Master in Marine Biology at University of Padua
English-taught marine biology master based in Chioggia, with study plans in marine biodiversity and management or aquaculture and the health of farmed organisms, and a nine-month thesis and internship.
Master
2 years
Padua
English
University of Padua
Marine Biology is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-6-R) taught entirely in English by the University of Padua at its site in Chioggia (Venice). Non-EU students with family abroad pay a fixed €2,990 a year (2026/27), and Veneto regional scholarship winners are exempt.
Entry requirements
- A bachelor's degree of at least three years (or equivalent) with proven skills in mathematics, physics, computer science and biology.
- Basic credits in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, biology, ecology, and animal and plant morphology and physiology, as listed by the course.
- A final grade that meets the minimum the university sets for your country; the course website gives 90/110 on the Italian scale.
- English at B2 level of the CEFR, with a certificate from the university's accepted list unless an exemption applies.
- No entrance test: admission is open to applicants who meet the requirements, which are checked on your application file.
About the programme
Marine Biology is a two-year master's degree in class LM-6-R (Biology), taught entirely in English by the Department of Biology within the School of Science. It is based in Chioggia (Venice), at Palazzo Grassi, the university's marine biology building, rather than in Padua itself. It is worth 120 ECTS and has open admission for applicants who meet the requirements.
The course trains experts in the sustainable management of marine resources and ecosystems and in the development and management of aquaculture. It gives modern tools for the study, conservation and responsible management of marine biodiversity, covering evolutionary mechanisms and dynamics, reproductive strategies and the interactions between organisms and their environment. It suits biology and natural science graduates interested in the sea, conservation or seafood production.
What you will study
You take 12 course units with exercises and laboratory work, worth 79 credits, and personalise your plan towards one of two tracks: Biodiversity and Management of Marine Organisms, or Aquaculture and Health of Farmed Organisms. Units in the 2027/28 plan include:
- Marine Biodiversity, and Marine Ecology: Patterns and Processes
- Experimental Design and Statistical Analysis
- Ecology and Physiology of Global Changes
- Marine Conservation: Principles and Applications, and Practical Marine Ecology
- Molecular Methods for Management and Aquaculture
- Seafood Sustainability, Production and Control
- Farming and Feeding of Aquatic Species, and Reproductive Technologies in Aquatic Species Management
- Behavioural Ecology, Marine Ecotoxicology, Marine Microbiology and Pathology of Aquatic Organisms
How the programme is taught
The thesis and internship last about nine months and are worth 41 credits, which fills a large part of the second year.
Career paths
The university lists work in public and private bodies that protect and manage the coastal and marine environment, and research careers. Graduates can also sit the Italian State exam to register as a professional biologist (Section A). The main areas are:
- Marine ecotoxicology laboratories and seafood quality control
- Aquaculture facilities
- Environmental impact assessment consulting
- Research at universities, research institutions and marine biology stations
- Education and outreach, or a PhD
Fees and scholarships
Marine Biology is a School of Science degree, so it is in fee Group B. For 2026/27, non-EU students whose family lives abroad pay a fixed €2,990 a year, or €996.66 for citizens of countries on the ministry's list of particularly poor countries; an ISEE parificato changes only the regional tax. Veneto regional scholarship winners pay no fee, which means zero euro tuition for eligible students, and international applicants living abroad are considered for merit fee waivers. See the fees page.
How to apply from outside the EU
Applications are made on apply.unipd.it: upload your transcript, degree certificate, CV, motivation letter and English certificate, and pay the €60 fee. For 2027/28, non-EU applicants living abroad can apply in Call One, 15 September to 15 November 2026, or Call Two, 1 December 2026 to 1 March 2027.
After admission you pay €208 to accept your place, complete the Universitaly pre-enrolment and apply for a type D study visa. Your qualifications must be legalised, apostilled or covered by a CIMEA statement of verification by 31 August 2027. Studies start on 1 October 2027, in Chioggia.
How ApplyAZ helps
If this programme fits your goals, ApplyAZ can include it in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes at Italian public universities. We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose, submit your applications and Universitaly pre-enrolment, file your DSU scholarship application and prepare your visa file, with a named person on each stage. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa. See how ApplyAZ works or check your eligibility.
Questions and answers
Where is the Master in Marine Biology taught?
In Chioggia (Venice), at Palazzo Grassi, the University of Padua's marine biology building, not on the main Padua campus. The whole degree is taught in English.
Which tracks can I choose?
You personalise your study plan towards Biodiversity and Management of Marine Organisms, or Aquaculture and Health of Farmed Organisms. Both build on 12 course units with exercises and laboratory work, worth 79 credits in total.
What background do I need?
A degree of at least three years with proven skills in mathematics, physics, computer science and biology, plus English at B2 level of the CEFR. The course website gives 90/110 as the minimum grade on the Italian scale.
When can I apply for 2027/28?
Non-EU applicants living abroad can apply on apply.unipd.it from 15 September to 15 November 2026 or from 1 December 2026 to 1 March 2027. The fee is €60 and studies start on 1 October 2027.
How much are the fees?
For 2026/27, non-EU students with family abroad pay a fixed €2,990 a year, or €996.66 if from a country on the ministry's list of particularly poor countries. Regional scholarship winners are exempt, and merit fee waivers exist.
What jobs do graduates do?
The university names marine and coastal protection bodies, ecotoxicology and seafood quality laboratories, aquaculture facilities, environmental impact consulting, research and education. Graduates can also sit the Italian State exam for professional biologists.
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