Marine biology is the study of marine organisms, marine ecosystems, and the ways organisms interact with their ocean environment. It overlaps with biological oceanography and draws on related fields such as chemical, physical, and geological oceanography.
A degree in marine biology can lead to careers in research, fisheries, conservation, aquaculture, environmental science, education, and related fields. Entry-level roles may be open to bachelor’s degree holders, while advanced or independent research positions often require graduate study. Here, we look at countries with established marine biology or closely related marine science programs.
If you believe marine biology is your calling, consider studying in one of these countries:
Top Countries to Study Marine Biology
1. Australia
Australia’s long coastline and varied marine environments make it a strong destination for marine biology and marine science studies. For example, Griffith University offers a Bachelor of Marine Science, while the University of Melbourne offers a Marine Biology major.
At the University of Melbourne, the Marine Biology major covers marine biological systems, ecological principles, environmental management, botany, zoology, chemistry, geography, and oceanography.
University of Adelaide also offers a Bachelor of Science majoring in Marine and Wildlife Conservation, which includes biological and physical sciences and fieldwork in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments.
Scholarship opportunities are listed by institutions such as the University of Queensland and Adelaide University. Availability, award values, and international-student eligibility vary, so applicants should review each university’s current scholarship conditions.
2. United Kingdom
- Featured schools: University of Plymouth | Bangor University
- Why consider it: Current marine biology degrees, coastal fieldwork, specialized marine facilities, and selected scientific-diving opportunities
With its extensive coastline and access to diverse marine habitats, the United Kingdom offers several opportunities to study marine biology. Both the University of Plymouth and Bangor University currently offer undergraduate marine biology degrees.
The University of Plymouth offers a BSc (Hons) Marine Biology. Its current curriculum includes laboratory work and fieldwork along the South Devon coastline, as well as the study of marine organisms and shallow-water habitats.
Plymouth also has a dedicated Marine Station for marine teaching and research. Scientific Diving is currently listed as an optional module in the Marine Biology degree, although availability may depend on prerequisites, scheduling, course selection, and professional-diving requirements.
Bangor University currently offers a Marine Biology BSc (Hons). Scholarship opportunities are also listed by both Plymouth and Bangor, but eligibility and award amounts vary.
3. United States of America
The United States is home to several universities with dedicated undergraduate marine biology programs. However, program titles and structures vary, so students should compare the curriculum, field opportunities, research areas, and degree requirements at each institution.
On the West Coast, California State University, Long Beach offers a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology with field and laboratory experience. The University of Washington also offers a Marine Biology major covering biodiversity, ecology, ecosystems, organismal processes, and the effects of ocean change.
On the Atlantic side, the University of Miami offers an undergraduate Marine Biology and Ecology program. Duke University offers a Marine Biology concentration within its Biology major, with students in the concentration completing four Biology course credits at the Duke University Marine Laboratory.
American universities may offer institutional, departmental, or external funding, but international-student eligibility varies considerably. Applicants should review each university’s current funding pages and this array of scholarships.
4. Portugal
- Featured schools: University of Algarve | University of Porto
- Why consider it: Current marine biology and marine science programs, an English-taught master’s program, specialized facilities, and marine research centers
Located on Europe’s Atlantic coast, Portugal provides access to varied coastal and marine environments. The University of Algarve and the University of Porto both offer relevant study options, although the level, teaching language, and specialization differ by program.
The University of Algarve offers marine biology study at the undergraduate and master’s levels. Its current Master’s in Marine Biology is taught in English. Students should not assume that every marine biology program at the university is taught in English and should check the language listed for their chosen degree.
The master’s program provides access to facilities that include a scientific diving center, an experimental marine organism laboratory, and the Ramalhete field station. University mobility and exchange opportunities may also be available, subject to the conditions of the relevant agreement or program.
At the University of Porto, the Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar offers a Master’s in Marine Sciences–Marine Resources with specialization options in Marine Biology and Ecology or Aquaculture and Fisheries.
Marine research organizations associated with the featured universities include the Centre of Marine Sciences of the Algarve and CIIMAR–Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, which is part of the University of Porto research ecosystem. To explore ways of reducing study costs, see these tips for studying in Portugal for free.
5. Iceland
Iceland’s coastal location and marine-dependent economy make it an interesting destination for aquatic science and marine resource studies. However, the two programs featured below have different academic focuses and are not a single joint program.
The University of Iceland offers a 120-ECTS Master of Science in Biology organized as two years of full-time study. Students may select a specialization in Biology or Aquatic Biology and Fisheries. The Aquatic Biology and Fisheries option is run in cooperation with Iceland’s Marine and Freshwater Research Institute.
The University of Iceland states that the Biology master’s program is taught in Icelandic or, in some cases, English. Prospective international students should therefore confirm the teaching and supervision language before applying.
The Coastal and Marine Management program at the University Centre of the Westfjords is not a marine biology degree. It is a 120-ECTS, English-taught master’s program in natural resource management covering ecology, oceanography, economics, and coastal and marine management. Students are formally enrolled at the University of Akureyri and graduate with a Master of Resource Management degree.
6. South Africa
At the southern end of Africa, South Africa has long Atlantic and Indian Ocean coastlines and varied marine ecosystems. Its coastal waters support species such as African penguins and Cape fur seals, providing an important setting for marine research and conservation.
The University of Cape Town currently lists Marine Biology as an undergraduate Bachelor of Science study area. It also offers a one-year BSc Honours option in Biological Sciences or Marine Biology and postgraduate study that includes Applied Marine Biology.
UCT’s Applied Marine Biology coursework covers areas such as conservation, ecosystem-based management, sustainable resource use, and aquaculture. The Science Faculty separately lists related study areas, including Ecology and Evolution and Ocean and Atmosphere Science. Students interested in combining subjects should check the current faculty handbook and curriculum rules rather than assume that every combination is permitted.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal offers marine biology-related coursework within its biological sciences provision. Its 2026 course listings include Practical Research Skills in Marine Biology and Marine Systems; applicants should check the current degree structure to determine how these modules fit into a complete qualification.
Students who require immigration permission should consult the South Africa student visa overview and confirm the current application process and documents with the relevant South African government mission.
7. Japan
- Featured schools: Tohoku University | University of Tokyo
- Why consider it: A fully English-taught applied marine biology option at Tohoku, broad aquatic bioscience research fields, and practical and research-oriented study
The language of instruction for marine and aquatic science programs in Japan varies by institution and degree. International students should confirm the teaching language for each program rather than assume that all courses are available in English.
One clear English-taught option is Tohoku University’s Applied Marine Biology course. Tohoku describes this undergraduate course as fully taught in English, with an emphasis on marine biological science and practical research.
The current Applied Marine Biology curriculum includes subject areas such as aquacultural biology, fisheries biology and ecology, aquatic plant ecology, seafood management, marine biotechnology, and global marine ecology. Exact course offerings may change by academic year.
The University of Tokyo’s Department of Aquatic Bioscience covers research fields such as aquatic molecular biology and biotechnology, aquatic life science, marine biochemistry, fisheries biology, and aquatic biology and environmental science. Applicants should check the applicable admissions guidance and teaching language for their intended degree and laboratory.
For additional guidance, see these application tips for international students applying to universities in Japan.
We hope this article on the best countries to study marine biology was informative and insightful. For more information about studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students.
