Studies microscopic forms of life such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa.
“LIFE SCIENTISTS examine the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of humans, animals, plants and other living organisms to better understand how living organisms function and interact with each other and the environment in which they live.”
Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).
Pathways that lead directly to Australian permanent residency
Points-tested permanent residence. No sponsor required — the most flexible PR pathway for skilled workers.
State or territory nominated permanent residence. +5 points and access to a state's occupation list.
Live, work, and study in a regional area — lead to PR via 191
Provisional regional visa via state/territory or family sponsorship. Live, work and study regionally for 3 years; pathway to PR via 191.
Provisional regional visa via state/territory or family sponsorship. Live, work and study regionally for 3 years; pathway to PR via 191.
Provisional visa for regional employer sponsorship. 3-year commitment with a clear pathway to permanent residence via 191.
Closed to new applications. Pathway to subclass 887 permanent residence for existing 489 holders.
Closed to new applications since 16 Nov 2019. Existing holders retain a pathway to SC 887 PR.
Closed to new applications. Pathway to subclass 887 permanent residence for existing 489 holders.
Closed to new applications since 16 Nov 2019. Existing holders retain a pathway to SC 887 PR.
Short to medium-term visas — some offer a PR pathway
Post-study work visa for international graduates of Australian institutions. Up to 5 years depending on qualification.
Workplace-based training visa. Up to 2 years for occupational training, professional development or registration requirements.
Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)
This occupation is eligible under the following DAMA regions, which may offer concessions on age, English, and salary requirements.
High scarcity, shortages driven by long training times, deep capabilities to meet projected long-term skills needs. For example, medical specialists and researchers.
SkillSelect tiered prioritisation model · Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) and 491 Family Sponsored invitation rounds · effective Program Year 2025-26. Occupation ceilings managed at the ANZSCO Minor Group (4-digit) level; ranking within each tier is by points-test score after the 500-invitation per-Unit-Group threshold.
IndicativeAttachment B (the official tier list) is redacted in the FOI release. Tier shown is derived from the policy intent + Ministerial Direction 105.
Choose a state to view nomination criteria, place allocations, and recent invitation rounds.
A snapshot of how many people are competing for this occupation right now. Tap “View full EOI insights” for wait-time estimates, state-by-state difficulty, peer comparisons and cohort tracking.
A quick read on workforce size, pay and demand.
Personalised for Microbiologist (ANZSCO 234517). Estimated pathway timeline: up to 24 months.
On MLTSSL · Skill Level 1
60 days to lodge · SC 189 DHA processing
Not sure which pathway fits you? Book a free 30-minute consultation with an OMARA-registered agent.
