Geophysicist (ANZSCO 234412)
Updated
What a Geophysicist does
Studies the composition, structure and other physical attributes of the earth, locates minerals, petroleum or ground water, and detects, monitors and forecasts seismic, magnetic, electrical, geothermal and oceanographic activity.
- Specialisations
- Oceanographer, Seismologist
Key facts
- ANZSCO code
- 234412
- Skill level
- 1Bachelor degree or higher
- Assessing authority
- VETASSESS
- National shortage
- Shortage
Visa options
Occupation eligibility is one requirement; each visa page links to the rest.
Points-tested
- Subclass 189 Skilled IndependentVia MLTSSLEligible
- Subclass 190 Skilled NominatedVia MLTSSLEligible
- Subclass 491, state or territory nominatedVia MLTSSLEligible
- Subclass 491, family sponsoredVia MLTSSLEligible
Employer-sponsored
Main tasks
- conducting preliminary surveys of mineral, petroleum and natural gas deposits with prospectors, Mining Engineers, Metallurgists, and other mineral scientists and engineers
- preparing and supervising the production of laboratory reports and scientific papers
- conducting studies of the structure, nature and formation of the earth's crust and the minerals contained in it
- studying and dating fossils and rock strata to develop knowledge of the evolution and biology of life forms, and to assess their commercial applications
- studying the effects of natural events, such as erosion, sedimentation, earthquakes and volcanic activity, on the formation of the earth's surface and sea beds
- carrying out exploration to determine the resources present by sampling, examining and analysing geological specimens, rock cores, cuttings and samples using optical, chemical, electronic and mechanical techniques
- conducting surveys of variations in the earth's gravitational and magnetic fields to determine its physical features
- investigating the propagation of seismic waves to determine the structure and stability of the earth's mantle and crust
- studying the causes of earthquakes and other stress states of the earth's crust
- performing laboratory and field studies, and aerial, ground and drill hole surveys
Shortage by state
- NationalShortage
- ACTShortage
- NSWShortage
- NTShortage
- QLDShortage
- SAShortage
- TASShortage
- VICShortage
- WAShortage
State and territory nomination
For the 190 and 491, each state and territory also has its own occupation list.
Common questions
What does a Geophysicist do?
Studies the composition, structure and other physical attributes of the earth, locates minerals, petroleum or ground water, and detects, monitors and forecasts seismic, magnetic, electrical, geothermal and oceanographic activity. (ABS ANZSCO description.)
Is Geophysicist on the skilled occupation list?
Yes. Geophysicist (ANZSCO 234412) is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) (lists in force from 14 December 2024). It is listed for the 186, 189, 190, 482, 491 and 494 visas.
What is the ANZSCO code for Geophysicist?
234412. Home Affairs uses ANZSCO codes for skilled visas.
How can a Geophysicist migrate to Australia?
The occupation lists Home Affairs publishes include Geophysicist for the Subclass 186, Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 482, Subclass 491 and Subclass 494 visas. Being on a list is one requirement among several; each visa's page links to Home Affairs for the rest.
Who assesses Geophysicist for an Australian visa?
VETASSESS, the skills assessing authority listed for 234412.
Is Geophysicist in demand in Australia?
Jobs and Skills Australia rated it "Shortage" nationally in its 2025 Occupation Shortage List, with ratings for each state and territory shown above.