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Pharmacy is a rewarding career in New Zealand, offering opportunities to make a difference in healthcare. This profession offers excellent job security, competitive salaries, and diverse job opportunities in various communities. To practice as a pharmacist, you will need to complete a bachelor’s of pharmacy degree, hands-on training, and registration with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand. Whether you’re a student starting your journey or a professional considering a move to New Zealand, this guide covers everything you need to know to become a pharmacist.
| Jobs Profile | Pharmacist |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Related Industry | Heathcare |
| Average Earning | NZD 60,000- NZD 80,000 Per Year |
This Blog Includes:
Why Choose Pharmacy in New Zealand?
There are several reasons to choose pharmacy in New Zealand; here we have highlighted a few of the best things that you need to know before going to New Zealand:
- High Demand: Pharmacists are on New Zealand’s skill shortage list, offering excellent job security.
- Diverse Career Paths: Offers various job opportunities in various community, hospital, industry, and academic sectors.
- Attractive Salaries: New Zealand offers a competitive pay for pharmacists with growth practical experience.
- Balanced Lifestyle: Flexible work hours and less stress compared to other healthcare roles.
- Quality Education: New Zealand offers a quality education with globally recognized pharmacy programs with hands-on training.
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Steps to Become a Pharmacist in New Zealand
Here we have highlighted the main steps that help you to become a pharmacist in New Zealand:
- Step 1: Understand the Role of a Pharmacist: Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who provide medication advice, dispense prescriptions, and ensure patients use medications safely. In New Zealand, pharmacists work in community pharmacies, hospitals, and specialized sectors.
- Step 2: Meet Entry Requirements: You must have a Strong Academic Background, and focus on biology, chemistry, and math in high school. Meet university requirements, including NCEA Level 3 or equivalent qualifications.
- Step 3: Obtain a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm): Enroll in an accredited Bachelor of Pharmacy program, which typically takes 4 years. Top universities offering this degree in New Zealand include. During the program, you’ll study topics like pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, and patient care.
- Step 4: Complete a One-Year Internship: After graduation, you must complete a pharmacy internship under a registered pharmacist. This hands-on experience is critical to developing practical skills and understanding real-world pharmacy operations.
- Step 5: Register with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (PCNZ): To practice as a pharmacist, you must pass the Assessment Centre exam by PCNZ. Meet the council’s competency and ethical standards.
- Step 6: Obtain an Annual Practicing Certificate (APC): Once registered, apply for an APC to legally practice. Renew it annually to ensure compliance with ongoing education requirements.
Skills Required to Become a Pharmacist in New Zealand
Here we have highlighted the skills that are required to help you become a pharmacist in New Zealand:
- Attention to Detail
- Communication Skills
- Problem-Solving
- Scientific Knowledge
- Empathy and Interpersonal Skills
- Organization and Time Management
- Collaboration
- Adaptability
- Regulatory Knowledge
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Top Universities For Pharmacists in New Zealand
Here we have listed the universities that are globally recognized and provide pathways to registration as a pharmacist in New Zealand:
| Universities | QS Ranking 2025 |
| University of Otago | 214 |
| University of Auckland | 65 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 244 |
| University of South Australia | 363 |
| University of Canbera | 346 |
| University of New England | 500 |
| University of New Castle | 179 |
| University of Queensland | 62 |
| University of Sydney | 19 |
| Curtin College | 193 |
Jobs Opportunities for Pharmacists in New Zealand
New Zealand offers a promising career path for pharmacists, with a strong demand for skilled professionals across various sectors. Here are some key opportunities:
| Positions | Average Salary Per Year |
| Community Pharmacist | NZD 70,000 – NZD 100,000 |
| Hospital Pharmacist | NZD 75,000 – NZD 110,000 |
| Clinical Pharmacist | NZD 85,000 – NZD 120,000 |
| Industrial Pharmacist | NZD 80,000 – NZD 120,000 |
| Academic Pharmacist | NZD 75,000 – NZD 95,000 |
| Regulatory Pharmacist | NZD 80,000 – NZD 110,000 |
| Pharmacy Owner | NZD 90,000- NZD 120,000 |
Average Salary For Pharmacist in New Zealand
The average salary for a pharmacist in New Zealand is NZD 75,000 to NZD 120,000 per year, depending on experience, role, and location:
| Level | Average Salary Per Year |
| Entry Level | NZD 70,000- NZD 85,000 |
| Mid Level | NZD 85,000- NZD 100,000 |
| Senior Level | NZD 100,000- NZD 120,000 |
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FAQs
If they meet the requirements outlined in the NZ Medicines Regulations and are eligible for a work visa under Immigration New Zealand’s (INZ) regulations, qualified pharmacy employees from other countries, whether they be technicians or pharmacists, may look for and be hired as pharmacy technicians or trainee pharmacy technicians in New Zealand.
You can apply for registration under the Intern Pharmacist scope of practice after passing the KAPS/OPRA exam and the NZPL course. This gives you the opportunity to work in a real-world environment under the supervision of a certified pharmacist in New Zealand, gaining experience and putting your knowledge to use.
Because there is a growing need for pharmacists, there is a strong chance of finding employment in this field.
This was all about How to Become a Pharmacist in New Zealand, if you want to read more about the pharmacist in New Zealand, follow Leverage Edu and Jobs Abroad.
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