Agricultural Research Scientist – ANZSCO 234114

Agricultural Research Scientist (ANZSCO 234114) is a skill level 1 occupation assessed by VETASSESS (Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services) for Australian skilled migration. It is on the CSOL list and can be used for subclass 482, subclass 186.

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Quick facts

ANZSCO code: 234114
Skill level: 1 – Bachelor degree or higher, or at least 5 years of relevant experience.
Assessing authority: VETASSESS
Occupation lists: CSOL
English test for skills assessment: Not required
ANZSCO unit group: 2341 Agricultural, Fisheries and Forestry Scientists

Agricultural Research Scientist job description and duties

Researches and studies commercial plants, animals, and cultivation techniques to enhance the productivity of farms and agricultural industries.

Also known as: Agricultural Scientist

Specialisations: Research Agronomist

Tasks include

Collecting and analysing data and samples of produce, feed, soil, water quality and other factors affecting stock and production
Advising Farmers and Farm Managers on techniques for improving production, and alternative options
Advising farmers on issues such as livestock and crop disease, control of pests and weeds, soil improvement, animal husbandry and nutrition and feeding programs
Studying environmental and other factors affecting commercial crop production, pasture growth, animal breeding, fisheries, and forests and forest trees
Studying the effects of cultivation techniques, soils, insects and diseases on production
Developing procedures and techniques for solving problems and improving the efficiency of production
Managing forest and aquatic resources to maximise their long-term commercial, recreational and environmental benefits for the community
Studying the propagation and culture of forest trees, methods for improving the growth of stock and the effects of thinning on forest yields
Preparing plans for reafforestation and devising efficient harvesting systems
Investigating, planning and implementing management procedures to cope with the effects of fires, floods, droughts, soil erosion, insect pests and diseases

Education and skill level

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).

What the assessing authority expects: VETASSESS Group A: minimum AQF Bachelor degree or higher.

Visa options for Agricultural Research Scientist

Eligible means the occupation is on a list the visa accepts. You still need to meet every other requirement.

Subclass 189 Skilled Independent: Not eligible (via MLTSSL)
Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated: Not eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL)
Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional – State/Territory nominated: Not eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)
Subclass 491F Skilled Work Regional – Family sponsored: Not eligible (via MLTSSL)
Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate – Post-Vocational Education Work: Not eligible (via MLTSSL)
Subclass 482 Skills in Demand – Core Skills stream: Eligible (via CSOL)
Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme – Direct Entry: Eligible (via CSOL)
Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Employer sponsored: Not eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)
Subclass 407 Training visa: Not eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)

State and territory nomination for Agricultural Research Scientist

This occupation is not on the federal lists for the 190 or 491 visas, so no state or territory can nominate it. Employer-sponsored visas may still apply.

Skills assessment for Agricultural Research Scientist

VETASSESS checks two things: that your qualification is at the right Australian (AQF) level and in a relevant field, and that you have enough relevant work experience at the right skill level. You need a positive result on both.

The process

Pick the right occupation: Match your duties to the occupation description and check its VETASSESS group.
Prepare documents: Qualifications, transcripts, employment references, payslips and ID as high-quality colour scans.
Apply online: Create a VETASSESS account, upload documents and pay. You can change occupation free within 10 days of payment.
Assessment: An officer reviews your file and may ask for more documents (you get 28 days to respond).
Outcome: Download your outcome letter and use it for your EOI and visa.

What you need for this occupation

Agricultural Research Scientist is a VETASSESS Group A occupation. You need a qualification at AQF Bachelor degree or higher level and must meet one of these pathways in full:

Pathway 1: AQF Bachelor degree or higher in a highly relevant field + 1 year of highly relevant post-qualification employment in the last 5 years

Employment must be paid, 20 or more hours a week and at the right skill level. Official VETASSESS page for Agricultural Research Scientist.

Documents checklist

Passport bio page
Degree certificates and full academic transcripts
Employment reference letters on company letterhead (duties, dates, hours, salary)
Payslips, tax or bank records for each job
CV/résumé
English translations of non-English documents

Key facts

Fee (full assessment): AUD 1,146 from outside Australia (no GST); AUD 1,260.60 in Australia
Priority processing: + AUD 863 (outside Australia) / AUD 949.30 (in Australia); about 10 business days
Outcome valid for: 3 years from the issue date
Work hours that count: 20 hours or more per week
Validity for visas: Home Affairs generally accepts an assessment for 3 years unless the letter says otherwise

English language requirement

For the VETASSESS skills assessment

No English test required. No English test is needed for the VETASSESS skills assessment. VETASSESS checks your qualification and employment; your English is tested later, for the visa.

For the visa (189, 190 and 491)

Separately, the visa needs at least Competent English. Minimum scores for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025:

IELTS (Academic or General): Listening 6.0, Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0, Speaking 6.0
PTE Academic: Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, Speaking 54
TOEFL iBT: Listening 16, Reading 16, Writing 19, Speaking 19
OET: Listening 290, Reading 310, Writing 290, Speaking 330

Proficient English adds 10 points and Superior English adds 20 points in the points test.

Related occupations in unit group 2341

Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Agricultural Research Scientist?

The ANZSCO code for Agricultural Research Scientist is 234114. It is a skill level 1 occupation.

Who assesses Agricultural Research Scientist for Australian migration?

Agricultural Research Scientist is assessed by VETASSESS (Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services). You need a positive skills assessment before you can apply for most skilled visas.

Which Australian visas can a Agricultural Research Scientist apply for?

Agricultural Research Scientist is on the CSOL list, so it can be used for: 482 Skills in Demand – Core Skills stream; 186 Employer Nomination Scheme – Direct Entry. You must still meet every other visa requirement.

Do I need an English test for the Agricultural Research Scientist skills assessment?

No. No English test is needed for the VETASSESS skills assessment. VETASSESS checks your qualification and employment; your English is tested later, for the visa.

Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics ANZSCO 2022 (CC BY 4.0), Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation lists, VETASSESS and state and territory nomination pages. Checked November 2026. General information only, not migration advice. Search all ANZSCO occupations.