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Medical Laboratory Science and Biomedical Science Courses in Australia
Reviewed by Mohammad Saghir Khan, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1170510)Last reviewed:
International students can train for pathology laboratory careers through an AIMS-accredited Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science or Laboratory Medicine (3 to 4 years), an accredited master's degree, or the Diploma of Laboratory Technology (MSL50122) for technician roles. Medical Laboratory Scientist (234611) is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, and Medical Laboratory Technician (311213) is on the Short-term list. The Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) assesses both. Graduates of an AIMS-accredited degree do not need to sit the AIMS exam. A general biomedical science degree may not be accredited.
Laboratory Medicine Courses at a Glance
| Qualifications | Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science or Laboratory Medicine; accredited master's degrees; MSL50122 Diploma of Laboratory Technology; HLT37525 Certificate III in Pathology |
|---|---|
| Skills assessment | Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) for Medical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Laboratory Technician and Pathology Collector |
| English for AIMS | An English test report is mandatory for all applicants, at the Home Affairs Proficient English level |
| Registration | No statutory registration for laboratory scientists or technicians in Australia |
| Example occupations | Medical Laboratory Scientist 234611, Medical Laboratory Technician 311213, Pathology Collector 311216 |
Course Options by Study Level
| Qualification | Level | Typical length | What it leads to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate III in Pathology (HLT37525) | AQF 3 (VET) | Check the CRICOS duration | Pathology collection and assistant roles; replaces HLT37215 Certificate III in Pathology Collection |
| Diploma of Laboratory Technology (MSL50122) | AQF 5 (VET) | Usually 2 years | Laboratory technician roles. AIMS also needs 2 years of pathology laboratory work for the Technician assessment |
| Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (AIMS-accredited) | AQF 7 | 3 to 4 years | Medical Laboratory Scientist, assessed by AIMS without the professional exam |
| Master of Laboratory Medicine or similar (AIMS-accredited) | AQF 9 | Usually 2 years | Medical Laboratory Scientist for graduates of a science degree, if the program is AIMS-accredited |
Why AIMS Accreditation Matters
In Australia, the main qualification for a medical laboratory scientist is a 3 or 4-year degree in medical laboratory science or laboratory medicine that is accredited by AIMS. If you complete an AIMS-accredited program and follow its accredited subject pathway, AIMS assesses you as a Medical Laboratory Scientist without the professional exam, and no work experience is needed. Many biomedical science degrees are not AIMS-accredited. Check the AIMS list of accredited programs and ask the course coordinator before you enrol.
Other AIMS Assessment Routes
Applicants without an accredited degree need an acceptable science degree with specific pathology subjects and at least 2 years of work in a medical pathology laboratory, then must pass the AIMS professional exam, held in March and September. For Medical Laboratory Technician, AIMS needs a qualification comparable to an Australian diploma with pathology subjects, plus 2 years of diagnostic pathology laboratory work in the last 5 years. A diploma alone is not enough for a skills assessment.
English and Employment
Every AIMS applicant must provide an English test report, such as IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, OET or Cambridge C1 Advanced, at the Home Affairs Proficient English level. The test must be within 3 years. Laboratory scientists and technicians do not need state or national registration, but pathology employers look for accredited qualifications and laboratory experience.
Careers and Skilled Occupation Lists
These occupations are linked to laboratory medicine courses. List status is from our Occupation Finder data, checked 15 October 2026.
| Occupation | ANZSCO | Skilled lists (15 Oct 2026) | Skills assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Laboratory Scientist | 234611 | MLTSSL | AIMS |
| Medical Laboratory Technician | 311213 | STSOL | AIMS |
| Pathology Collector | 311216 | ROL | AIMS |
| Laboratory Manager | 139913 | STSOL, CSOL | VETASSESS |
| Microbiologist | 234517 | MLTSSL | VETASSESS |
Lists: MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List), STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List), ROL (Regional Occupation List), CSOL (Core Skills Occupation List for the 482 and 186 visas). Check any occupation in our Occupation Finder.
How to Start
- Choose your course and levelTell us your previous study, English results, budget and career goal. We shortlist courses and providers that fit.
- Check AIMS accreditationConfirm the degree is on the AIMS accredited list and which subjects you must take. A general biomedical science degree may not count.
- Check the provider on CRICOSInternational students must study a course registered on CRICOS. The CRICOS duration also matters for the 485 visa, which needs at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of study in Australia over at least 16 months.
- Apply and accept your offerApply with your documents, accept the offer, pay the deposit and arrange Overseas Student Health Cover. The provider then issues your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
- Apply for your Student visaLodge your Student visa (subclass 500) with evidence of funds, English and the Genuine Student requirement. Since 2 October 2026 most applicants must apply from outside Australia. See our Student visa guide.
How Aussie ASEAN Can Help
We compare AIMS-accredited medical laboratory science degrees and laboratory diplomas on placements and total length, help with your application and Student visa, and our Registered Migration Agent can plan your 485 visa and AIMS skills assessment.
Free tools for students
Related courses and visas
Not sure which laboratory medicine course or provider suits your goals? Get free course advice, plus Student visa help from a Registered Migration Agent.
Get course adviceSources: AIMS Guidelines for Assessment (v18.4, March 2026) · AIMS Medical Laboratory Scientist assessment · AIMS Medical Laboratory Technician assessment · MSL50122 on training.gov.au · HLT37525 on training.gov.au
Frequently Asked Questions
Plain-English answers to the questions we are asked most often.
Is medical laboratory scientist on the skilled occupation list?
Yes. Medical Laboratory Scientist (234611) is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List as at 15 October 2026. It is not on the Core Skills Occupation List used for the 482 visa.
Who assesses medical laboratory scientists for migration?
The Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS). It also assesses Medical Laboratory Technician and Pathology Collector.
Is a Bachelor of Biomedical Science enough?
Not always. Graduates of an AIMS-accredited degree are assessed without an exam. Other science degrees need specific pathology subjects, 2 years of pathology laboratory work and a pass in the AIMS professional exam.
Can I be assessed as a Medical Laboratory Technician with a diploma?
You need a diploma-level qualification with pathology subjects and at least 2 years of diagnostic pathology laboratory work in the last 5 years. AIMS does not require an exam for technicians.
Do I need an English test for AIMS?
Yes. All AIMS applicants must provide an English test report at the Home Affairs Proficient English level, and there are no exemptions.
Do medical laboratory scientists need registration in Australia?
No. There is no statutory registration for laboratory scientists or technicians, but employers look for accredited qualifications and experience.
What replaced the Certificate III in Pathology Collection?
HLT37215 has been superseded by HLT37525 Certificate III in Pathology, which also replaces the Certificate III in Pathology Assistance.
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