Introduction
The Overseas Pharmacists Readiness Assessment (OPRA) is the test that all pharmacy graduates from foreign nations must pass in order to work and register in Australia. The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) established OPRA in 2024 in place of the previous KAPS test.This modification was made to improve the test’s relevance to current pharmacy practice, streamline its administration, and ease its completion.
The cost of the OPRA exam in Indian rupees is a common inquiry among Indian applicants.This guidebook gives a full answer to that question. We will look at the official APC price structure, change it to INR using current exchange rates, and give a full explanation of how the pricing works.
Elite Expertise, a reputable global pharmacy education and consulting company, helps applicants with the whole OPRA process, not just the money part. Elite makes the process easier, cheaper, and less stressful for those who want to become pharmacists by giving them professional advice, study materials, and hands-on help.
Official OPRA Exam Fees 2025
The APC charges all candidates in Australian Dollars (AUD), and the OPRA pathway includes three compulsory fees plus one optional fee.
- Eligibility Check – AUD 810
First step where APC verifies whether your degree meets Australian standards. - Skills Assessment Outcome – AUD 300
Confirmation of your eligibility to sit for the OPRA exam. - OPRA Exam Fee – AUD 2,190
The main computer-based assessment (120 MCQs, 2.5 hrs). - Updated Skills Assessment (Optional) – AUD 610
Required only if you later submit new qualifications or update your file.
Total OPRA Exam Fee: AUD 3,300 (₹1.81 lakh approx.)
With optional update: AUD 3,910 (₹2.15 lakh approx.)
Elite Expertise Tip: Many candidates make payment errors or face document rejections at this stage. Elite’s team guides you step by step through APC applications to ensure zero mistakes and no wasted fees.
OPRA Exam Fees in Indian Rupees
Since fees are payable in AUD, Indian candidates need to convert them into INR. For 2025, the exchange rate averages around ₹55 per AUD.
Conversion Table
| Fee Component | AUD | INR (@₹55) |
| Eligibility Check | 810 | ₹44,550 |
| Skills Assessment Outcome | 300 | ₹16,500 |
| OPRA Exam | 2,190 | ₹1,20,450 |
| Total (without update) | 3,300 | ₹1,81,500 |
| Optional Updated Assessment | 610 | ₹33,550 |
So, the official OPRA exam cost for Indian candidates is approximately ₹1.81 lakh. If you need the optional updated assessment, it may increase to around ₹2.15 lakh.
OPRA Exam Fee Comparison Across Currencies
Since candidates come from different countries, here’s how the total OPRA exam fee of AUD 3,300 converts into other major currencies (approximate rates for 2025):
| Step | AUD | USD | INR | CAD | NZD | GBP | EUR |
| Eligibility Check | 810 | 520 | ₹44,550 | 700 | 870 | 420 | 480 |
| Skills Assessment Outcome | 300 | 190 | ₹16,500 | 260 | 320 | 150 | 175 |
| Updated Skills Assessment (opt.) | 610 | 390 | ₹33,550 | 530 | 650 | 310 | 350 |
| OPRA Exam | 2190 | 1410 | ₹1,20,450 | 1900 | 2400 | 1120 | 1260 |
Additional Costs Beyond OPRA Exam Fees
The official OPRA test fees (AUD 3,300 ≈ ₹1.81 lakh) are set and can’t be changed, but most applicants also have to pay extra expenditures that are just as crucial to think about. The prices will be different for you based on where you live, how you want to prepare, and your own situation. Here is a full breakdown:
1. English Language Proficiency Test
Before you can appear for the OPRA exam, you need to prove your English language skills. The most commonly accepted tests include:
- IELTS Academic – Approx. ₹16,250 in India
- PTE Academic – Around ₹15,900
- OET (Occupational English Test) – Higher cost, approx. ₹30,000–₹32,000
- TOEFL iBT – Around ₹16,000
Why this matters: Passing English is mandatory. Most candidates budget at least ₹15,000–₹30,000 for this stage. If you need to retake the test, the cost multiplies.
