Master of Pharmacy in Australia: The Complete Guide.. 2023

If you have any questions about a master of pharmacy in Australia, you are in the right place. Let’s look at the details together.

Pharmacy is the science and art of drug preparation and standardization. Pharmacists are medical professionals who synthesize and distribute drugs for use by patients as recommended by their physicians. A pharmacist is authorized to prepare medicinal drugs, such as capsules or medicated solutions for injections, in the correct dosage. Given this broad scope and the need for constant innovation in the field, a master’s in pharmacy in Australia has emerged as one of the best options by BPharm students.  

Master of Pharmacy

Why Should You Study a Master of Pharmacy in Australia?

  1. There are some highly ranked universities in Australia that offer world-class education. These prestigious universities offer a comprehensive program for the Master of Pharmacy in Australia . These include the University of Sydney, University of Queensland, Monash University, University of Western Australia (UWA) and others.
  2. As a multicultural, immigrant-rich country, Australia is a great home to international students and supports their academic and career aspirations. Australia is also among the top five preferred education destinations worldwide. The education system in Australia helps students enroll in internships and work placements to enhance their real-world work experience. It also provides income for international students as they learn skills and discover the opportunities that best suit them.
  3. A master’s in pharmacy in Australia can prepare you to be an effective and innovative pharmacist. As a pharmacist you can study Toxicology, Clinical work, Pharmacology, Veterinary etc. You have a variety of job roles to choose from in the fields. Also pharmaceutical research and development, primary health care, military, non-profit organizations or the pharmaceutical industry. Several leading pharmaceutical companies are recruiting pharmacy graduates for pharmacy jobs in Australia  These organizations include Amcal, Terry White Pharmacy, Priceline, Chemist Warehouse, My Chemist, Pharmacy 777 etc. countable.
  4. Average annual salary of Pharmacist in Australia is around AUD 94,940 (INR 50,64,961). A master’s in pharmacy from a well-rated college in Australia provides lucrative career opportunities.

Also read: Pharmacists in Germany and Switzerland

Master of Pharmacy in Australia

Top Pharmacy Postgraduate Universities (with QS Rankings)

The best universities in Australia for a master’s degree in pharmacy are listed below:

University name QS University Rankings 2022 overall score
one University of Melbourne 27 81.4
2nd Sydney University 37 80.4
3 University of New South Wales (UNSW) 43 77.7
4 University of Queensland 47 76.6
5 Monash University 58 72.2

Cost of Postgraduate Education in Pharmacy in Australia

For international students, pursuing a Master of Pharmacy in Australia is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You should plan ahead and create a strategy to ensure a smooth process, especially your financial situation. When it comes to tuition fees, the average fee ranges from AUD 22,000 (INR 11.74 lakh) to 50,000 (INR 26.68 lakh) per year. 

As an international student, you need an account for a number of expenses other than your tuition fees. These expenses include pre- and post-arrival expenses, travel expenses, house rent, groceries, internet/mobile bills, miscellaneous expenses etc. 

Program Features of the Master of Pharmacy for International Students

course duration Two years *
Average Course Fees AUD 22,000 – 50,000 (INR 11,73,680 – INR 26,67,454 per year).
Top Universities University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of New South Wales (UNSW), University of Queensland, Monash University, University of Western Australia, Sydney University of Technology etc.
Occupations Toxicologist, Clinical Worker, Pharmacist, Veterinary work, Pharmaceutical Researcher and Developer and others.
top recruiters Uncle, Terry White Pharmacy, Priceline, Chemist Warehouse, My Chemist, Pharmacy 777 and others.
average salary AUD 94,940 per year (INR 50,64,960.86)

Degrees That Can Be Earned with a Master of Pharmacy

General degrees you can earn when applying for a master’s in pharmacy in Australia include:

1.  Master of Pharmacy

This includes medicinal chemistry, clinical pharmacy, hands-on training for pharmacy practice, etc. It focuses on advanced courses in 

2. Master of Pharmacy (Research)

The focus is on detailed research and creating academic content that fits practical pharmaceutical needs. 

3. Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy

The course aims to help registered pharmacists develop their clinical pharmacy skills. 

You can also specialize in the following subjects/areas:

1. Pharmaceutical Medicine

2. Pharmaceutical Research

3. Clinical Research

4. Pharmaceutical Sciences

5. Pharmaceutical / Medical device development

6. Pharmacy Practice

7. Radiopharmaceutical Science

Admission Process to Master of Pharmacy

The application process for international students to pursue a Master of Pharmacy in Australia includes:

Eligibility criteria:

1. Interested students must have an approved Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from an accredited/recognized university.

2. Candidates applying to the program must have a minimum grade point average of 5.0 (or 60-65% and above) for admission.

3. Candidate students must have passed the relevant English language proficiency exams with the following average score:

a) International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – score of 5.5/6 or above. 

b) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – 46 or higher. 

c) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) – score of 162 or higher. 

d) Pearson Test of English (PTE) – score of 42 or higher. 

Documents required for admission to the Master of Pharmacy in Australia:

1. Mark the papers for 10th and 12th grades.

2. Academic transcripts of all semesters from your undergraduate degree.

3. English Language Proficiency (ELP) test scorecard.

4. Academic references from the last university or college you attended.

5. Some colleges require students to have a valid track record as a pharmacist in their home country. Proof of the same will be requested at the time of application.

6. Applicants may be required to demonstrate at least two years of full-time relevant professional work practice. (Not required for all colleges)

7. All relevant personal and professional information, academic qualification, work experience, skills, etc. A copy of your updated resume showing

8. A statement of purpose explaining your reasons for choosing the course and college and the expected goals 

Application Deadlines for Masters in Pharmacy in Australia

Most Australian universities recruit two to three students per academic year. It is recommended that students living abroad complete the application process ahead of time. It will ensure that the university authorities process the relevant documents appropriately. Applying in advance will also help international students gain enough time to complete their visa application and other formalities.

session, meeting, session Input Reception Deadline
1st trimester End of February / beginning of March – end of May / beginning of June October November
2nd trimester end of July/early August April May
3 month period From the beginning of September to the end of November September October

It is important to note that all the above information illustrates the comprehensive requirements of different universities in Australia. However, specific requirements will vary between colleges over different courses and time. All prospective international students should visit and research the application details stated on the university’s website before applying for courses. 

Postgraduate Pharmacy Job Prospects in Australia 

A master’s degree in pharmacy from a recognized Australian university opens up a variety of opportunities and a fast track to enroll as a pharmacist.

1. According to forecasts, Pharmacists jobs are expected to reach more than 27,000 positions in 2023.

2. Within a few years, there will be 2,600 jobs for pharmacy graduates in Australia.

3. Pharmacists earn more than 6.5% of the Australian national average salary.

4. Typical pharmacist jobs in Australia include positions such as:

a) Pharmacy Manager

b) Medical marketing manager/manager

c) Pharmacist 

d) Academic Lecturer

e) Pharmacy Manager

f) Toxicologist 

g) Clinical Pharmacist

h) Veterinary Pharmacologist 

i) Pharmaceutical research and development

j) Primary health care services 

k) Manager in the pharmaceutical industry

Salary for Postgraduate Pharmacists in Australia

Companies Annual Salary in AUD (approx.)
The Chemist Warehouse 59,520 AUD (31,75,337 INR)
priceline 67,200 AUD (35,85,058 INR)
uncle AUD 74,880 (INR 39,94,778)
My Chemist 63,360 AUD (33,80,197 INR)
Pharmacy 777 71,040 AUD (37,89,918 INR)
Terry White Pharmacy 63,360 AUD (33,80,197 INR)

The average annual pharmacist salary in Australia is AUD 94,940 (INR 50,64,961).

