ANZSCO 234518 · MLTSSL
Zoologist: ANZSCO 234518
Official Home Affairs skilled occupation list · checked 21 October 2026
Zoologist (ANZSCO 234518) is on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List). It can be used for the 189, 190, 491, 485, 494 and 407 visas, and the skills assessment is done by VETASSESS. Checked against the Home Affairs list on 21 October 2026.
Occupation lists
MLTSSL
Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List
Permanent visa options
189, 190
Visas that give permanent residence
Assessing authority
VETASSESS
Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services
Skill level
Level 1
Bachelor degree or higher, or at least 5 years of relevant experience
The job
What a zoologist does
Studies the anatomy, physiology, characteristics, ecology, behaviour, and environments of animals.
Description from ANZSCO 2022 code 234522, which replaced 234518.
Unit group 2345
Tasks of Life Scientists
- 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
Qualifications and experience
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).
Assessing authorities check your duties against these tasks, so your experience must match them, not only the job title.
Visa options
Which visas ANZSCO 234518 can be used for
From the Department of Home Affairs combined list of eligible skilled occupations. Every visa also has its own points, age, English, experience and skills assessment rules.
| Visa | Eligible | ANZSCO version | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 189 Skilled Independent | Yes | ANZSCO 2013 | |
| 190 Skilled Nominated (state) | Yes | ANZSCO 2013 | Needs a state or territory nomination |
| 407 Training visa | Yes | ANZSCO 2013 | |
| 485 Temporary Graduate | Yes | ANZSCO 2013 | Post-Vocational Education Work stream |
| 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional | Yes | ANZSCO 2013 | |
| 491 State Skilled Work Regional, state nominated | Yes | ANZSCO 2013 | Needs a state or territory nomination |
| 491 Family Skilled Work Regional, family sponsored | Yes | ANZSCO 2013 | Needs an eligible relative in a regional area |
| 482 Skills in Demand, Core Skills stream | No | — | |
| 186 Employer Nomination Scheme, Direct Entry | No | — |
Home Affairs uses two ANZSCO versions. For the visas marked ANZSCO 2013 above this occupation is code 234518. For the other visas it is 234522 Zoologist (ANZSCO 2022).
Skills assessment
Skills assessment for ANZSCO 234518
Most skilled visas need a positive skills assessment from the authority below before you can lodge. It must be for the same occupation you nominate.
Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services (VETASSESS)
We prepare your VETASSESS assessment with you and check that your duties match ANZSCO 234518 before you apply.
States and territories
State and territory nomination
Zoologist is on a list that allows state nomination for the 190 (permanent) and for the 491 (regional, provisional). Each state then decides which occupations it will nominate, and on what conditions.
State lists, points cut-offs and residence or job offer rules change during the program year, and some states close streams once their places are used. Ask us which states are nominating zoologist now.
Similar occupations
Other occupations in Life Scientists
If your duties fit one of these better, that is the code to nominate.
Questions
ANZSCO 234518: common questions
What is the ANZSCO code for zoologist?
What does a zoologist do?
Which skilled occupation list is Zoologist on?
Can I get a 189 visa as a zoologist?
Is Zoologist eligible for state nomination (190 or 491)?
Can an employer sponsor a zoologist?
Who assesses zoologist skills for Australian migration?
Talk to us
Is ANZSCO 234518 your occupation? Ask us about your options.
Tell us your duties, qualifications, experience and English scores. We will confirm the right occupation and the visas that fit.
Source: Department of Home Affairs, checked 21 October 2026. Descriptions: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ANZSCO 2022 (CC BY 4.0). General information only, not immigration advice.
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