2. Document Translation & Courier Charges
All your academic and professional documents (degree, transcripts, license, ID proof) need to be submitted to the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC).
- If your documents are in English, this is simpler.
- If not, professional translation services are required, which may cost ₹3,000–₹7,000 per document.
- Sending certified hard copies overseas via international courier (DHL/FedEx) can cost ₹3,000–₹6,000 each time.
Estimated total: ₹5,000–₹15,000
3. Preparation Materials & Coaching
Self-study is possible, but many candidates choose structured preparation programs.
- Online OPRA coaching courses – ₹25,000–₹50,000
- Private tutoring or mentorship – ₹40,000–₹80,000
- Study guides & mock tests – ₹5,000–₹10,000
Estimated total: ₹25,000–₹1,00,000, depending on your choice.
4. Travel & Accommodation
Currently, the OPRA exam is conducted only in Australia. This means Indian and international candidates must budget for:
- Flight tickets – ₹60,000–₹90,000 (round trip to Australia)
- Visa application fees – Approx. ₹9,000–₹12,000
- Health insurance (mandatory for visa) – Around ₹3,000–₹6,000 per month
- Accommodation – Budget hotels or hostels may cost ₹3,000–₹6,000 per night; Airbnb or shared stays could be cheaper.
Estimated total for travel & stay: ₹80,000–₹1,20,000 (minimum for 7–10 days stay).
5. Consultancy & Agent Fees (Optional)
Some candidates hire education or migration consultants to handle applications, documentation, and guidance. While optional, this can save time and reduce errors.
- Typical fee: ₹20,000–₹40,000 in India
Grand Total (OPRA Fees + Additional Costs)
If we add core OPRA fees (₹1.81 lakh) to additional expenses, here’s what Indian candidates should realistically expect:
| Category | Estimated Cost (INR) |
| OPRA Exam Fees in Indian Rupees (fixed) | ₹1,81,000 |
| English Test | ₹15,000–₹30,000 |
| Documents & Courier | ₹5,000–₹15,000 |
| Coaching/Study Material | ₹25,000–₹1,00,000 |
| Travel & Stay | ₹80,000–₹1,20,000 |
| Agent/Consultant (optional) | ₹20,000–₹40,000 |
| Total (approx.) | ₹2.5–₹3.5 lakh |
Why the OPRA Exam Fee is Worth It
Some candidates might think the fee of ₹1.8–2.1 lakh is too high. But OPRA is different from the older KAPS exam in that
- Easier: there is only one test instead of two.
- Less expensive: total pathway costs are lower
- Relevant: The questions are about real-world pharmacy work and taking care of patients.
- Efficient: quicker results and a simpler process for evaluating.
For Indian pharmacists who want to work in Australia, this fee is more than just an exam fee; it’s a way to start a career in pharmacy around the world.
For Indian pharmacists aiming to work in Australia, this fee is not just an exam charge—it’s an investment in a global pharmacy career.
OPRA Exam Fees vs. KAPS
| Pathway | Total Cost (Approx. AUD) | Total Cost in INR (@₹55) |
| KAPS (Old) | 3,500–3,700 | ₹1.92–₹2.03 lakh |
| OPRA (New) | 3,300 (core fees) | ₹1.81 lakh |
Clearly, OPRA offers a lower fee structure and is designed to be more efficient for international candidates.
