Requirements To Study Marine Biology In South Africa

What Is Marine Biology

Marine biology is the scientific study of the biology of marine life, organisms in the sea. Given that in biology many phyla, families and genera have some species that live in the sea and others that live on land, marine biology classifies species based on the environment rather than on taxonomy.

Entry Requirements To Study Marine Biology In South Africa

1. UCT Science Faculty entry requirements:

For a master’s degree in the Science Faculty:  A candidate entering a Master’s degree must have a BSc (Honours) degree or four-year international undergraduate equivalent.  The University of Cape Town follows ECCTIS guidelines on equivalency of international degrees. Prospective students should check whether their existing degree qualifies for entry.

2. English Language Proficiency requirements:

The medium of instruction and examination at UCT is English.  You must submit evidence of proficiency in English as part of your application to study at UCT. These include any of the following:

For South African applicants, either:

A pass in English Home Language or First Additional Language if you hold the NSC, or

40% In English on the Higher Grade (first or second language) if you hold the Senior Certificate

For international applicants:

 A recent TOEFL score (obtained within 3-5 years before application for admission) of at least

570 for the paper-based test or

230 for the computer-based test or

88 for the Internet-based test

A recent overall band score of 7.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), with no individual element of the test scoring below 6.0

A score of 65% or more for the Academic Literacy component of the NBT.

3. An excellent academic track record with strong interests in marine science.
4. Good numeracy skills are highly recommended.

Schools Offering Marine Biology In South Africa

NMU and UKZN offer courses in Marine Biology,

UWC in Environmental and Water Science,

UCT in Oceanography,

CPUT in Marine Science,

CUT in Hydrology

Water Resources and Water Care at TUT.

What subjects are needed to become a marine biologist in South Africa?

In order to take up a marine biologist career, one needs to choose subjects such as mathematics, physics, and chemistry and of course – biology during your undergrad years. A degree in marine biology is the safest way to reach your career goals.

What qualifications do you need for marine biology in South Africa ?

To study Marine Biology you need to have a good background preferably in a relevant science subjects such as: Biology; Chemistry; Marine Science; Geography; Geology; or Mathematics. Ideally two of your A-Levels (or equivalent) need to be in a science subject.

What school subjects do you need for marine biology in South Africa ?

The subjects you need are the Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), English and Maths. Other qualifications that would be helpful are I.T.C, Geography and Foreign languages.

Where in South Africa can you study marine biology?

Cape Town is one of the best locations in the world to study marine biology, as it is situated at the confluence of three of the world’s major oceans – the Atlantic, Indian and Southern Oceans.

How many years does it take to be a marine biologist in South Africa ?

Marine biologists must complete at least a bachelor’s degree, which takes about four years. Marine biologists who pursue master’s degrees may take an additional two to three years to complete their education, and earning a PhD will take up to six years more.

How much money does a marine biologist make in South Africa?

A mid career Marine Biologist with 4-9 years of experience earns an average salary of R 153 000, while a Senior Marine Biologist with 10-20 years of experience makes on average R 201 000. Marine Biologists and Aquatic Scientists with more than 20 years of experience may earn more than R 240 000 a year.

Can you study marine biology at University of Pretoria?

Marine Biology | University of Pretoria

How much does it cost to study marine biology in South Africa?

Any learner who is entering Grade 10 in 2021, and who is interested in signing up for the course, must register Marine Sciences as one of their subject choices at their school. Cost for the course is R6 255 for 2021 with a slight increase projected year on year.