Marine biology is the study of organisms in marine environments, including their behavior and interactions with surrounding ecosystems. Because the field is broad, universities may offer marine biology as a degree, a major, a concentration, a graduate research area, or a related marine science pathway.
Many universities around the world offer marine biology, marine science, marine ecology, or closely related study and research opportunities. Let’s take a look at some of the best marine biology schools around the world!
Top Marine Biology Schools in the World
1. James Cook University
James Cook University offers a Bachelor of Marine Science and a Master of Marine Biology. Its marine science study options emphasize first-hand learning in tropical environments, including opportunities connected with Orpheus Island and the Great Barrier Reef. JCU also offers higher-degree-by-research pathways, including doctoral programs.
2. Ocean University of China
The Ocean University of China has a College of Marine Life Sciences. The college includes departments of marine biology, marine bioengineering, and ecology, and its official website provides information about undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.
3. University of Queensland
The University of Queensland offers a Marine Biology major within its Bachelor of Science. The major applies principles from ecology, zoology, botany, and genetics to the study of marine life and its relationship with natural environments.
UQ’s Centre for Marine Science supports marine science education and research across the university. Its marine programs include field and laboratory experiences, and the center also supports higher-degree-by-research candidates in marine science.
4. University of Tasmania
The University of Tasmania is home to the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS). IMAS conducts research across oceans, ice and climate, ecology and biodiversity, and fisheries and aquaculture.
Relevant study options include the Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science and the Master of Marine and Antarctic Science. IMAS also provides honors study opportunities.
5. Aarhus University
Aarhus University has a Department of Ecoscience that conducts marine ecology research, innovation, consultancy, monitoring, and education. Its marine ecology work examines how ecosystems respond to human-driven changes, including nutrient loads, climate change, and invasive species.
The Department of Ecoscience also offers Ph.D. studies in research areas connected with the environmental management of marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
6. Sorbonne University
Sorbonne University offers a two-year Marine Sciences master’s program through its Faculty of Science and Engineering. The interdisciplinary program trains students in areas including biological oceanography, marine ecology, and biogeochemistry.
7. University of Porto
The University of Porto is connected with the Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), an institution within the university’s research ecosystem. CIIMAR focuses on marine and environmental research and advanced training.
Relevant doctoral options at the Faculty of Sciences include the Doctoral Program in Marine Science, Technology and Management and the Doctoral Program in Marine Biotechnology and Aquaculture.
8. Newcastle University
Newcastle University offers a Marine Biology BSc Honours degree. For September 2026 entry, the official course page describes the program as a full-time, three-year, on-campus degree.
9. University of Maine
The School of Marine Sciences at the University of Maine offers a marine biology concentration within its Bachelor of Science in Marine Science. Students in the concentration select 15 credits of School of Marine Sciences electives. The university recommends including at least three credits of marine ecology and courses covering primary producers, vertebrates, and invertebrate organisms.
The university also offers M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Marine Biology. Graduate study can include taxonomy and systematics, comparative morphology, evolution, genetics, physiology, cellular and molecular biology, and ecology.
10. University of Miami
The University of Miami offers a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and Ecology through the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science. The degree builds knowledge in biology and quantitative skills while providing research experience in areas such as biomedicine, genomics, evolution, physiology, microbiology, immunology, and ecology.
At the graduate level, the Marine Biology and Ecology program offers M.S. and Ph.D. study opportunities. Research areas include coral reef studies, biological oceanography, fisheries biology, and the biology and behavior of marine animals.
We hope this article will help you compare universities and identify suitable programs. Check the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.
