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Agricultural Scientist

Agricultural Scientist
ANZSCO Code: 234112 / Group A

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

Occupation description

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

Occupations considered suitable under this ANZSCO code:

  • Agronomist

Closely related Occupations in ANSZCO Unit Group 2341

  • Agricultural Consultant
  • Forester (Aus) / Forest Scientist (NZ)

Agricultural Scientist is a VETASSESS Group A occupation

This occupation requires a qualification assessed as comparable to the educational level of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Bachelor degree or higher, in a field highly relevant to the nominated occupation.

 

Group A - October 2025

The information below describes the available pathways for a Skills Assessment under Group A. Please note that in order to achieve a successful Skills Assessment Outcome, a positive assessment for both qualifications and employment is required.

Pathway 1 

This pathway requires a qualification assessed as comparable to the education level of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Bachelor degree or higher degree and in a field highly relevant to the nominated occupation. 

Bachelor degree or higher degree includes AQF Master Degree or AQF Doctoral Degree.

In addition, it is essential for applicants to meet the following employment criteria:

  • at least one year of post-qualification employment at an appropriate skill level, undertaken in the last five years,
  • working 20 hours or more per week, and
  • highly relevant to the nominated occupation.

Qualification and Employment Criteria

AQF Bachelor degree or higher*

Agricultural Science is the study of the science and management of plant and animal farming and the sustainable production of food and fibre.

A major in Agribusiness will be considered highly relevant if focused on agricultural science (not business, finance or economics). Qualifications in certain science fields* may be accepted on a case by case basis if the program consists of sufficient subjects in Agricultural systems, Agronomy, Animal science, Agricultural chemistry, Grazing systems, Plant cultivation, Primary production and other relevant subjects in the specialised field.

*Those fields of study which may be considered include:

  • Horticulture 
  • Biotechnology 
  • Veterinary Science 
  • Agricultural Engineering 
  • Botany / Zoology 
  • Environmental Science 
  • Irrigation / Soil Science 
  • Forestry 
     

Highly relevant major fields of study include:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Animal Science & Management
  • Crop Science
  • Viticulture
  • Plant and Animal Production
  • Precision Agriculture

In Australia, there are currently no legal requirements for licensing or registration for the occupation of Agricultural Scientist.

Tasks include:

  • collecting and analysing data and samples of produce, feed, soil and other factors affecting production.
  • studying the environmental factors affecting commercial crop production, pasture growth and animal breeding.
  • studying the effects of cultivation techniques, soils, insects and plant diseases on animal and crop production.
  • developing procedures and techniques for solving agricultural problems and improving the efficiency of production,

Agricultural Scientists may have applied employment/research in: 

  • Biotechnology for Agriculture.
  • Agronomy.
  • Livestock health.
  • Nutrition and/or breeding.
  • Flora (agricultural) health/nutrition and/or breeding.
  • Soil science (specific to agricultural land).
  • Production process (not including food technology).
  • Fertilisers and pesticides.
  • Precision agriculture.
  • Big data science and internet of things (related to agriculture).

Employment as an Agricultural Economist or as a Food Technologist/Scientist researching in post-production of primary products cannot be considered under this occupation. These specialisations are classified elsewhere in ANZSCO.

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