exam through the official portal. Pearson VUE conducts this exam in various centres across India and beyond. Keep an eye on the official OPRA exam dates, as slots fill quickly.
OPRA Exam Fees in Indian Rupees
Since many candidates from India and its neighbouring countries wish to relocate to Australia and work as a registered pharmacist, we have presented a breakdown of OPRA exam fees in Indian rupees:
As per the exchange rate of 1 AU$ = 54.73 INR on March 20, 2025:
- Eligibility Check: AU$810 x 54.73 = ₹44,331.3
- Initial Skills Assessment Results: AU$300 x 54.73 = ₹16,419
- OPRA Exam: AU$2,190 x 54.73 = ₹1,19,858.7
Total Fees in INR: ₹44,331.3 + ₹1,19,858.7 + ₹16,419 = ₹1,80,609
General note: Exchange rates change frequently as per market. It is recommended to confirm the current rate when submitting. your application.
Preparing for the OPRA Exam: Realistic Tips That Work
If you’re planning to take the exam, preparation is everything. Here’s how to make it manageable:
- Start Early: Give yourself at least half a year.
- Break Down the Syllabus: Make a schedule that covers all the subjects.
- Use Quality Material: Use our OPRA exam study resources for optimal performance.
- Practice Papers: Use the OPRA exam sample paper sets to get used to the question format.
- Timed Practice: Simulate exam conditions through AI based mock tests that follows the norms of Rasch methodology
- Seek Help: If possible, consider coaching or online prep courses.
Where to Find OPRA Exam Sample Paper Sets
Practising with sample questions isn’t optional, it’s essential. You can find many OPRA exam sample paper sets online, some for free and others through coaching programs.
These help you understand the test’s format and structure and highlight the areas where you need to focus more.
Why Choose Pharmacy as a Career?
A pharmacy isn’t just a job. It’s a stable, respected career with room to grow. Here’s why people choose it:
- Strong demand for pharmacists in many countries
- Competitive pay and job security
- Variety in work settings: community, hospital, research, education
- Continuous learning and professional development opportunities
What Comes After?
To wrap it all up: the length of a pharmacy degree depends on where and how you study, but the range is generally between 4 to 8 years. Finishing your degree is just step one. If you’re looking to practice in Australia, the OPRA exam is a gate you must pass through.
From understanding the OPRA exam syllabus and finding reliable OPRA exam material, to budgeting for the OPRA exam fees in Indian rupees, there’s a lot to plan for.
The good news? With the right preparation and maybe a few OPRA exam sample paper sets in your toolkit. You’ll be more than ready to take the next step toward becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia.
Take it one phase at a time, and you’ll get there.
