Study Pharmacy in Australia

Study Pharmacy in Australia

Looking to study pharmacy in Australia? Explore top courses, fees and career pathways in our comprehensive guide.

In summary

Australia offers globally recognised pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences degrees with strong career prospects. At RMIT, students learn in accredited programs, gain hands-on experience in hospitals, community pharmacies and industry, and study in modern, research-active environments. Graduates are job-ready for careers as practising pharmacists, or as pharmaceutical scientists working in drug development, clinical trials, and the wider medicines and biotechnology sector.

Why study pharmacy in Australia?

Australia has a strong global reputation for education, and pharmacy is no exception. Pharmacy degrees here must be accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC), which means they meet strict national standards and are designed to prepare you for safe, effective practice.

As a pharmacy student in Australia, you’ll learn in modern labs, work with experienced pharmacists and academics, and gain hands-on experience in real healthcare and community settings.

There is a national shortage of pharmacists, including hospital pharmacists in rural areas and community pharmacists in both rural and metropolitan locations^, so your skills will be in demand across the country. Over the next five years, pharmacist jobs in Australia are predicted to grow by around 9%*, with an average salary of about $105,000*, giving you strong career and migration prospects after you graduate.

^Source: www.jobsandskills.gov.au 2024

*Source: www.seek.com.au 2026

Top pharmacy courses in Australia

Here are the top pharmacy courses that can be undertaken across Australia, with a spotlight on the offerings at RMIT University.

1. Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)

As an RMIT Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) student, you’ll join a supportive academic community and gain real-world experience through work placements in both hospital and community pharmacies. You’ll build a strong scientific foundation in areas like biology, chemistry, biochemistry, biostatistics, physiology, genetics, microbiology and immunology, while also exploring the social factors that influence health. You’ll develop in-depth knowledge of pharmacology, pharmacy practice, pharmaceutics and therapeutics, and learn how drugs are developed, formulated into medicines and used to manage disease, with the option to add business studies if that interests you. Throughout the degree, you’ll also build professional communication skills so you can confidently advise both consumers and other health professionals about medicines and healthy behaviours.

To become a registered pharmacist in Australia you must:

       AND

  • Complete an additional year of internship training and registration examinations. 

It typically takes a minimum of 5 years to become a pharmacist in Australia.

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Undergraduate degree

Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)

  • next intake February
  • fees AU$48,000 (2026 annual)
  • location Bundoora
  • duration Full-time 4 years
Two RMIT pharmacy students create compound medication in a practice pharmacy.

How to become a pharmacist

Make a positive difference in health and wellbeing through the safe and effective use of medicine.

Learn how to become a pharmacist

2. Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences

The Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at RMIT is designed for students who want to become pharmaceutical scientists and work in the development of new medicines. You’ll explore how the human body works, how drugs act in the body, and how the pharmaceutical industry can create treatments that are more reliable, accessible and effective.

You’ll build a strong foundation in biochemistry, cell biology and physiology, along with pharmacology and clinical trials, and learn about the full drug development process, from discovery through to therapeutic use. You’ll also study the legal and regulatory aspects of developing medicines, preparing you for a multidisciplinary career in areas such as research, drug development, clinical trials, regulatory affairs and the wider pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.

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Undergraduate degree

Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences

  • next intake February
  • fees AU$46,080 (2026 annual)
  • location Bundoora
  • duration Full-time 3 years

3. Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Honours)

The Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Honours) at RMIT is for students aiming to become pharmaceutical scientists, and is designed to give you a strong edge in the pharmaceutical and related job markets.

Employers and industry professionals help shape the curriculum, so what you learn stays closely aligned with real workplace needs. Each year RMIT partners with more than 30 organisations, including pharmaceutical companies, clinical research organisations, hospitals and universities, to offer around 40 weeks of supervised industry placement, where you gain hands-on experience, contribute to real projects and build your academic research skills. Placement allocation is competitive and based on your interests and partner interviews, giving you the chance to step into roles that match your goals.

Throughout your honours year, you’ll integrate theory with practice, develop skills in critical thinking, analysis and synthesis of information, and stay connected to RMIT through workshops, seminars and ongoing academic support, all while helping to improve health outcomes in Australia.

No courses match your current filters

Try adjusting them or reset all filters to see more options

Undergraduate degree

Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Honours)

  • next intake February
  • fees AU$46,080 (2026 total)
  • location Bundoora
  • duration Full-time 1 year
Explore all pharmacy courses at RMIT

English language requirements

To study pharmacy at RMIT, you’ll need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A))
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)1
  • C1 Advanced2
  • OET.2

1. Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Honours) only.

2. Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) only.

*Please use this as a guide only. You are strongly advised to check the minimum English requirements required for your preferred course.

Career pathways

There are many diverse career pathways open to pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences graduates, across healthcare, research and the wider medicines industry. These degrees equip you with in-demand, transferable skills in science, problem solving and communication, which can lead to a variety of roles within the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector.

Career pathways for the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)

  • community pharmacist
  • hospital pharmacist
  • consultant or clinical pharmacist
  • aged care or primary care pharmacist
  • medicines information or medicines safety specialist.

Career pathways for the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Honours)

  • pharmaceutical or medical research scientist
  • drug development or formulation scientist
  • clinical trials associate or coordinator
  • quality control or regulatory affairs officer
  • medical science liaison.

Factors to consider when studying abroad

Location.

Location

When thinking about the place that will be your home for the next few years, consider factors such as safety, culture, infrastructure and more. Think about how far away from home you want to live and whether you have a dream university in mind. Additionally, consider the reputation of the city among future employers. For example, Melbourne is widely recognised as Australia’s best city for students and consistently ranks among the Most Liveable Cities in the World.

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Course academic requirements

Academic requirements can vary between different courses, so it’s important to review the specific details of your preferred course before applying. For instance, the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) degree will have different academic requirements to the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are also course-specific, so make sure to check the annual fees listed on your preferred course’s page. Most universities display these fees on their course pages, providing the most accurate and up-to-date information. The range of tuition fees can significantly change based on the level of study, making the course pages the most reliable source for tuition fee details.

In addition to tuition, remember study-related costs beyond course fees. This may include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and other fees associated with your course. Conducting thorough research will help you create a realistic budget and make informed financial decisions.

How much does it cost to study pharmacy in Australia?

The cost to study pharmacy in Australia changes every year. Check the fees section on the course page for the most up-to-date information.

Fee information for all RMIT international students

Visit our "Fees for international students" page for an overview of important fee information for all international students studying at RMIT.

Cost of living

A city’s cost of living is another vital factor to consider. Manage your costs by considering factors such as accommodation options (on-campus vs off-campus), transportation expenses and potential work options while studying.

Learn more about the cost of living in Melbourne
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Scholarships

International students studying pharmacy in Australia may be able to access a range of scholarships. Eligibility depends on the specific scholarship and your country of citizenship, so it’s important to review each scholarship in detail. Check the individual scholarship pages to see if you meet the requirements and how to apply.

Learn more about scholarships

Why study pharmacy at RMIT

Industry placements

Participate in live projects and actively contribute in a real-world setting.

Research-oriented

Take part in hands-on research projects and prepare for different roles within the broader industry.

Industry connected

Guest lecturers, advisory committees and work-integrated learning ensure relevant material.

More information

Book a session

Book a session

You can also book an 1-on-1 online or phone consultations with our team about your study options, entry requirements, eligibility, scholarships and much more. 

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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures