Pharmacy
- Mar 17, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 21, 2025
Pharmacy involves the study of medications and their use in patient care. It requires an understanding of how drugs work, their potential side effects, and interactions with other medications. Pharmacists work closely with healthcare professionals to ensure safe and effective medication use. Studying Pharmacy in Australia provides a solid foundation in this field, with practical experience gained through clinical placements and internships.
1. QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Pharmacy
Australian universities are well-represented in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 for Pharmacy. Monash University ranks among the top globally, with other leading institutions like the University of Sydney, the University of Queensland, and the University of Melbourne also featured. These universities offer comprehensive Pharmacy programs that integrate scientific and clinical training, preparing graduates for careers in healthcare. Hands-on experience and state-of-the-art facilities are key aspects of their programs.
Rank | Australian University |
4 | Monash University |
19 | The University of Sydney |
28 | The University of Queensland |
51 | The University of Melbourne |
61 | UNSW Sydney |
101-150 | The University of Newcastle |
2. Admissions Guide for Pharmacy in Australia
This diagram provides a brief guide to the admission process for high school and university graduates who wish to study pharmacy in Australia.
3. Entry Requirements for Pharmacy Studies in Australia
The table below outlines the minimum entry requirements for international students who are interested in pursuing studies in Pharmacy in Australia. Entry requirements are categorized into academic and English language requirements. For detailed admission requirements, please consult with an Australian Study Abroad Counselor (QEAC).
Note: These requirements may vary depending on the institution.
Qualification | Duration | IELTS | Academic Requirements |
Bachelor's degree | 4 years | 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) |
|
Combined degree | 5 years | 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) |
|
Master's degree | 2 years | 7.0 (no band less than 7.0) |
|
4. Structure of Pharmacy Courses in Australia
The following table provides an overview of the structure of a Pharmacy course for international students in Australia. It outlines the key components of the course and briefly describes what each component covers. This information can be useful for students who are interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy and want to gain a better understanding of the different areas of knowledge and skills that they will acquire through the course.
Note: The components and course structure may vary depending on the institution and specific course.
Component | Description |
Pre-clinical studies | The study of the basic sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology, which are essential for understanding the human body and the mechanisms of drugs. |
Pharmacy practice | The application of pharmaceutical knowledge and skills to patient care, including communication, patient assessment, drug therapy management, and medication counseling. |
Pharmacy law and ethics | The study of legal and ethical issues related to the practice of pharmacy, including the regulatory framework for drugs, patient confidentiality, and professional conduct. |
Pharmacotherapy | The study of the therapeutic use of drugs, including the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenomics of drugs, as well as drug interactions and adverse drug reactions. |
Pharmacy research | The exploration of new drugs and drug delivery systems, as well as the evaluation of existing drugs and their effectiveness and safety. |
Experiential learning | The application of knowledge and skills in real-world settings, such as community pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, through internships, clerkships, and other practical experiences. |
5. APharmC (Australian Pharmacy Council Limited) Accredited Programs List
The APC (Australian Pharmacy Council) maintains a list of accredited pharmacy programs offered by various institutions across different states and territories in Australia. The accreditation process ensures that the programs meet the required standards for pharmacy education and training in Australia. Prospective pharmacy students or pharmacists seeking to practice in Australia should consult this list to ensure they enroll in an accredited program.
State/Territory | Institution | Program | Duration |
NSW | Charles Sturt University |
|
|
NSW | The University of Newcastle |
|
|
NSW | The University of Sydney |
|
|
NSW | University of New England |
|
|
NSW | University of New South Wales |
|
|
NSW | University of Technology Sydney |
|
|
VIC | La Trobe University |
|
|
VIC | Monash University |
|
|
VIC | RMIT University |
|
|
QLD | Griffith University |
|
|
QLD | James Cook University |
|
|
QLD | Queensland University of Technology |
|
|
QLD | The University of Queensland |
|
|
WA | Curtin university |
|
|
WA | The University of Western Australia |
|
|
SA | University of South Australia |
|
|
ACT | University of Canberra |
|
|
TAS | University of Tasmania |
|
|
NT | Charles Darwin University |
|
|
6. Hierarchy of Pharmacy Positions and Descriptions
The table outlines the positions in the pharmacy hierarchy in Australia, from Pharmacy Assistant to Pharmacist. Responsibilities and required skills increase with each position, with higher positions requiring experience in managing a team and providing advanced pharmaceutical care.
Note that the positions and descriptions may vary depending on the pharmacy institution or organization.
Position | Description |
Pharmacy Assistant | Assists pharmacists in dispensing medications, maintaining inventory, and handling customer inquiries. Requires knowledge of basic pharmacy practices and procedures. |
Pharmacy Technician | Performs tasks related to medication preparation and dispensing, as well as inventory management and prescription record-keeping. Requires formal training and certification. |
Intern Pharmacist | Works under the supervision of a registered pharmacist to gain practical experience in pharmacy practice, including patient counseling, drug therapy management, and medication dispensing. |
Pharmacist | Dispenses medications, provides medication counseling to patients, manages drug therapy, and provides pharmaceutical care. May also manage a pharmacy team and participate in research and education. Requires formal education and registration with the pharmacy board. |
Pharmacy Manager | Manages the operations of a pharmacy, including staffing, inventory management, financial management, and regulatory compliance. Requires experience in pharmacy practice and management skills. |
Pharmacy Owner | Owns and operates a pharmacy, overseeing all aspects of the business, including financial management, marketing, and human resources. Requires a combination of pharmacy practice and business skills. |
7. Registration and Career Information for Pharmacy in Australia
The table below shows the process and future directions for becoming a pharmacist in Australia. Additionally, it provides information on the employment size, future job growth rate, average salary, employee percentage, female employment rate, and the average age of the pharmacy profession in Australia.
Occupation | Pharmacists (ANZSCO ID 2515) |
Job Type | Professionals |
Skill Level | Very high skill |
Unemployment Rate | Below average |
Employed | 33,800 |
Future Growth | 9% |
Weekly Earnings | A$1,980 |
Full-Time Share | 68% |
Female Share | 62% |
Average Age | 34 |
8. Immigrating to Australia through Pharmacy
The diagram below provides an overview of the general process for immigrating to Australia through the Australian Pharmacy Program, including available visa options and Pharmacy-related occupations.
Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) | Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491) | Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482) | Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494) |
X | O | O | O (Short term) | O |
Occupation | ANZSCO | List | Visa | Accessing Authority |
Retail Pharmacist | 251513 | STSOL | Subclass 190 Subclass 482 (Short term) Subclass 187 Subclass 494 Subclass 491 | APharmC |
Industrial Pharmacist | 251512 | STSOL | Subclass 190 Subclass 482 (Short term) Subclass 187 Subclass 494 Subclass 491 | VETASSESS |
Hospital Pharmacist | 251511 | STSOL | Subclass 190 Subclass 482 (Short term) Subclass 187 Subclass 494 Subclass 491 | APharmC |
Comments