Australian and New Zealand Trained Applicants

The Australian Pharmacy Council provides skills assessments for individuals who are not Australian citizens or permanent residents but hold an approved Australian or New Zealand pharmacy qualification which leads to registration in Australia.  These pharmacists require an initial (qualifications) skills assessment to submit to Australian migration authorities as part of a visa application. They do not require the secondary assessment of knowledge or competency.  Applicants can apply to the APC for an initial skills assessment on completion of their studies.  Their documents will be assessed and an assessment letter will be sent to them which (if their documents are all in order) should accompany their visa application.

Australian and New Zealand trained applicants should use the standard ‘Application for Assessment of Professional Qualifications in Pharmacy’ form.  They must provide certified copies of an official transcript of their academic record and a copy of their degree certificate.  If they have only recently graduated and have not yet been awarded the degree, then a letter from the university they attended advising that they have completed all the requirements and will be awarded the degree will be acceptable. If previous registration in Australia has been held then this should be included with their supporting documents.

Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement

Under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement pharmacists who are registered to practise pharmacy in New Zealand may apply for registration in Australia.

After 1 July 2010 applicants may apply directly to an Office of the Pharmacy Board of Australia.  

Useful Information

To undertake the required period of supervised practice candidates must hold an appropriate visa which allows them to work under the direct supervision of a registered pharmacist in a training position. Candidates should contact their nearest migration office for further information on visas.

APC Appeals Policy

The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) has an assessment appeals policy.  The policy provides for appeals to be made against the initial assessment (which establishes an applicant’s eligibility to undertake the secondary assessment) or against the secondary assessment (which assesses knowledge or competency). 

Other relevant information can be found on the Whats New and FAQs pages on this website.