Pharmacy Courses in Australia for International Students

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia predicts a shortage of 1,786 pharmacists by 2028. Fewer people are learning to become pharmacists, and high levels of burnout after COVID are contributing to this. 50% of pharmacists have indicated they will quit by 2033, intensifying the shortage. While AI is now completing a lot of the data entry and inventory management, qualified people are required in this essential role.

IDP can help write a prescription for success: Finding you the perfect course, best university, and most convenient and comfortable accommodation.

If you want to study pharmacology in Australia, now is the time. Contact our trained education consultants to talk about your future, and how we can help you get there.

So you want to be a pharmacist. But why study in Australia? 

Here are some reasons that might convince you: 

• It is home to top-ranked universities like Monash and the University of Sydney (QS Rankings 2024).

• In 2022, 80% of international students said they were satisfied with the teaching quality in Australian universities.

• Projected Growth = Thousands of New Jobs: 

  • Employment is expected to increase by 10.8% from 2024 to 2029. That means an additional 3,600 pharmacists by 2029.

  • And by 2034, pharmacist employment could grow almost 20%, adding around 6,600 roles to the profession.

• High Employment Rate for Graduates: Nearly 98% of recent Australian pharmacy graduates find full-time work. 

In short, this course opens up opportunities for job security and even pathways to help you stay in Australia permanently. 

Curious to know more? 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about pharmacy courses in Australia—from what you’ll study, top universities, job opportunities, scholarships, and more. 

Sources: Universities Australia, Study Australia, Jobs and Skills Australia, Statista

Whether you’re just finishing high school or already hold a science degree, you’ll find course options for you. 

Bachelor of Pharmacy

Just finished high school? Start here! 

This course is your first big step into the world of pharmacy.

You’ll start with beginner units in chemistry, biology, and how medicines work in the body. Over time, you’ll move into more hands-on topics like how to mix and give out medicines (dispensing), how to talk to patients, and how to help doctors with treatment plans.

After graduating, you’ll be ready to start your pharmacy internship and work towards becoming a fully registered pharmacist in Australia.

• Duration: 3.5 – 4 years 

• Course Fees: AUD 38,000–50,000 per year (2025)

• Entry Requirements: Completion of Year 12 or equivalent with strong results in chemistry and mathematics.

• IELTS score: 6.5 - 7.0 overall 

Please note that course fees depend on the course duration and the university. 

Master of Pharmacy

Already have a degree in science or biomedical science? This course helps you switch into pharmacy.

Instead of starting from scratch, you’ll build on what you already know—like chemistry and biology—and focus on more advanced, clinical areas. That includes treating real-life health conditions, working with patients, and understanding how medicines are used in hospitals and communities.

This program is designed for students without a pharmacy background. If you already hold a bachelor's degree in pharmacy, you may not need to take this course. Instead, you can explore registration pathways through the Australian Pharmacy Council.

• Duration: 2 years (full-time)
  Course Fees: AUD 38,000–60,000 per year (2025)

• Entry Requirements: A relevant bachelor's degree (science, biomedical science, etc.); prerequisites may include prior study in chemistry, physiology, and biochemistry

• IELTS score: 7.0 overall with no band less than 7.0

Please note that course fees depend on the course duration and the university. 

Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy

Already a licensed pharmacist? 

This course helps you level up and move into more advanced, patient-focused roles.

You won’t be repeating basics. Instead, you’ll study things like how to manage drug therapies, make complex treatment decisions, and work within Australia’s healthcare system.

This diploma is perfect if you want to grow your skills, specialise in clinical care, or even move into leadership or hospital pharmacy roles.

• Duration: 1 year (full-time or part-time options available)

• Course Fees: Approx. AUD 15,000–27,000 total (2025)

• Entry Requirements: Must be a registered pharmacist with a bachelor's or master’s degree in pharmacy

• IELTS score: 6.5–7.0 (depending on the institution)

Who is it for?

• Registered pharmacists (usually with a Bachelor's or Master's of Pharmacy)

• International pharmacy graduates who are already qualified in their home country and want to build clinical expertise before pursuing Australian registration

• Hospital or community pharmacists looking to move into more patient-centred, clinical roles

Please note that course fees depend on the course duration and the university. 

Depending on your educational background, you might qualify for a very different course than you expect

Finished high school in Australia, but didn’t meet the ATAR for pharmacy? You could start with a Bachelor of Science or Health Science, then transfer. 

Already have a degree in science or biomedicine? A Master of Pharmacy is your next step. 

