Marine biology is a field of study that deals with life in the ocean and other marine environments. A career in marine biology can be a rewarding prospect for students interested in the wide variety of organisms that live in the sea. Marine biologists study marine organisms and ecosystems, the threats they face, and how human activities affect marine environments.
Surrounded by seas, Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelagic country and has more than 17,500 islands. Its location between the Pacific and Indian Oceans makes it an interesting place to study marine life and coastal ecosystems. Here, we list universities in Indonesia that offer marine biology-related programs, such as marine science, oceanography, aquatic resources, aquaculture, and biology with marine-focused coursework.
Top Schools Offering Marine Biology Programs in Indonesia
1. Brawijaya University
Brawijaya University, also known as Universitas Brawijaya, became a state university in 1963 and is one of Indonesia’s well-known public universities. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, the university is ranked #=680 globally.
At this university’s Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, students can find related undergraduate programs such as Marine Science, Aquaculture, Aquatic Resource Management, Fisheries Product Technology, Fisheries Agribusiness, and Fisheries Resource Utilization. The faculty also offers related graduate options, including a Master’s Program in Aquaculture and a Doctoral Program in Fisheries and Marine Science.
2. Bandung Institute of Technology
- Study Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s in Oceanography; Master’s and Ph.D. options in Earth Sciences with oceanography-related study and research areas
Bandung Institute of Technology is one of the top public universities in Indonesia. It is especially strong in science, engineering, and technology, and it is ranked #255 in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
The institute’s Oceanography undergraduate program studies ocean issues on local, regional, and global scales. Its main topics include tidal dynamics, ocean currents, ocean waves, ocean-atmosphere interactions, tsunamis, coastal and marine disasters, underwater acoustics, marine renewable energy, upwelling, climate change, coastal sediment erosion and deposition, and the spread of oil spills and other pollutants in the sea.
The Oceanography undergraduate program has been accredited as “Unggul” by BAN-PT and has international accreditation from ASIIN for 2021 to 2027.
Students who follow this Oceanography program can work in multiple sectors, including coastal management, marine resources, environmental consulting, disaster mitigation, tourism, fisheries, marine administration, and related industries.
3. Diponegoro University
Diponegoro University is a public university in Semarang, Indonesia, and is ranked #=624 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The university has more than 20 internationally accredited study programs, including programs accredited by ABEST, FIBAA, and ASIIN.
The university’s Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science focuses on education, research, and community service in fisheries and marine affairs. The faculty includes fields such as Aquaculture, Aquatic Resources, Capture Fisheries, Marine Science, Oceanography, and Fishery Products Technology.
At Diponegoro University, students can find related programs in Aquaculture, Marine Science, and Oceanography. Prospective students should compare each course outline and admission page carefully to choose the program that best matches their career goals.
4. Gadjah Mada University
- Study Program
- Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. in Biology, with marine biology-related coursework and activities available
Gadjah Mada University is a major public research university in Indonesia and is ranked #224 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The university was also named 1st among the best universities in Indonesia in 2021 by the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia.
The Faculty of Biology offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral study options in biology-related fields. At the undergraduate level, students complete compulsory and elective courses, and the elective list includes Marine Biology and Marine Ecology.
This makes Gadjah Mada University a good option for students who want a broader biology degree while still taking marine biology-related subjects. However, students looking specifically for a stand-alone marine biology degree should review the curriculum carefully before applying.
5. Bogor Agricultural University
Bogor Agricultural University, officially known as IPB University, is well known for agriculture, bioscience, environmental sciences, fisheries, and marine science. It is ranked #399 in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
The university’s Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences offers multiple programs in related fields, including Aquaculture, Aquatic Resource Management, Marine Science and Technology, and other fisheries and marine science areas. Its Marine Science and Technology undergraduate program is nationally accredited by BAN-PT and internationally accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.
The Marine Science and Technology program focuses on the ocean’s physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes, as well as the use of technologies such as remote sensing, underwater acoustics, and artificial intelligence to explore marine resources and environments. IPB University also lists Marine Science and Marine Technology at master’s and doctoral levels.
FAQS About Studying Marine Biology in Indonesia
Is Pursuing a Degree in Marine Biology Worth It?
Pursuing a degree in marine biology or a closely related field can be worth it for students who are interested in ocean life, conservation, fisheries, coastal management, environmental consulting, research, or marine policy. However, career outcomes depend on the program, your skills, internships, research experience, and the job market where you plan to work.
Marine biology-related careers can involve laboratory work, field research, data analysis, conservation projects, environmental impact assessment, fisheries management, education, and government or nonprofit work. Students who build strong skills in research methods, statistics, GIS, remote sensing, communication, and fieldwork may have more career options.
Indonesia’s geography makes it a relevant place to study marine and coastal ecosystems. However, students should avoid assuming that any degree guarantees a return on investment. It is best to compare curricula, language of instruction, tuition, fieldwork opportunities, internships, research facilities, and graduate outcomes before choosing a university.
We hope this article helped you find a program at a university that you like. Visit the Asia Scholarships and available courses for international students to learn more about universities and scholarships!