1. Hourly earnings are approximately AUD 48.69 (INR 2598 per hour).

2. Entry level salaries usually start from AUD 81,953 (INR 43,72,116) per year

3. Established pharmacists earn up to 120,045 AUD (64,04,289 INR) per year.

Master of Pharmacy

Visa Process for Master of Pharmacy

Once you have completed the application formalities for the Master of Pharmacy in Australia, you must apply for a student visa (subclass 500). It allows you to stay in Australia for up to five years from your registration date. The documents that must be submitted when applying for an Australian student visa are:

1. Proof of enrollment in a postgraduate course in pharmacy in Australia .

2. Valid passport.

3. Visa application fees.

4. Passport size photos.

5. Statement of purpose, academic papers and proof of work experience.

6. English Language Proficiency Certificate (ELP) and test scores.

8. Proof of financing.

9. Health Insurance Policy details.

10. Actual Temporary Participant (GTE)* statement.

*This indicates that your intention when applying for a visa is to use the visa as a pass for your studies. GTE is a statement of integrity explaining that you will not abuse your student visa to obtain a residence permit in Australia. Visa application can be processed online after 620 AUD (33,076 INR) has been paid. 

Scholarships Offered in Master of Pharmacy in Australia

Many universities in Australia offer a variety of scholarships to international students to help ease their financial burden. Listed below are the details on these scholarships that help international students pay their Master of Pharmacy fees in Australia.

University Scholarship Offered Amount
University of Melbourne University of Melbourne Scholarship 2022-2023. Full scholarship (including tuition, travel allowance and living allowance)  31,200 AUD(16,64,491 INR)
Sydney University University of Sydney International Scholarship (international postgraduate research scholarship covering tuition and stipend) 35,629 AUD(19,00,774 INR)
University of New South Wales (UNSW) International Scientia Course Scholarship 20,000 AUD(10,66,981 INR 10,66,981)
University of New South Wales (UNSW) Australia’s Global University Award 5,000-10,000 AUD(2,66,745 INR – 5,33,491)
University of New South Wales (UNSW) UNSW Global Scholar Award 5,000-10,000 AUD(2,66,745 INR – 5,33,491)
University of New South Wales (UNSW) Future of Change Scholarships 10,000 AUD(5,33,491 INR)
University of New South Wales (UNSW) Future of Change Schools Excellence Scholarship 10,000 AUD(5,33,491 INR)
University of Queensland Destination Australia Scholarship 15,000 AUD(8,00,236 INR)
University of Queensland Science International Scholarships 3000 AUD(1,60,047 INR)
University of Queensland School of Chemistry and Molecular Biological Sciences Indian Scholarship Covers 25% of tuition and student amenities fees
Monash University Monash University International Merit ScholarshipSir John Monash Excellence Scholarship 10,000 AUD(5,33,491 INR)

Frequently Asked Questions About Masters in Pharmacy in Australia

Q1. Is Australia good for a master’s in pharmacy?

A. Australia is among the top five destinations for postgraduate study overall. It also has several highly ranked universities that offer excellent pharmacy courses/majors that often lead to higher packages and major roles. Therefore, it is safe to say that the country is good for pursuing a master’s in pharmacy.

Q2. Can international students study pharmacy in Australia?

Yes, international students can study pharmacy in Australia. It is an immigrant-rich, diverse and multicultural country that is a great home to international students. Its universities and colleges offer industry-relevant coursework, training and research options that are ideal for your pharmacy education.

Q3. How much do pharmacists earn in Australia?

The average annual pharmacist salary in Australia is AUD 94,940 (INR 50,64,961). Entry-level and established pharmacists earn in the range of AUD 81,953 (INR 43,72,116) to AUD 120,045 (INR 64,04,289) respectively.

Q4. How much IELTS score is required to pursue a master’s in pharmacies in Australia?

Most Australian universities expect an IELTS score in the 6.5 – 7.0 range. It will help you enroll in a Master of Pharmacy in Australia. Check the website of your preferred university under the admissions requirements for exact details.

Q5. How to find a job as a pharmacist in Australia?

Before applying for a pharmacist position in Australia, you must be a registered pharmacist. After graduating from an accredited university, you must enroll in a one-year paid internship and training program. After that, you can take the Australian Board of Pharmacy’s registration exam. Registration is required to seek employment as a pharmacist in Australia.

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