234517
Microbiologist
Studies microscopic forms of life such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa.
Relevant occupation lists
MLTSSL — Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List This list is used for several skilled visa pathways, including the points-tested 189, 190 and 491 where the applicable rules allow. Being on it does not make an occupation eligible for every skilled or employer-sponsored visa, so check the specific subclass, stream and current instrument.
Visa pathways listed for this occupation
Select a visa to read the fuller explanation on this website, including the requirements you need to consider alongside the occupation listing.
Recorded subclass 189 invitation round
95In the recorded round on 4 June 2026, the lowest score invited for this occupation was 95 points.
The lowest invited score describes what happened in one round. It can change with the occupations selected, places available and candidates waiting, so it is not a fixed score to aim for. Where candidates have the same points, invitation order uses the EOI’s date of effect, broadly the time it reached that score. Check the tie-break information alongside the points result.
States and territories select candidates for the subclass 190 and state-nominated subclass 491 pathways through their own programmes. There is no single national invitation cut-off for those pathways, so look at the relevant jurisdiction’s criteria and published selection information.
Skills assessing authority
Where your visa requires a skills assessment, check the designated authority, the assessment pathway and when the result must be available. The authority sets its own criteria for qualifications, experience and evidence; a positive assessment does not by itself establish that every visa requirement is met.
- VETASSESSVocational Education and Training Assessment Serviceshttps://www.vetassess.com.au/
ANZSCO
The material below reproduces the Australian Bureau of Statistics ANZSCO entry. Read it as the occupation’s classification description, alongside the current visa and assessment requirements.
Occupation description
Studies microscopic forms of life such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa.
Specialisations
ANZSCO skill level 1
Skill level 1 ANZSCO broadly places these occupations at bachelor’s degree level or above. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification in the classification, and some occupations require additional experience or training. This does not automatically replace the qualification requirements of a skills assessment or visa.
In Australia and New Zealand: 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).
Typical tasks
- 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
2345 Life Scientists
Life Scientists examine the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of humans, animals, plants, insects, and other living organisms to better understand how living organisms function and interact with each other and the environment in which they live.
ANZSCO classification hierarchy
- 2Professionals
- 23Design, Engineering, Science and Transport Professionals
- 234Natural and Physical Science Professionals
- 2345Life Scientists
- 234517Microbiologist
Other occupations in this unit group
Unsure whether this occupation fits your work?
Choosing an occupation involves more than finding a familiar job title. I can review your duties, qualifications and visa history with you, explain which occupation your evidence may support and identify any gaps before you apply for a skills assessment. That discussion can also help you understand how the occupation choice affects the visa options you are considering.
Book a consultationSources: the Department of Home Affairs for occupation lists, visa links, restrictions and assessing authorities; the Australian Bureau of Statistics for ANZSCO descriptions, tasks, skill levels, alternative titles and specialisations. The directory uses ANZSCO 2022 and, where relevant to the visa framework, ANZSCO 2013. Refer to the original entries for current requirements, attribution and reuse terms.
Home Affairs skilled occupation list · ABS occupation classification entry
Estimate your skilled migration points — Check the points categories for visas 189, 190 and 491
Next step
Have a visa question or need help getting started?
A 30-minute consultation gives us time to discuss your circumstances, consider initial options and identify the documents that need checking. Some matters require a further review of the records before I can give a complete assessment.