Is OPRA More Affordable Than KAPS? A Full Cost & Process Breakdown
| Criteria | KAPS (Old Pathway) | OPRA (New Pathway) |
| Eligibility Check Fee | AUD 610 (~₹33,500) | AUD 810 (~₹44,500) |
| Skills Assessment Outcome Fee | AUD 490 (~₹27,000) | AUD 300 (~₹16,500) |
| Exam Fee | AUD 2,290 (~₹1,25,500) | AUD 2,190 (~₹1,20,450) |
| Updated Skills Assessment (if required) | Not applicable | AUD 610 (~₹33,550) |
| Total Core Cost (without updates) | AUD 3,390 (~₹1,86,000) | AUD 3,300 (~₹1,81,500) |
| Exam Structure | 2 Papers (4 hrs each, 200 MCQs total) | 1 Paper (2.5 hrs, 120 MCQs) |
| Exam Focus | Theoretical knowledge (basic sciences, pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, clinical practice) | Therapeutics & patient care (clinical pharmacy, pharmacotherapy, evidence-based practice) |
| Scoring System | Classical scoring, fixed pass mark | Rasch psychometric model (fairer & adaptive standard-setting) |
| Difficulty Level | Broad coverage, heavier focus on science & formulations | Narrower, more practical, clinical decision-making focus |
| Syllabus Breakdown | – Basic Sciences (Chemistry, Physiology, Biochemistry) – Pharmaceutics & Dispensing – Medicinal Chemistry – Pharmacology – Clinical Pharmacy Basics – Pharmacy Law & Ethics | – Clinical Pharmacy – Pharmacotherapy (Cardio, Endocrine, Respiratory, CNS, Renal, Infectious diseases) – Patient Safety & Counselling – Evidence-Based Practice – Pharmacy Law & Professional Standards (Australia-focused) |
| Duration of Exam | 2 sessions (2 papers, 4 hrs each, usually separate sittings) | 1 session (single exam, 2.5 hrs) |
| Overall Cost (with additional expenses like travel, books, coaching, accommodation) | ~AUD 5,500 – 7,000 (₹3.0 – 4.0 lakhs) | ~AUD 4,500 – 6,000 (₹2.5 – 3.5 lakhs) |
| Preparation Support (Academically) | KAPS Crash Course, Mock Tests, Study Material (theory focused) | OPRA Targeted Coaching, Clinical Case Study Training, Practice Exams |
OPRA Fees: Validity & Refund Policy
- Skills Assessment Outcome Validity: 3 years
- Refunds:
- Eligibility & Skills Assessment → Non-refundable
- OPRA exam fee → Partial refunds possible (with cancellation fees)
- Eligibility & Skills Assessment → Non-refundable
Elite Expertise Guidance: Elite ensures you don’t lose money through avoidable cancellations or missed deadlines by helping you plan strategically.
How Elite Expertise Can Help You Succeed in OPRA
Preparing for the OPRA exam can feel overwhelming — especially for international students who must manage costs, applications, and rigorous preparation. This is where Elite Expertise becomes a game-changer.
Elite Expertise is a trusted name in pharmacy exam preparation and has already guided countless students through the PEBC (Canada) and KAPS (Australia) pathways. With the introduction of OPRA, Elite quickly adapted its expertise to design a specialized OPRA coaching program tailored to the new exam structure.
Here’s how Elite supports OPRA candidates:
- Structured OPRA Coaching: Live and recorded sessions led by pharmacy experts who understand the new APC framework.
- Mock Tests & Practice Questions: Designed to mirror the OPRA exam pattern, helping candidates build accuracy and confidence.
- Personalized Mentorship: One-on-one guidance to strengthen weak areas and improve exam strategies.
- Community Support: A global network of pharmacists preparing for the same journey, creating motivation and shared learning.
- End-to-End Guidance: Beyond exam prep, Elite also advises on applications, timelines, and career steps after OPRA.
With this holistic support system, Elite Expertise significantly increases your chances of passing OPRA on the first attempt, making your path to becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia smoother and less stressful.
Conclusion
OPRA exam candidates from India will be required to pay approximately ₹1.81 lakh (AUD 3,300) in 2025. This involves checking to determine if you fit the requirements, going at the outcomes of the skills exam, and administering the test itself.If you change your documents later, you might have to pay an extra ₹33,550 (AUD 610).
The move from KAPS to OPRA has made the procedure easier, quicker, and cheaper. This makes it simpler for chemists from India to get jobs in Australia. You don’t just have to pay this cost to pass a test; it’s also a method to invest in your future career and professional life overseas.
