Marine Biology & Conservation Courses
Study Marine Courses in Australia
Australia is blessed by the beautiful oceans surrounding the entire continent. The country has an has world's largest Marine Protected Areas (MPA), including the giant Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Australians care deeply about protecting the marine environment. the government has policy actively protecting ocean species including whales, sharks, dugongs and sea turtles. There is also a huge effort to preserve and regrow coral on reefs sounding the country. Warming waters are having a significant effect on the health of reefs.
With the ocean on your doorstep, there is not a better place in the world for international students to study marine biology and/or marine conservation.
The most popular marine courses that are eligible for a student visa (subclass 500) include:
Let's have a look at each of these:
If you are interested in marine conservation and habitat restoration, this could be the perfect course for you. Envirotech Education is the only college in the country offering this program.
The program will give you the fundamental knowledge required to work in marine conservation roles, particularly with the ocean.
The 1-year course covers topics including:
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fundamental marine biology and ecology
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understanding threats such as climate change, over-fishing and pollution
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planning conservation and restoration fieldwork
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conservation and restoration fieldwork techniques
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creating reports and presentations
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planting coastal dune vegetation, seagrass meadows and coral reefs
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surveying and fish counting techniques
After graduating with the Certificate III, employment opportunities may include:
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marine habitat restoration technician
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conservation officer in a national marine park
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research assistant in marine projects
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working for marine projects with a Non-Government Organisations (NGO) / Not-For Profit
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fish hatcheries technician
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marine/coastal data technician
During your course, you will be involved in hands-on fieldwork such as building a coral reef.
Please note: to participate in this course, you will need an open water dive certificate. Your college will assist you to organise this if you are not already a diver.
Graduates can transition into a Bachelor of Marine Biology, or continue into a sustainability / ecosystem qualification (information coming shortly).
Bachelor of Marine Biology
The diversity of Australian marine life is a new world to explore. During the Bachelor of Marine Biology, international students delve into the world of marine organisms, how they behave and how they interact with their environment. graduates will also have a deep understanding of the challenges which marine environments are facing, now and into the future.
As a marine biologist, employment opportunities may include:
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research scientist
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marine conservationist
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marine park or aquarium educator, curator, or manager
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managing commercial fisheries
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environmental consultant
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marine science education
During the 3-year course, students will study:
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the principles of marine life & ecosystems
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the relationship between marine organisms & their environment
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the Ocean's physical, geographical, chemical & biological processes
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fish, invertebrae (no spine) creatures & mammals (including dolphins, seals & whales)
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marine plants & algae
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marine biodiversity threats & preventative strategies
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marine biotechnology - biological research to solve medical & agricultural problems
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research methods
The course will include fieldwork (such as visiting reefs) which will require students to be comfortable and competent in the ocean, especially around boats and swimming. You will more than likely be required to hold an open water diving certificate.
in addition, students need to be comfortable with lab work, including techniques, tools & lab safety.
After studying this bachelor, graduates will be eligible for the Temporary Graduate Post Study Work Stream Visa.
However, depending on wherever you study, you may be eligible for the Extended Temporary Graduate Post Study Work Stream (providing 4 years instead of 2 years of work rights). Please note: This is currently under review with the Department of Home Affairs.
Marine biology courses tend to be in regional areas, thus graduates may also be eligible for the Second Post Study Work Stream.