Bachelor in Marine Biology and Blue Biotechnologies at University of Messina
Three-year English-taught L-13 bachelor's at the University of Messina focused on the sea: marine botany, zoology and ecology, microbiology and blue biotechnologies, then a physical and natural science or a marine resources curriculum. Open access with a TOLC-F check.
Bachelor
3 years
Messina
English
University of Messina
Marine Biology and Blue Biotechnologies is a three-year, 180 ECTS bachelor's degree (class L-13) taught in English at the University of Messina. Access is open: you need a recognised secondary school diploma after 12 years of schooling and English at B2, and all new students take the CISIA TOLC-F. International fees follow country groups, and it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Marine Biology and Blue Biotechnologies at Messina has open access. You need a recognised secondary school diploma, after 12 years of schooling for visa applicants, and English at B2, and every new student takes the CISIA TOLC-F knowledge check, with extra first-year requirements (OFA) below the thresholds. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
School-leaving requirement
You need a secondary school diploma, or a qualification obtained abroad that the university recognises as valid. These rules come from the course regulations in force from the 2025/26 cohort. [1][2]
For non-EU visa applicants, the university asks for a high school diploma obtained after 12 years of education. If your diploma reflects fewer than 12 years, you can add a certificate of all first-year university exams or a Foundation Programme completion certificate. If your national system requires a university entrance exam, that certificate is needed too. [3]
What this means for your school results
The rule is about the length and level of your schooling: neither the regulations nor the admission page set a minimum grade or required school subjects. As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a Class 12 or Higher Secondary certificate completed after 12 years of schooling, such as CBSE, ISC or a state board in India, or an HSC or HSSC in Bangladesh or Pakistan. A levels taken after 12 or more years of schooling also meet the length rule.
- Check carefully: a diploma that reflects fewer than 12 years, which needs a first-year university certificate or a Foundation Programme on top. A school record without biology, chemistry, mathematics or physics makes the TOLC-F harder, although enrolment does not depend on the result.
- Often short: a Class 10, SSC or O level certificate on its own.
English
English at CEFR level B2 or higher, certified by a recognised body, or native-level proficiency. [1][2] The university accepts IELTS 5.5 or higher, TOEFL iBT 72 or higher (both valid up to two years from the test date), Cambridge B2 First or higher, PTE General Level 3 and PTE Academic 59. [4]
Exempt from a certificate: native speakers from a listed set of English-speaking countries, including the UK, the USA, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand; holders of a degree taught entirely in English in one of those countries; and holders of an International Baccalaureate Diploma taught entirely in English. [4]
TOLC-F and additional learning requirements
Access is open, with no cap on places, and enrolment does not depend on the test result. [1][2] Every new student takes the CISIA TOLC-F, which covers biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics and logic. You pass with at least 15 correct answers out of 50, including at least 3 in biology, 3 in chemistry, 4 in mathematics, 3 in physics and 2 in logic. [2]
Below the thresholds you receive additional learning requirements (OFA) to clear during the first year, through local OFA tests or by passing a first-year exam in the relevant subject. Remedial courses run in September before classes start. If the OFA are not cleared by the end of year one, you are enrolled again in the first year. [1][2]
2027/28 application windows
For 2027/28, non-EU visa applicants apply on the UniME portal in one of three calls: [3]
- Early Bird: 1 to 20 December 2026, only for applicants who already hold final documents and a declaration of value or CIMEA statement of comparability
- Second call: 2 February to 19 March 2027
- Third call: 8 April to 8 May 2027, which the university may close early
One application can cover up to two programmes. For 2026/27 the Universitaly deadline was 15 September 2026. [3]
Documents and non-EU steps
Applications need: [3]
- High school diploma, or an official provisional course completion certificate if the diploma is not yet issued
- University entrance exam certificate, if your national system requires one
- Transcript of records
- Passport copy valid for at least 18 months
- English certificate at B2, unless you are exempt
- Translations, together with the original-language documents
If the application is approved, the admission letter explains Universitaly pre-enrolment. UniME confirms it on Universitaly only when the documents are valid and correctly uploaded, which starts the visa process. Enrolment is confirmed only with a valid type D study visa and after a check of your admission documents. [3]
Sources and verification
Checked by the ApplyAZ admissions team against the university's official documents listed below. Entry rules can change with each new call, and we re-check them before every application.
