The ocean covers more than 70% of Earth’s surface and contains about 97% of its water. Marine biology focuses on marine organisms and their interactions with the environment, while related ocean research can involve water chemistry, pollution, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
Marine biology research can support conservation, sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and a better understanding of how ocean systems affect people and the planet. Marine scientists may also collect samples and analyze data to monitor marine environments.
Below are the top Canadian universities with undergraduate marine biology programs or related marine biology study options.
Top Schools Offering Marine Biology Programs in Canada
1. Dalhousie University
Our first suggestion is Dalhousie University, which is ranked number 283 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Dalhousie supports more than 300 degrees across 13 faculties.
Dalhousie’s Department of Biology offers a Bachelor of Science with a major in marine biology and a Bachelor of Science with honors in marine biology. The major and honors options can also be completed as marine biology co-op programs.
Students can explore the marine life of Atlantic Canada on shore and on the water. They can also gain hands-on experience using research methods such as gathering live samples and collecting and assessing data. The honors option includes an independent research project.
2. University of Victoria
The second suggestion on our list is the University of Victoria, which is ranked number 358 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Students interested in marine sciences can pursue a marine biology concentration within a Biology Major Honors program.
The university’s location near the ocean makes it a strong choice for students interested in marine sciences. The beaches and rocky shores of southern Vancouver Island are within walking distance or a short drive of the campus. UVic is home to the large-scale remote ocean-sensing programs NEPTUNE Canada and VENUS. It is also a partner university supporting the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
UVic and the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre offer lecture, laboratory, and field courses with significant marine science components. Several courses provide hands-on experience, and students interested in graduate study can pursue research opportunities through directed studies and honors thesis programs. UVic awards more than $12.5 million in scholarships each year.
3. Memorial University of Newfoundland
Memorial University of Newfoundland is another Canadian institution offering marine biology studies. Its joint major in marine biology is administered by the Department of Ocean Sciences and the Department of Biology. Memorial states that more than 40% of its research is ocean-related.
Memorial is also a partner in the Ocean Frontier Institute, a $220-million collaborative research initiative. The four-year undergraduate marine biology program includes core courses in oceanography and biology, along with additional courses in science subjects. It also offers experiential learning through wet labs, field trips, and project-based courses.
A student earning a Bachelor of Science with a major in marine biology can prepare for careers such as marine biologist, biological oceanographer, marine science educator, fisheries officer, research or field technician, aquaculture scientist, nature interpreter, aquarium curator, and scuba diver.
The master’s program involves courses and a thesis and can be completed in two years of full-time study. The Ph.D. program involves courses, a comprehensive exam, and a thesis and can be completed in four years of full-time study. Graduate research areas include physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biological and chemical oceanography, behavioral and population ecology, aquaculture, and fisheries.
4. Ontario Tech University
The following institution on our list is Ontario Tech University. The university’s current rankings page lists it as number 144 in the world among young universities in the Times Higher Education ranking.
Marine biology is a specialization within Ontario Tech’s Biological Science program. Students can earn a Bachelor of Science (Honors) or a Bachelor of Science and Management (Honors). The full-time, in-class program takes four or five years, depending on the selected pathway.
Students develop foundational knowledge and laboratory skills before completing a semester abroad at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences. During the semester in Bermuda, students learn about marine ecosystems and explore coral reefs. A direct-entry co-op option is also available.
5. University of New Brunswick
The University of New Brunswick is ranked number 622 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. UNB Saint John is one of only a few university campuses in Canada offering a Bachelor of Science in marine biology. Its location on the Saint John–Kennebecasis River estuarine complex supports the program’s marine focus.
The marine biology program provides a broad overview of the discipline, with special emphasis on Canadian east coast waters. Students can also participate in an intensive, 13-week marine semester at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in St. Andrews. The marine semester is offered on a biennial basis and includes hands-on study of marine organisms.
Canada has several universities offering marine biology programs and related study options. Students should review each university’s official program page for the latest information about curricula, admission requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, and application deadlines.
We hope this article on the best marine biology schools in Canada was helpful. Please visit the Study in Canada page and the Available Courses for International Students page to learn more about studying in this country.
