Master's in Pharmacy is a postgraduate pathway for the students who want to build their career in pharmaceutical sciences, medicines, clinical practice and healthcare. Australian universities also offer graduate-entry pharmacy programmes with a strong emphasis on clinical education, practical training and supervised placements.

For international students, choosing an accredited pharmacy programme is particularly important because pharmacy is a regulated health profession in Australia. The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) accredits pharmacy degree programmes, while the Pharmacy Board of Australia approves programmes of study for registration purposes. Graduates of approved Australian pharmacy programmes may apply for registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra), provided they meet the applicable registration requirements.

Australian pharmacy education places strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, clinical skills, research and professional standards. Let's find out what more Australia has to offer to its pharmacy students.

Globally recognised education — Australian universities are known for strong teaching, research and healthcare education.

International exposure — Australia has a diverse international student population and provides opportunities to study alongside students from different countries and backgrounds.

Practical and clinical learning — Pharmacy programmes in Australia may include laboratory work, practical classes, clinical education, placements or other forms of work-integrated learning. The exact level of practical and clinical training varies by programme, so students should check the curriculum and placement requirements before applying.

Opportunities to gain work experience — Eligible international students on the Student visa can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, subject to their visa conditions.

Strong career outcomes — A relevant master's degree can help students develop advanced knowledge for areas such as pharmaceutical science, drug development, research, clinical pharmacy, medicines management and healthcare services. However, career options depend on the specific qualification, skills, registration status and employer requirements.

Pathways for pharmacist registration — Students who complete an APC-accredited and Pharmacy Board of Australia-approved Australian pharmacy degree may be eligible to apply for provisional registration through Ahpra, subject to the applicable registration, supervised-practice and examination requirements.

Post-study work opportunities — Australia offers post-study work visas (like the Temporary Graduate visa, subclass 485) that let international graduates gain work experience after finishing their degree — useful for building local experience before pursuing registration or returning home.

Australia is globally renowned for its world-class healthcare education, making it a top destination for international students wanting to pursue pharmacy. It offers several postgraduate pharmacy and pharmaceutical-science options for international students. Here are some of the top courses.

• Master of Pharmaceutical Science

• Master of Pharmacy

• Master's programs in Clinical Pharmacy or Pharmacy Practice

• Master of Biomedical Science (Pharmacology)

The cost of studying a Master's in Pharmacy in Australia varies by university, course structure, specialisation and duration. Here is an estimated cost breakdown.

However, students who are staying in Sydney and Melbourne may need a higher budget than those living in some smaller Australian cities.

For international students, Australia has several strong universities offering master's-level pharmacy or pharmaceutical-science programmes. However, an important distinction is that not every master's programme leads to pharmacist registration in Australia.

• University of Sydney

• University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

• Griffith University

• University of Canberra

• Monash University

International students pursuing a Master's in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science or a related pharmacy discipline in Australia can explore university-specific, merit-based, government-funded and research scholarships. However, the availability, value and eligibility criteria vary by university and programme.

The eligibility requirements for a Master's in Pharmacy in Australia vary depending on the university and the type of programme. Here's an overview of what's typically required to get into a Master of Pharmacy program in Australia.

Academic Qualification — Applicants generally need a recognised bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification. The required undergraduate background depends on the programme.

Pharmacy or Science Background — Applicants to professional Master of Pharmacy programmes may need to have completed specific university-level subjects. Common prerequisites can include chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, human physiology and mathematics or statistics, but the exact combination and number of subjects vary by institution.

Minimum Academic Score — There is no single percentage or CGPA requirement applicable to all Australian universities. Each institution sets its own academic threshold.

English Language Proficiency — International applicants generally need to meet the university's English-language requirements unless they qualify for an exemption. These course-admission requirements should not be confused with the English Language Skills registration standard that applies to applicants seeking registration as pharmacists in Australia. The Pharmacy Board of Australia/Ahpra has separate requirements for registration.

Work Experience — Work experience is generally not a universal admission requirement for a Master of Pharmacy in Australia. Requirements vary by programme, and applicants should check the individual university's admission criteria.

Registration Requirements for Professional Pharmacy Courses — Students planning to become registered pharmacists in Australia should check whether the specific Master of Pharmacy is accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) and how it connects to the Pharmacy Board of Australia/Ahpra registration pathway.

Documents Required — International applicants will generally need to provide documents like Bachelor's degree certificate, academic transcripts/marksheets, evidence of English-language proficiency, passport/identity documents, updated CV or résumé, where required, evidence of prerequisite subjects, personal statement or supplementary application form, if required and evidence of relevant professional experience, where applicable.

A Master's in Pharmacy can open career opportunities across community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, pharmaceutical companies, research, clinical trials and regulatory affairs. Here are some of the best career options for pharmacy graduates.