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Life Scientist (General)

Life Scientist (General)
ANZSCO Code: 234511 / Group A

A Life Scientist studies the origin, anatomy, physiology, reproduction and behaviour of living organisms and the ways in which they interact with the environment in which they live.

Occupation description

A Life Scientist studies the origin, anatomy, physiology, reproduction and behaviour of living organisms and the ways in which they interact with the environment in which they live.

Occupations considered suitable under this ANZSCO code:

  • Biologist (General)
  • Biological Researcher|

Occupations not considered under this ANZSCO code:

  • Biochemist
  • Biotechnologist
  • Life Science Technician
  • Life Scientist nec

These occupations are classified elsewhere in ANZSCO or are not at the required skill level.

Life Scientists (General) is a VETASSESS Group A occupation

This occupation requires a qualification assessed as comparable to the educational level of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Bachelor degree or higher, in a field highly relevant to the nominated occupation.

Group A - October 2025

The information below describes the available pathways for a Skills Assessment under Group A. Please note that in order to achieve a successful Skills Assessment Outcome, a positive assessment for both qualifications and employment is required.

Pathway 1 

This pathway requires a qualification assessed as comparable to the education level of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Bachelor degree or higher degree and in a field highly relevant to the nominated occupation. 

Bachelor degree or higher degree includes AQF Master Degree or AQF Doctoral Degree.

In addition, it is essential for applicants to meet the following employment criteria:

  • at least one year of post-qualification employment at an appropriate skill level, undertaken in the last five years,
  • working 20 hours or more per week, and
  • highly relevant to the nominated occupation.

Qualification and Employment Criteria

AQF Bachelor degree or higher degree.

This includes qualifications assessed at AQF Bachelor, Master and Doctoral level.

Highly relevant major fields of study include:

  • Life Science
  • Biochemistry and cell biology
  • Botany
  • Ecology and Evolution
  • Genetics
  • Microbiology
  • Human Biology
  • Zoology
  • Marine Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Bacteriology
  • Virology
  • Anatomy
  • Embryology
  • Bioscience
  • Biomedicine
  • Pharmacology

Employment

Highly relevant tasks include, but are not limited to:

  • Studying the forms and structures of bodily organs and tissues by systematic observation, dissection and microscopic examination.
  • Designing and conducting experiments, making observations and measurements, researching information, analysing data, preparing or supervising the preparation of laboratory reports and scientific papers, presenting findings at scientific meetings and conferences, and supervising the work of staff.

Additional relevant tasks may include:

  • Studying the genetic, chemical, physical and structural composition of cells, tissues and organisms.
  • Identifying cellular and developmental events that ensure continuity of life.

Employment Information

Life Scientists (General) is a broad occupation of the Life Scientists ANZSCO unit group and may include those who have studied in diverse biological fields. The context of the work and research undertaken is the main determinant factor in relevance to this occupation.

Employment industries may include but are not limited to; academic faculties, research institutes, biotech, flora and fauna sanctuaries, public companies and privately funded research groups.

Supporting material for assessment

When applying for a Skills Assessment, please ensure you submit sufficient evidence supporting proof of identity, qualification and employment claims. A full list of the documents required can be found on the VETASSESS website under Eligibility Criteria.

You may provide additional evidence supporting your role such as summary brief for grant applications or similar project, research articles or conference proceedings, laboratory reports, patents and list of research projects outlining your responsibilities.

Get Support

Help with a Skills Assessment

Skills Assessment Support (SAS) services are for migration agents, legal practitioners and prospective applicants who are yet to submit their Skills Assessment application to VETASSESS.

Help with an urgent application

For general and professional occupations, priority processing can be used to fast-track urgent applications

How to apply

If you're a professional choosing to migrate to Australia, chances are you're likely to be assessed by us. We assess 361 different professional occupations, assessing your skills, experience and qualifications.

1

Find

Find the VETASSESS occupation that most closely fits your skills and experience. 

2

Match

Match your skills and experience to your chosen occupation.

3

Prepare

Get ready to apply by preparing all the information and documents you need. 

4

Apply

Apply online when you’re ready. If you’re still unsure, skills assessment support is available when you need it.

Start your online application