- University of Messina, Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences. Course regulations of the Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology and Blue Biotechnologies (class L-13), in force from the 2025/26 cohort. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Messina, Marine Biology and Blue Biotechnologies programme website, admission requirements and TOLC-F rules, undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Messina, International Office. Application and admission for bachelor's degrees, non-EU visa applicants, academic years 2026/27 and 2027/28. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Messina, International Office. English language requirements and accepted certificates, undated. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Messina, International Office. Fees and fundings: tuition fees for international students by country group, from 2025/26. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Marine Biology and Blue Biotechnologies is a three-year bachelor's degree (laurea, class L-13, biological sciences) worth 180 ECTS.
It is run by the Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences of the University of Messina and taught entirely in English, with open access. The course website now presents it as Marine Sciences and Blue Biotechnologies.
The degree gives a solid base in general biology with scientific and practical training across marine biology: research methods, marine ecology, experimental techniques, ecosystem conservation, biotechnology and the sustainable use of marine resources.
Messina, on the Strait between Sicily and mainland Italy, makes the sea the natural setting for this course. It suits school leavers with an interest in biology, chemistry and the marine environment.
What you will study
The first two years are common to all students and cover the sciences and the main groups of marine life.
In the third year you follow one of two curricula, Physical and Natural Science or Marine Resources and Sustainability, and finish with a 6 ECTS final exam.
- Marine botany, Marine zoology and Marine ecology
- Math with elements of statistics and principles of physics (12 ECTS), with general, inorganic and organic chemistry
- Analytical methodologies for sea water analysis (6 ECTS)
- Microbiology and marine biotechnologies and Physiology and marine pharmacology (12 ECTS each)
- Genetics of marine organisms, Molecular biology and Ichthyology and conservation
- Physical and Natural Science curriculum: Biochemistry and marine toxicology, Environmental chemistry, Cartography and coastal dynamics and Physical oceanography, with Geochemistry and volcanology or Physical chemistry as the elective
- Marine Resources and Sustainability curriculum: Marine-based nutraceuticals, Fishery, International law on marine environmental protection, Pathology of farmed organisms
How the programme is taught
An experimental internship at a partner public or private institution or research laboratory is part of the degree. Students can also apply for Erasmus+ mobility and for the university's Students Around the World scholarship for exchanges outside Europe.
Career paths
Graduates can work as junior biologists, carrying out technical and operational tasks and giving professional support in environmental, industrial, pharmaceutical, scientific information and research settings. The university lists these sectors:
- laboratory production and biotechnology
- marine ecology and resource management
- aquaculture facilities
- marine protected areas
- public administration and research institutions
- environmental impact assessment and monitoring
Fees and scholarships
Fees for international students at UniME depend on a country grouping in force since 2025/26. India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka share one group, and Bangladesh is in the lowest group. [5]
ERSU Messina runs the regional scholarship, mainly based on family income, which includes a tuition fee waiver plus money, housing and meals, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students.
How to apply from outside the EU
You need your school certificates, a transcript, a passport valid for at least 18 months and a B2 English certificate unless you are exempt. We then apply on the UniME application portal, where one 2027/28 application can cover up to two programmes. [3]
For 2027/28 the visa-applicant calls are 1 to 20 December 2026 (Early Bird, requiring final documents and a declaration of value or CIMEA statement), 2 February to 19 March 2027 and 8 April to 8 May 2027. [3]
If you are admitted, the letter explains Universitaly pre-enrolment, which we prepare with you. UniME confirms it only when your documents are valid and correctly uploaded, and you then apply for a type D study visa. Enrolment is confirmed only with a valid study visa. [3]
How ApplyAZ helps
ApplyAZ is an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities. We can include this programme in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes that fit your profile, so your plan never rests on a single application.