Got a medical degree or pharmacy background from overseas? You may be eligible for postgraduate clinical diplomas, or bypass coursework altogether and go straight into the registration process.

Every case is different. That’s why it helps to speak to someone who knows the system inside out. Our education experts at IDP can assess your academic history and help you find the best, most efficient pathway to a pharmacy career in Australia. 

Ask an IDP expert about the best course for me

The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 listed several Australian universities among the best in the world for pharmacy and pharmacology. Here are some of them:

Monash University - #4
The University of Sydney - #19
The University of Queensland - #28
The University of Melbourne - #51
The University of New South Wales - #61

You just reviewed all the courses and universities that await you. 

If you want to study pharmacy in Australia, let’s get more realistic. It’s time to know the things you’ll need before applying for a pharmacy course: costs, your eligibility, and the documents you’ll need. 

What is the total cost of a pharmacy course in Australia?

The total cost of a whole pharmacy course in Australia ranges between AUD 140,000 and AUD 220,000 for a Bachelor's degree (4 years). 

As an international student, you can expect to pay between AUD 35,000 and AUD 55,000 per year. Here’s a more detailed breakdown: 

• Bachelor of Pharmacy: AUD 35,000 to AUD 55,000 per year. 

  • Total: AUD 140,000 to AUD 220,000 (4 years)

• Master of Pharmacy (2 years): AUD 70,000 to AUD 110,000.

Sample costs per university (2025) for international students:

• Monash University: A$56,700

• University of Sydney: A$57,700

• University of Queensland: A$53760

These costs are for tuition only. You’ll also need to budget for living expenses, health insurance, books, and maybe a strong coffee or two.

Sources: Monash University, University of Sydney, University of Queensland

Eligibility to study pharmacy in Australia

To study pharmacy in Australia, you need to meet both academic and English requirements. Here are some of them: 

• Completion of Year 12 or equivalent with a strong background in chemistry, biology, and mathematics (for undergraduate programs)

• A recognised bachelor’s degree in a relevant science field (for postgraduate pharmacy programs)

• English language proficiency, typically demonstrated through an IELTS score of 7.0 overall, with no band lower than 7.0

• Meet age requirements, usually 17 years or older at the time of admission

• Pass any additional assessments or interviews required by the specific university or course

Check your eligibility

Documents required for applying for a pharmacy course

• Academic transcripts (high school or bachelor's degree, depending on the program)

• Proof of English language proficiency  (such as your IELTS scores)

• Passport copy (valid for the duration of your study)

• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

• Letters of Recommendation (LORs), if required

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (for postgraduate applicants)

• Proof of funds (to demonstrate ability to cover tuition and living expenses)

• Completed university application form

• Any additional documents specified by the university (e.g. medical clearance, interview results)

Choosing an English test for your entry requirements

As an international student, an English proficiency test is one of the entry requirements you’ll need to meet to study pharmacy at any university in Australia. 

However, not all English proficiency tests are the same. Their designs are different, and some are a better reflection of real-life language skills, while others are not. 

When it comes to university applications, IELTS is the most trusted English test by Australian universities. You’ll see on leading universities’ websites that they often require an IELTS score among other tests.

Plus, more people succeed with IELTS! International students like you have taken IELTS to get into their dream universities, and even to achieve their PR goals in Australia.

Ready to prepare for your IELTS? We have FREE practice tests.

And whenever you’re ready, you can book your test at the nearest centre to you.

Book your IELTS

Many top universities in Australia offer scholarships to make studying pharmacy more affordable. You can find these scholarships on official university websites, through the Australian Government’s Study Australia portal, or by checking with international student offices at each institution.

Here are some you might want to explore: 

Australia Awards Scholarships
Funded by the Australian Government, these competitive scholarships are for students from selected developing countries. They support those who show leadership potential and want to create change in their home countries after graduating.

Australia for ASEAN Scholarships
These scholarships are for students from ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste. They allow you to pursue a master’s degree in key areas like sustainability, economic development, and maritime security.

Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships
Planning to do a research master’s or PhD in pharmacy or a related field? The RTP covers tuition and sometimes provides a living allowance. Applications go through the universities offering research degrees.

University Scholarships
Many Australian universities offer their scholarships to high-achieving international students. Here are some scholarships offered by universities:

• Ben Cowen Scholarship - The University of Melbourne

• Cochrane Scholarship - Monash University

• Dr Vincent Lo Asia Undergraduate Scholarship - The University of New South Wales

• Stan and Jessie Holland Postgraduate Scholarship - The Australian National University (for postgraduate)

• Deakin Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship - Deakin University (for postgraduate)

Explore scholarship options for you

If you’d like to explore what scholarships are available or find out if you’re eligible, our IDP counsellors are here to help.

