KAPS Vs OSPAP | Which is the Better Choice for a Pharmacist? | Academically | Dr. Akram Ahmad

Summary

This video script discusses the migration process for pharmacists to Australia and the UK, comparing the requirements, costs, and job prospects. It highlights the challenges of the UK's Points-Based System, with limited seats and high competition, versus the simpler process in Australia, where the CAPS exam can be taken from home. The speaker advises against migrating to the UK due to its lengthy and costly process, recommending Australia as a more accessible and efficient alternative for pharmacists.

Takeaways

• 😀 Many people are misguided about the migration process for pharmacists to the UK and Australia.
• 🌍 There are various pathways like the UK OPT and Australia CAPS exam, but each comes with unique challenges.
• 💼 The UK pathway for pharmacists is not highly recommended due to long wait times, limited seats, and a complicated job market.
• 📉 Even after completing degrees in the UK, some pharmacists struggle to find jobs or secure permanent residency (PR).
• 👨‍🎓 OPT in the UK has only 200 available seats, while thousands apply each year, leading to low success rates.
• 📊 For the UK, the entire process could take 5+ years and cost between 1.5 to 2.5 million INR.
• 🧳 In contrast, the Australian CAPS exam can be taken from your home country, and the entire process could be completed within 9 to 12 months.
• 💸 Total expenses for migrating to Australia are lower, around 500,000 INR (excluding visa and airfare), and PR chances are higher.
• 🏫 In Australia, pharmacists can also come via study visas, find part-time work, and later apply for PR, which could take 2 to 3 years.
• 📢 Overall, Australia is a more efficient and cost-effective option for pharmacists looking to migrate, compared to the UK.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video?

The video focuses on the UK and Australian pathways for pharmacists who wish to migrate and discusses the best options in terms of time, cost, and overall process.

Why does the speaker discourage the UK pathway for pharmacists?

The speaker discourages the UK pathway because it is highly competitive, with only 200 available seats and over 1,000 applicants. The process is long, expensive, and finding jobs and permanent residency is difficult.

What are the main issues with the UK's Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme (OSPAP)?

The main issues with OSPAP include a limited number of seats, a tough exam, difficulties finding a visa sponsor, and the long process of securing permanent residency, which can take up to 5-7 years.

What is the speaker's recommendation for pharmacists considering migration?

The speaker highly recommends migrating to Australia over the UK, as the process is simpler, faster (9-12 months), and less expensive (around 5 lakh INR excluding visa and airfare).

How does the Australian CAPS exam benefit pharmacists from countries like India, Pakistan, and Nepal?

The CAPS exam can be taken in multiple countries, including India, Pakistan, and Nepal, allowing pharmacists to complete the process from their home country without needing to move initially.

What is the estimated cost of migrating to Australia compared to the UK?

Migrating to Australia costs around 5 lakh INR (excluding visa and airfare), whereas migrating to the UK can cost between 15-25 lakh INR.

What are the job prospects for pharmacists in the UK compared to Australia?

Job prospects in the UK are lower due to high competition and exploitation in the job market, while Australia offers better job opportunities, especially with the government's issuance of 185,000 permanent visas for skilled workers.

What is the advantage of pursuing a study visa in Australia for pharmacists?

Pharmacists on a study visa in Australia can work 24 hours a week, complete internships, and eventually apply for permanent residency. The entire process is shorter (2-3 years) compared to the UK.

What are the options for pharmacists with a PharmD degree?

Pharmacists with a PharmD degree are recommended to consider Ireland instead of the UK or Australia, as Ireland may offer better opportunities.

How long does it typically take to get permanent residency in Australia compared to the UK?

It takes around 2-3 years to complete the process and get permanent residency in Australia, whereas it can take at least 5 years in the UK if everything goes perfectly.