What exactly is marine biology? Marine biology is the study of marine organisms, their behavior, and their interactions with the environment. The field can overlap with related areas such as marine science, aquatic biology, ecology, and fisheries science.
International students interested in marine biology can consider universities in China with relevant marine life science, biology, marine science, and fisheries programs. The universities below have officially documented study options related to the field. Let’s take a look at the best schools to study marine biology in China
Top Schools Offering Marine Biology Programs in China
1. Ocean University of China
A key comprehensive university in Qingdao, Ocean University of China is known for its strengths in oceanography and fisheries. Its College of Marine Life Sciences has undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral program pages, as well as a Department of Marine Biology. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, OUC is ranked #801-850.
2. Shanghai Ocean University
- Study Program
- Relevant Study Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. | Medium of Instruction: Chinese and English, depending on the program
A multidisciplinary applied research university in Shanghai, Shanghai Ocean University was formerly known as Shanghai Fisheries University. Its current international admissions materials list relevant bachelor’s programs such as Aquaculture, Biological Science, Marine Fishery Science and Technology, Marine Resources and Environment, and Marine Science. The university also lists English-taught master’s and doctoral programs in fields including Biology and Marine Science.
3. Zhejiang University
Zhejiang University is based in Hangzhou. Its Ocean College is located on the Zhoushan campus, the university’s first campus outside Hangzhou. The college’s published undergraduate options include Marine Science, while its postgraduate areas include Marine Biology and Pharmacology.
Students interested in marine-biology-related study should review the linked undergraduate and postgraduate program pages to identify the option that best fits their academic goals.
The universities above offer different routes into marine-biology-related study, including marine life science, biology, marine science, aquatic biology, fisheries, and ocean-focused research. International applicants should review the linked official program pages for the specific degree, teaching language, and admissions cycle that fits their goals.
We hope that this article on marine-biology-related study options in China was informative. If you are interested, check out the available courses for international students and the China Scholarships Page.