We stay updated with the latest opportunities from institutions and organisations because we genuinely want to support your goals and make your journey more affordable. Just reach out, we’re happy to guide you! 

In this section, you’ll find a sample course progression map. 

You’ll see what subjects or units you’ll take each year and the order in which you’ll take them.

We have compared the course progression maps from three universities: Monash University, the University of Sydney, and the University of Queensland. The table below is a summary of common subjects offered by these three universities. 

Sources: Monash University, University of Sydney, The University of Queensland

A pharmacy degree from Australia opens the door to a variety of career paths—both clinical and non-clinical. 

Common Job Profiles for Pharmacy Graduates

• Community Pharmacist  

• Hospital Pharmacist  

• Clinical Pharmacist 

• Pharmaceutical Scientist  

• Regulatory Affairs Associate  

• Quality Assurance/Control Officer  

• Medical Sales Representative 

• Academic or Lecturer 

• Pharmacovigilance Officer  

• Policy Advisor (Health Sector)  

How much do pharmacists earn in Australia? 

The salary of pharmacists in Australia ranges from AUD 66,955 (for entry-level) to AUD 120,000 (for experienced pharmacists) per year. 

Here’s a breakdown: 

• Entry-level pharmacists: AUD 66,955 per year

• Mid-level pharmacists: AUD 94,000 per year

• Experienced or specialised pharmacists: AUD $120,000 annually.

These numbers can vary depending on location, employer, and whether you choose to specialise. As healthcare demands continue to grow in Australia, pharmacists remain in high demand, making it a reliable and rewarding career path.

1. Get Registered

To work as a pharmacist in Australia, you must register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

• Provisional registration (for interns): AUD $141

• General registration (after internship): AUD $410

To get general registration, you must:

• Complete at least 75% of your Intern Training Program with an accredited provider

• Pass:

  • Intern Written Exam (via Australian Pharmacy Council) – AUD $693

  • Oral Exam (via AHPRA) – AUD $640

• Meet the English language requirement – IELTS Academic score of 7.5

Once you're generally registered, you can apply for a Skills Assessment Letter from the Australian Pharmacy Council. This costs AUD $1260 and is required for work and migration.

You’ll need:

• Your pharmacy degree and transcript

• A valid passport

If you want to work as an Industrial Pharmacist (ANZSCO 251512), you also need a skills assessment from VETASSESS:

• Cost: AUD $968

Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree

• At least 1 year of relevant work experience in the last 5 years

Minimum 20 hours of work per week

2. Obtain a visa

After registering, you’ll need a valid work or residency visa. Here are some options:

• 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa (Permanent)

• 407 – Training Visa (Temporary, up to 2 years)

• 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (2–4 years)

• 187 – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Permanent)

• 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (5 years)

• 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa (5 years)

At IDP, we would love to help you kickstart your career in Pharmacy. You may even want to stay on after completing your degree and work with other passionate Pharmacists to deliver quality health care in Australia. If this sounds like you, please contact us anytime for further information.

A pharmacy degree can do more than launch your healthcare career; it can also support your path to permanent residency (PR) in Australia.

Pharmacists are listed on Australia’s Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), which means they’re in demand, especially in certain regions and states. As an international student, this can give you an advantage when it comes to applying for skilled migration.

Here’s what your pathway might look like:

1. Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) – After finishing your pharmacy degree, you can apply for this visa to stay in Australia temporarily and gain valuable work experience.

2. Skilled Migration Visas (such as subclass 190 or 491) – If you meet the eligibility criteria, including English proficiency and work experience, you may be nominated by a state or regional area to apply for PR under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.

3. In-Demand Occupation – Being on the STSOL means certain states or territories may be more likely to nominate you, especially if you’re willing to live and work in regional areas.

In short, pharmacy doesn’t just offer a stable and respected career—it can also be your first step toward building a future and staying permanently in Australia! 

Sounds exciting? Then, let’s make sure you get accepted to a pharmacy program at your dream university! 

Before you get to your pharmacy degree, it’s important to take the right first steps. That includes choosing the right course, meeting entry requirements like IELTS, and planning for your future in Australia.

At IDP, we make that whole journey easier. We help you find pharmacy programs that fit your goals, guide you through university applications, and provide expert advice on how your course can align with future PR options. 

Need help preparing for IELTS? We’ve got you covered there, too, with access to official and free preparation materials.

Wherever you are in your international study journey, IDP is here to support you!