5 Best Marine Biology Schools in the Philippines

Do you know that oceans cover about 71% of the Earth’s surface containing almost 80% of all life on Earth? Marine biodiversity is incredibly diverse and fascinating. Marine biology is key to the conservation of marine biodiversity, hence, studying and monitoring marine biodiversity helps scientists identify endangered species, assess threats, and develop strategies to protect and restore ecosystems.

Marine biology is a specialized field, and the Philippines has several institutions dedicated solely to offering programs in marine biology and other related marine sciences. If you are looking to build a career in marine biology, this article will highlight five of the best marine biology schools in the Philippines to get you started.

Top Schools Offering Marine Biology Programs in the Philippines

If you are looking to pursue marine biology in the Philippines, check out the list below of the top institutions in the Philippines offering marine biology and related programs.

1. University of the Philippines, Diliman

• Study Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
• Degree/s Offered: Master’s, Professional Master’s, Ph.D.

The University of the Philippines Diliman Campus is one of the top universities in the Philippines located in Quezon City. Ranked in the top 100 universities in Asia and in the top 500 in the world, the institution is also known for various top subjects like biology, anthropology, and accountancy.

The university is considered the leading institution for marine science and marine biology in the Philippines offering various degree programs in Marine biology through the Marine Science Institute. Apart from the graduate marine sciences programs, students can also pursue a professional master’s in Tropical Marine Ecosystems Management which has a total of 34 units taken in four semesters.

Additionally, students studying marine biology can benefit from other resources like the fully equipped library and laboratory to enhance research opportunities in marine-related fields.

2. Xavier University, Ateneo de Cagayan

• Study Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
• Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s

Founded in 1933, Xavier is one of the leading private universities in the Philippines and provides a solid foundation in various programs including biological sciences.

Students pursuing the marine biology bachelor’s degree can expect to tackle courses in marine ecology, marine planktonology, and coastal resource management among many others. The university has put support systems in place like the biophilic society and the McKeough Marine Center designed to support students pursuing marine biology and other biology-related programs.

Additionally, the institution offers various scholarships to help students finance their studies, hence providing an environment where students can learn seamlessly.

3. Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology

• Study Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
• Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s

Founded in 1968, Mindanao State University-IIT is a top public institution located in Iligan City and known for offering excellent programs in science and technology. The university boasts several notable alumni proving their prowess in different industries like engineering and business.

MSU-IIT has a strong marine biology undergraduate program and is located in an area with rich marine biodiversity. The marine biology program takes 4 years and students can expect to pay 100 pesos per unit or 4500 pesos per semester and 1000 pesos for laboratory charges.

Students can benefit from the numerous financial aid opportunities including student assistantships where they can work up to 100 hours in a month and earn 10-15 pesos per hour.

4. Silliman University

• Study Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
• Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

Silliman is a private research university located in Dumaguete City, a region with diverse marine ecosystems. The campus offers a diverse learning environment with over 10,000 domestic and international students coming from over 50 countries and is located in an eco-friendly environment with several nearby tourist attractions like the Apo Island where one can go diving, snorkeling, and checking out the marine reserves.

The university offers a bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degree in marine biology and other related marine programs. It also has a Marine Laboratory that supports research and practical training in marine science. 

5. University of Eastern Philipines

• Study Program | Scholarships
• Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s

The University of Eastern Philipines is another great institution for students looking to pursue a marine biology degree in the Philippines. While it is ranked 18th overall in the Philippines, it is one of the best institutions with a strong background in marine-related programs. It has two campuses located in Laoang and Pedro Rebadulla Memorial.

The university offers a bachelor of science degree in marine biology designed to help students explore coastal marine resources. The university’s Center for Environmental Studies and Advocacy holds regular meetings with private and public organizations to assess and provide critical data aimed at supporting the protection of conservation areas, including marine ecologies.

FAQs: Marine Biology Studies in the Philippines

Is Pursuing a Degree in Marine Biology Worth It?

Studying marine biology has several advantages as it offers a wide range of career opportunities in research, conservation, education, and industry. You can work in academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies earning a salary of around $ 52,500 to $ 74,500 annually.

Additionally, marine biology plays a huge role in conserving the environment, hence you will be playing a critical role in protecting marine environments and biodiversity. Well, it can also be an exciting adventure as you get to explore the diverse marine life in various locations.

Well, now you have somewhere to start as you explore your options for pursuing a marine biology degree in the Philippines. Remember, before choosing your preferred marine biology school, ensure you review things like the faculty expertise, scholarship opportunities, available research opportunities, and proximity to marine environments.

We hope the article was informative. Visit the Study in the Philippines and Open Courses sections to find out more about universities and scholarships in Asia!