Biotechnologist – ANZSCO 234514

Biotechnologist (ANZSCO 234514) is a skill level 1 occupation assessed by VETASSESS (Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services) for Australian skilled migration. It is on the MLTSSL list and can be used for subclass 189, subclass 190, subclass 491, subclass 491F, subclass 485, subclass 494, subclass 407. 5 of 8 states and territories currently nominate it.

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Quick facts

ANZSCO code: 234514
Skill level: 1 – Bachelor degree or higher, or at least 5 years of relevant experience.
Assessing authority: VETASSESS
Occupation lists: MLTSSL
English test for skills assessment: Not required
ANZSCO unit group: 2345 Life Scientists

Biotechnologist job description and duties

Studies the anatomy, physiology and characteristics of living organisms and isolated biological molecules, and develops new materials for applying to a range of purposes.

Specialisations: Cell Geneticist, Molecular Biologist, Molecular Geneticist

Tasks include

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

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. Highly relevant fields include Biotechnology, Bioinformatics/Computational Biology, Gene Technologies, Molecular Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Environmental Biotechnology.

Visa options for Biotechnologist

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

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

State and territory nomination for Biotechnologist

5 of 8 states and territories currently list this occupation: Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania. Onshore means already living in that state; offshore means living outside Australia.

New South Wales: 190 No, 491 Closed 26–27, onshore No, offshore No. Unit group 2345 is not on the NSW Skills List.
Victoria: 190 Yes, 491 Not yet open, onshore VIC residents, offshore Yes. All 190-eligible occupations (no state list).
Queensland: 190 Yes, 491 Yes, onshore QLD residents, offshore No. Onshore list: 190 & 491.
South Australia: 190 Yes, 491 Yes, onshore SA residents, offshore Yes. SA Graduates: 190 & 491; Skilled Employment in SA: 190 & 491; Outer Regional Skilled Employment: 190 & 491; Offshore: 190 & 491.
Western Australia: 190 Yes, 491 Yes, onshore WA & interstate, offshore Yes. General – WASMOL Schedule 2: 190 & 491; Graduate stream (WA study): 190 & 491.
Tasmania: 190 Yes, 491 Yes, onshore TAS residents, offshore No. Living in Tasmania: Skilled Employment, Graduate or Established Resident pathways; Overseas 491 (OSOP) closed for 2026–27.
Australian Capital Territory: 190 No, 491 No, onshore No, offshore No. Not on the ACT occupation list (Canberra small-business owners may still qualify).
Northern Territory: 190 Closed, 491 By exception, onshore NT grads/residents only, offshore No. 491 onshore only, by exception for NT Graduate or Resident applicants with urgent visa or age deadlines.

Based on each state's official 2026–27 lists and program pages. Being listed does not guarantee an invitation.

Skills assessment for Biotechnologist

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

Biotechnologist 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

Highly relevant fields of study include: Biotechnology, Bioinformatics/Computational Biology, Gene Technologies, Molecular Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Environmental Biotechnology, Biostatistics, Microbiology, Life Science, Biomedicine.

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

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 2345

Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Biotechnologist?

The ANZSCO code for Biotechnologist is 234514. It is a skill level 1 occupation.

Who assesses Biotechnologist for Australian migration?

Biotechnologist 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 Biotechnologist apply for?

Biotechnologist is on the MLTSSL list, so it can be used for: 189 Skilled Independent; 190 Skilled Nominated; 491 Skilled Work Regional – State/Territory nominated; 491F Skilled Work Regional – Family sponsored; 485 Temporary Graduate – Post-Vocational Education Work; 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Employer sponsored; 407 Training visa. You must still meet every other visa requirement.

Which states nominate Biotechnologist?

5 of 8 states and territories currently list Biotechnologist: Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania. Each state has extra criteria such as residence, employment and points.

Do I need an English test for the Biotechnologist 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.