Life Scientists nec (ANZSCO 234599)

    Updated

    What a Life Scientists nec does

    This occupation group covers Life Scientists not elsewhere classified.

    Includes
    Anatomist, Animal Behaviourist, Neuroscientist, Parasitologist, Pharmacologist (Non-clinical), Physiologist, Toxicologist

    Key facts

    ANZSCO code
    234599
    Skill level
    1Bachelor degree or higher
    Visas that list it
    189190491482186494
    Assessing authority
    VETASSESS
    National shortage
    No shortage

    Visa options

    Occupation eligibility is one requirement; each visa page links to the rest.

    Main tasks

    • 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
    • studying the forms and structures of bodily organs and tissues by systematic observation, dissection and microscopic examination
    • investigating the chemical structure and function of living cells and their isolated components, organs and tissues in humans, animals, plants, and micro-organisms
    • examining micro-organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, yeast and their enzymes, and using the knowledge gained to create and develop new, and improve existing, products, materials and processes
    • investigating the effects of environmental factors, such as rainfall, temperature, sunlight, soil, topography and disease, on plant growth
    • planning and undertaking experiments to study, measure and understand marine animals and plants
    • studying the growth and characteristics of micro-organisms, such as bacteria, algae and fungi, and the effects they have on plants, animals and humans to develop medical, veterinary, industrial, environmental and other practical applications
    • investigating the impacts of insects on plants, animals and humans in relation to human health and agricultural production
    • investigating the interrelationships between animals in their natural surroundings, in captivity and in laboratories

    Shortage by state

    • NationalNo shortage
    • ACTNo shortage
    • NSWNo shortage
    • NTNo shortage
    • QLDNo shortage
    • SANo shortage
    • TASNo shortage
    • VICNo shortage
    • WANo shortage

    State and territory nomination

    For the 190 and 491, each state and territory also has its own occupation list.

    Common questions

    What does a Life Scientists nec do?

    This occupation group covers Life Scientists not elsewhere classified. (ABS ANZSCO description.)

    Is Life Scientists nec on the skilled occupation list?

    Yes. Life Scientists nec (ANZSCO 234599) is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) (lists in force from 14 December 2024). It is listed for the 186, 189, 190, 482, 491 and 494 visas.

    What is the ANZSCO code for Life Scientists nec?

    234599. Home Affairs uses ANZSCO codes for skilled visas.

    How can a Life Scientists nec migrate to Australia?

    The occupation lists Home Affairs publishes include Life Scientists nec for the Subclass 186, Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 482, Subclass 491 and Subclass 494 visas. Being on a list is one requirement among several; each visa's page links to Home Affairs for the rest.

    Who assesses Life Scientists nec for an Australian visa?

    VETASSESS, the skills assessing authority listed for 234599.

    Is Life Scientists nec in demand in Australia?

    Jobs and Skills Australia rated it "No shortage" nationally in its 2025 Occupation Shortage List, with ratings for each state and territory shown above.

    Sources

    1. 1Department of Home Affairs, skilled occupation listimmi.homeaffairs.gov.au
    2. 2Australian Bureau of Statistics, ANZSCO – Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, 2022, CC BY 4.0abs.gov.au
    3. 3Jobs and Skills Australia, Occupation Shortage List, 2025 listjobsandskills.gov.au