For eligible students who start with us, a named person owns each stage, from A to Z:
- We check your school results against Messina's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your UniME online application and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your regional DSU scholarship application at the right time and in the right format.
- We prepare your visa file.
With operations in all 20 Italian regions, we follow each region's scholarship rules and deadlines as they change. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa, so no one can promise an outcome. You pay in milestones, and every service you pay for is either delivered or its fee is refunded (terms apply).
Programmes at Italian public universities can be tuition-free for eligible students. Check if you are eligible and book a one-to-one consultation session with one of our Italy experts, or see how ApplyAZ works.
Questions and answers
What school results do I need for Marine Biology and Blue Biotechnologies at Messina?
A secondary school diploma recognised as valid, obtained after 12 years of schooling. With fewer than 12 years you add a certificate of first-year university exams or a Foundation Programme. No minimum grade is set. [1][3]
Is there an entrance test?
Access is open and enrolment does not depend on the result, but all new students take the CISIA TOLC-F. Below 15 correct answers out of 50, or below a section minimum, you get extra requirements (OFA) to clear in year one. [2]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
English at CEFR B2. The university accepts IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 72, Cambridge B2 First, PTE General Level 3 or PTE Academic 59. Native speakers from listed English-speaking countries and English-taught IB Diploma holders are exempt. [4]
When can non-EU students apply for 2027/28?
Visa applicants use the UniME portal in one of three calls: 1 to 20 December 2026 (Early Bird, final documents and a declaration of value or CIMEA statement needed), 2 February to 19 March 2027 or 8 April to 8 May 2027. [3]
Can I apply before my diploma is issued?
Yes, outside the Early Bird call. If your diploma is not yet issued, you can upload an official provisional course completion certificate. The Early Bird call is only for applicants who already hold final documents and a declaration of value or CIMEA statement. [3]
I studied commerce or arts in Class 12. Can I apply?
Possibly. The regulations set no school subject rule, but the TOLC-F tests biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics and logic. Without science subjects you are more likely to receive OFA, which you clear in year one with remedial courses and tests. [1][2]
What are the two curricula?
In the third year you choose Physical and Natural Science, with marine toxicology, environmental chemistry, coastal dynamics and physical oceanography, or Marine Resources and Sustainability, with nutraceuticals, fishery, marine environmental law and pathology of farmed organisms. [1]
How do fees work?
Yearly fees depend on your country group. India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka share one group, and Bangladesh is in the lowest group. [5]
Can someone handle my whole application to Marine Biology and Blue Biotechnologies at Messina?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your school results against Messina's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the regional DSU scholarship application at the right time and in the right format, and prepares your visa file, for eligible students. Start by checking your eligibility.
I'm applying from India. What is the route into Marine Biology and Blue Biotechnologies?
A Class 12 or Higher Secondary certificate completed after 12 years of schooling can meet the school rule, and you also need English at B2. All new students take the CISIA TOLC-F, with extra first-year requirements if they score below the thresholds. The steps are the UniME online application, the admission letter and Universitaly pre-enrolment. [1][3] Indian students apply for the type D study visa at the Italian embassy or consulate that covers their state, such as New Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru.
Is the route different from Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka?
No. The academic rules for Marine Biology and Blue Biotechnologies are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: UniME online application, admission letter and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for their country of residence. Read our guide for students in Dhaka.
I live in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman or Bahrain. Where do I apply for the visa?
At the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for the country where you legally live, after Universitaly pre-enrolment. The academic rules for Marine Biology and Blue Biotechnologies are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: UniME online application, admission letter and Universitaly pre-enrolment. Read our guides for Dubai, Riyadh and Doha.
I studied or live in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. What is the route?
The academic rules for Marine Biology and Blue Biotechnologies are the same whatever your nationality, and your school results are assessed like any other foreign qualification. Non-EU applicants who live abroad follow the same route: UniME online application, admission letter and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for where they live. Read our guides for students in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
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