How do I become a forensic scientist
Get qualified to work as a forensic scientist with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Forensic Scientist.
Common questions
The average weekly salary for a Forensic Scientist in Australia is approximately $1,600. Increase your earning capacity by joining a professional organisation such as the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) and pursuing a Master’s degree in a specialist field: DNA analysis, toxicology, criminology, forensic chemistry, forensic investigations, or similar.
Courses.com.au Team
There are no clear employment figures for Forensic Scientists working in Australia right now. They are employed by government health departments and police forces, though most Forensic Scientists aspire to work for the AFP Forensic Services Division in Canberra.
Courses.com.au Team
You can launch your career as a Forensic Scientist in Australia with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Forensic Science) or Bachelor of Science (Medical, Forensic and Analytical Chemistry) but you will have a wider range of career opportunities with supporting qualifications or a Master’s degree. The Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Criminology, Bachelor of Biomedical Science, and Master of Forensic Science (Professional Practice and Research) are all excellent choices.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
What can you do with a Certificate III in Pathology Collection?
4th November 2021
A Beginner's Guide to Laboratory Technician Training in Australia
7th February 2025All forensic scientist courses
Forensic Scientist careers
Forensic Scientists are specialist scientists who analyse and test suspect items (as well as human tissue and body fluids) that may have been used (or tainted) during crimes. They attend crime scenes, gather evidence, take photographs and sketches, write notes, and question bystanders.
As a Forensic Scientist you could be logging evidence items to take back to the laboratory for testing, taking a swab from a sexual assault victim, testing tissue samples from a deceased person for toxins, testing a hand swab for gunshot residue, writing a report from your laboratory findings to submit to the state police department, appearing in court as an expert witness, or attending an international conference for Forensic Scientists.
Forensic Scientists can be called to a crime scene at any time of the day or night and may be exposed to harmful toxins and body fluids as well as deceased persons with unsettling injuries. To succeed you will need to be a strong critical thinker with the ability to stay calm and professional in a challenging environment.
