12 Top Marine Biology Universities in Australia|Tuition and Key Information

By marine biology universities in Australia, we mean the institutions where you can study marine biology and obtain a degree. As you know, marine biologists study the fascinating animal, plant and microscopic life in Oceans.

An estimated 80% of all life on earth is found under the ocean surface. Plants and animals act as indicators of the effect of human activities on the planet, including pollution and climate change. Marine biologists play a very crucial role in studying these effects.

A career in Marine Biology is perfect if you are passionate about the environment, love the ocean, want to make a difference in the world and are driven to stand out in a competitive industry.

As a marine biologist, you’ll explore all marine life, from invertebrates, fish, seabirds and marine mammals to plants, algae and bacteria.

You’ll also investigate the chemical and physical properties of the world’s oceans and their impact on marine life.

You will address key challenges of today including:

  • loss of marine biodiversity
  • marine conservation
  • climate change
  • marine pollution
  • sustainable use of our marine resources

Now, let us move on to the list of Marine Biology universities in Australia.

The list of the marine biology universities in Australia

There are so many top Marine Biology universities in Australia, but we will be discussing just 12 of these top universities.

  • The University of Adelaide (UoA)
  • UNSW Sydney – University of New South Wales
  • University of Newcastle
  • The University of Western Australia (UWA)
  • University of Tasmania (UTAS)
  • University of Technology Sydney – UTS
  • University of Wollongong
  • Deakin University
  • The University of Queensland
  • Flinders University
  • Griffith University
  • James Cook University

Let us review these top Marine Biology universities in Australia.

The University of Adelaide (UoA)

This university has a rich history that dates back to 1874. It is home to a thriving community of students and staff who care about making an impact.

The university ranks among the top 1 per cent globally and is recognised among the world’s top 100 universities in 23 subject areas (QS World University Rankings by Subject, and Academic Ranking of World Universities by Subject, 2021.)

The institution is also a member of the prestigious Group of Eight research-intensive universities.

That’s not all, the University of Adelaide is ranked in the top 100 in the world for Earth and Marine Sciences and best in South Australia. They are also No. 1 in South Australia for careers in Environmental Science.

Their Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology) has a focus on contemporary marine biology practices on both a local and global scale. 


UNSW Sydney – University of New South Wales

This is listed as one of the marine biology universities in Australia because their centre for marine science and innovation focuses on researching fundamental knowledge on the functions, processes, interactions and changes in the marine environment and use this to develop innovative solutions for management, conservation and economic developments.

Their expertise and experience cover a multidisciplinary mix of ecological and biological sciences, physical and biological oceanography, environmental impact assessment, as well as coastal geomorphology and engineering.

The Master of Marine Science and Management in this institution is multidisciplinary and cross-institutional, giving you access to a comprehensive set of approaches and methods unique to the field.

Indicative First Year Fee: $32,020

Indicative Fee to Complete Degree: $48,300

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University of Newcastle

With a firm focus on practical learning, their Marine Biology course will allow you to explore the marine environment first hand, while learning from some of the leading researchers in the field.

Their mission is to nurture and train students as marine biologists with the skills to solve global challenges. Therefore at the University of Newcastle, you will enjoy a unique experience and you will develop the skills and knowledge for a successful career.

Tuition:

  • Home: £9,250
  • International: £25,200

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The University of Western Australia (UWA)

Western Australia’s marine environment is a biodiversity hotspot with up to 80 per cent of fish, invertebrates and other organisms found nowhere else in the world, making WA an ideal living laboratory for your studies.

With complex issues such as climate change, growing populations, food production, and depleting natural resources, the need for marine science professionals continues to grow.

This major will cover marine biology and ecology, marine and coastal management, and oceanography. See their tuition details.

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University of Tasmania (UTAS)

They are listed as one of the marine biology universities in Australia because their Marine and Antarctic Science degree is the only one of its kind in Australia and is offered at one of the best places in the world for temperate marine studies.

It gives you the skills and knowledge for a career in the exciting, growing and globally critical marine, fisheries, aquaculture, and Antarctic sectors.

If you enjoy the natural and physical sciences, you can combine your passion for science with a love of the outdoors and adventure.

This could be by pursuing a career in research, or in a more applied way through the sustainable aquaculture industry.

