Work as a pharmacist in New Zealand

Step by step

Each fee links to the page we took it from.

1. 1

   Preliminary review

   NZ$950

   Apply for initial consideration. No other step can start until this approval is granted. Source

2. 2

   Pass OPRA® and NZPL

   A$2,245 (OPRA®) + NZPL

   OPRA® from the Australian Pharmacy Council (two attempts at most) and the NZPL exam from the University of Auckland, both within two years. Source

3. 3

   Register as an intern

   NZ$909

   Intern registration and practising certificate. Then the Intern Training Programme, which starts each February, and the Assessment Centre. If you apply from 2 July 2026, plan for the 2028 intern year. Source

4. 4

   Move to the pharmacist scope

   NZ$1,055 or NZ$371.30

   After passing the Assessment Centre: NZ$1,055 after the May sitting, NZ$371.30 after the November one. Source

Not included: courses, translations, travel, visas and living costs.

Agencies that help with this route

No agency listed for this route yet.

Recruiter, school or consultant for pharmacists in New Zealand? List your agency.