Pharmacy courses for international students in Australia

World-class hospitals. Globally ranked universities. And an impressive healthcare system.

If you want a pharmacy degree that opens opportunities and gives you real-world training, Australia should be at the top of your list.

Here are some reasons why Australia is a top choice for studying pharmacy: 

• Top-ranked universities

Australian universities like Monash University and the University of Sydney are globally recognised for pharmacy and pharmacology (QS World University Rankings 2024).

• Future-ready skills

Australia ranks high in the QS World Future Skills Index 2025, which measures how well schools train students for tomorrow’s jobs.

• Train in a world-class healthcare system

Australia has one of the most efficient and well-funded healthcare systems in the world. As a student, you’ll have the opportunity to train in world-class hospitals through industry placements. 

• High (80%) student satisfaction

In 2022, 80% of international students said they were satisfied with the teaching quality in Australian universities. This reflects the educational standards you can expect as you get your pharmacy degree here.

• Better employment rates than other industries

The employment rate for pharmacists in Australia is projected to grow by 0.1% (from 10.8% to 10.9%) between 2024 and 2029. From 2020-2024, pharmacists also had a higher employment rate of 8.2% compared to professionals (5.7%).

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 colleges, job opportunities, and salary packages. 

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

Book your IELTS test now

To get into most pharmacy courses in Australia, you’ll usually need an IELTS score of 7.0 overall, with at least 7.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. 

Some programs might accept a 6.5, but higher scores are often preferred.

The specific IELTS requirements for pharmacy programs vary per university. 

If you want to make sure, contact our IDP education experts. As trusted partners of top universities in Australia, your IDP counsellor will have all the accurate information you need about a pharmacy course.

All universities offering pharmacy courses in Australia accept IELTS One Skill Retake, where you can retake one part of your IELTS test if you don’t meet the required score for it.

When it comes to studying pharmacy in Australia, there are a few different paths you can take depending on where you are in your education journey.

Bachelor of Pharmacy

This is the most common starting point for students straight out of high school. It’s a professional degree designed for students who want to build a career in the pharmacy field. You’ll study core subjects like pharmacology, pharmaceutical chemistry, dispensing, and patient care.

• 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 

Master of Pharmacy

The Master of Pharmacy is for students who already hold a science-related bachelor's degree and want to transition into the pharmacy profession. This graduate-entry program focuses on clinical pharmacy, pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, and patient care. 

• 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

Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy

This program is for already qualified pharmacists who want to deepen their clinical knowledge and specialise in patient-focused care. It explores advanced topics like drug therapy management, clinical decision-making, and healthcare systems.

• 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)

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

According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, several Australian institutions are recognised among the best globally for their excellence in teaching, research, and clinical training in pharmacy and pharmacology.

Here are some of the highest-ranked Australian universities and their global rankings in the subject of Pharmacy and Pharmacology: 

• 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 

The cost of studying Pharmacy in Australia can vary depending on the university and program level. On average, international students can expect to pay between AUD 35,000 and AUD 55,000 per year for a pharmacy degree. 

Master's in Pharmacy programs cost between AUD 42,000 and AUD 60,000 per year.

These fees generally cover tuition only and do not include living expenses, insurance, or additional course-related costs. 

Know the exact costs of a pharmacy course in your chosen university. Talk to our education experts.

To be eligible to study Pharmacy in Australia, applicants must meet both academic and English language requirements. Universities may have specific criteria, but generally, you’ll need the following:

• 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

It’s important to check individual university websites for detailed entry requirements, as these may vary slightly across institutions.

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.

Why, you may ask?

Global recognition

Some Australian universities do not accept other English tests for specific programs. But with IELTS, you’ll be sure that your English proficiency score will be valid, no matter what university or program you choose.

Consistent and clear requirements

Did you know that some Australian universities recently updated their score requirements for other English tests? 

But the minimum requirement for IELTS stays the same. 

With other tests, the score requirements can change. This can leave you unsure of what score to aim for, or worse, depending on circumstances, you might have to retake your test.

When you choose IELTS, you get a clear and reliable standard, so your application process becomes smoother and worry-free.

Learn more about IELTS Academic for university studies

If you need financial support to study pharmacy in Australia, there are many options available for you, regardless of your study level. Universities in Australia offer scholarships based on academic merit, research potential, or specific study programs.

A pharmacy degree from Australia opens the door to a variety of career paths—both clinical and non-clinical. You won’t be limited to just working in a retail pharmacy. Many graduates go on to work in hospitals, research labs, or the pharmaceutical industry.

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)  

Salary expectations

These numbers can vary depending on location, employer, and whether you choose to specialise.

Pharmacy roles are on Australia’s Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), which means pursuing a career as a pharmacist can help you eventually gain a permanent visa in Australia.

Note: Australia's Skilled Occupation List changes constantly. Make sure you check the SOL for an updated list.

If you're a graduate of a pharmacy degree in Australia, here are some pathways to permanent residency that you can take:.

After a Student Visa Australia (Subclass 500), you can:

Apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

This visa lets you stay and work in Australia after completing your pharmacy degree. Most graduates apply under the Post-Study Work stream.

Move to a Skilled Visa Pathway

Once you’ve obtained your General Registration as a Pharmacist and gained local experience, you may be eligible to apply for:

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

Consider Employer-Sponsored Pathways

Some employers may be willing to sponsor you under:

• Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

• Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

Regional Pathways

You can also work in a designated regional area to gain more PR opportunities and additional points under the skilled migration system.

Ready to start studying pharmacy in Australia? IELTS is the key test you’ll need to unlock the doors to your dream program and university. 

Top universities across the country trust IELTS to make sure you have the language skills needed not just for classes, but for connecting with patients, colleagues, and healthcare teams in the real world. But it doesn’t just end here! 

When you graduate and apply to become a pharmacist, most employers and professional certification bodies, including those in healthcare, also prefer IELTS as the standard measure of English proficiency.

With IELTS, you’re not just checking off a requirement; you’re laying the foundation for your academic and career success.

Sources: 

Why study pharmacy in Australia: Universities Australia, Study Australia, Jobs and Skills Australia
Universities accepting One Skill Retake: Monash University, University of Queensland, University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, University of Western Australia, Charles Darwin University
Types of pharmacy degrees in Australia: IDP Education Australia
Top universities in Australia for pharmacy studies:  QS World University Rankings
Scholarships: Study Australia, IDP Education Australia
Course information: Monash University, University of Sydney, University of Queensland