 Total Course Fee (international students): $117,881 AUD(Course cost based on a rate of $37,950 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points)

See the details for domestic student’s tuition fees.

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University of Technology Sydney – UTS

This is one of the marine biology universities in Australia that offer marine sciences programs. For instance, their  Bachelor of Marine Biology students explores our ocean environment, the ecological interactions that sustain its biodiversity and how we might best protect it.

Learning is centred on practical and field-based experiences, through which students consolidate theoretical concepts and skills that are important for marine research and understanding governance and sustainability.

This course gives students a thorough understanding of life in marine and aquatic environments. The duration of the course is 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time.

Students must complete a total of 144 credit points, made up of 120 credit points of core subjects and 24 credit points of elective subjects. 

For this course, the cost per credit point for 2022 is $895. The total credit points are 144. You can find course fees here.

University of Wollongong

The University of Wollongong made it to the list of marine biology universities in Australia because they offer Marine Science, which is an area of science that deals with the study of the ocean. You will study the biological nature and capacity of oceans, their impact on human society and the conservation and environmental management of marine and coastal regions.

You will learn the skills required for a career in government, industry and environment-related companies.

The program has core subjects in each year plus flexible optional subjects. Check out the tuition fee booklet for their tuition fee.


Deakin University

Deakin University is one of the institutions in Australia where you will have access to spectacular marine environments teeming with rich biodiversity on your doorstep.

In this institution, you will become an expert in ocean systems by exploring a broad range of disciplines, including marine microbiology and genomics, oceanography, marine modelling, marine biology and ecology, fisheries and aquaculture.

The Bachelor of Marine Science equips you with the skills needed to create a sustainable future for the world’s oceans.

Estimated tuition fee: $7,575 for 1 yr full-time-Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) Learn more about fees.

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The University of Queensland

This institution is where students discover how the diversity of marine organisms behave and interact with their environment.

You’ll investigate all biological phenomena from local to global scales, from microscopic zooplankton to cetacean megafauna to coral reef ecology.

Also, you will gain skills in marine ecology and conservation, taxonomy and systematics, aquaculture and fisheries, and animal behaviour.

As an undergraduate, you’ll explore the biology, ecology and conservation of marine organisms, including fish and fisheries, and tropical and subtropical marine ecosystems. 

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Flinders University

If you are considering the marine biology universities in Australia, Flinders University is where you can get a broad understanding of the biology of marine organisms, their relationships with the Physico-chemical marine environment, and their potential responses to changes. 

The degree provides you with the ability to acquire extensive knowledge in marine biodiversity, ecology, genetics, conservation, fisheries and related areas, and builds transferable skills. 3 years full-time course.

Annual fee: 2022: $36,500

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Griffith University

Griffith’s Bachelor of Marine Science has a broad interdisciplinary approach, encompassing biology, chemistry and quantitative physical science.

With a focus on practical experience, you will build your knowledge and understanding of ocean ecosystems, in and out of the classroom.

As you already know, Marine Biology is under Marine Science. The course is of 3 years full-time duration.

Tuition fee: $35,000 (80 CP)

Fee per CP: $437.50

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James Cook University

Marine Science, Marine Biology and Aquaculture at JCU provide access to a unique tropical learning environment with research stations, state-of-the-art laboratories and the Great Barrier Reef right on their doorstep.

You will be able to develop an expert understanding of how to protect and manage our marine resources.

You will also learn how to investigate alternative and innovative ways to establish and maintain sustainable fishing and aquaculture industries.

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What will be the career options for you as a marine biology graduate?

Once you graduate from the Marine Biology universities in Australia, some of the career options for you will include positions in fisheries industries, national parks and wildlife.

Other fields where you can practice include environmental protection, infrastructure and development, natural resources and planning both in government and industries.

Marine Biology graduates are also employed by local councils as environmental officers, in resource industries and consulting firms as research officers.

They workers universities as lecturers and also as teachers in other educational settings.

Opportunities exist within non-government conservation sector, zoos, aquariums, science communication/documentary making and eco-tourism and tourism industries.

In conclusion, deciding to attend any of the marine biology universities in Australia simply means you will have the opportunity to learn from internationally eminent marine biologists and oceanographers undertaking world-class research on current issues in marine science.

Please let us know what you think about these Marine Biology universities in Australia.

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