Internationally qualified pharmacists must obtain registration from the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (PCNZ). The pathway includes credential assessment, passing the KAPS exam (or an approved equivalent), English proficiency, and completing a 52-week supervised internship followed by an oral exam.
Success Rate
18–30 Months
$5,000 – $8,000 NZD
Total Duration
Estimated Cost
Success Rate
Difficulty Level
Follow these steps to achieve your global medical career
Submit degree, transcripts, syllabus, and home registration to PCNZ for equivalence assessment.
Achieve IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with no band below 7.0, or OET Grade B in all subtests (minimum 350).
Pass the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences exam (administered by APC Australia but recognised by PCNZ) covering pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, and therapeutics.
Secure a position and complete 52 weeks of supervised internship in a community or hospital pharmacy under an approved preceptor.
Pass the oral examination (clinical scenarios, law, ethics) and apply for full registration with PCNZ.
Essential prerequisites for this pathway
Downloadable guides and references
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