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Marine Biologist

Stable

Science & Research

Studies sea life such as coral reefs, fish stocks, turtles and mangroves, working for the Department of Fisheries, marine parks, research institutes, universities, environmental consultancies and conservation NGOs. Most enter with a degree in Marine Biology or Marine Science from UMT or UMS.

ScienceAgriculture

Picture the job

Where you'd usually workA laboratory

An illustration of a typical workplace, not a photo. Real workplaces vary.

In Malaysia

How people get into it here
SPM (Biology, Chemistry, Maths) → Matrikulasi, Asasi Sains, STPM or Diploma → BSc Marine Biology or Marine Science (e.g. UMT, UMS) → apply on SPA for Pegawai Perikanan G9 (Department of Fisheries, marine parks) or join a research institute, consultancy or NGO; a Master's or PhD is usually needed for research-scientist and lecturer posts. With a fisheries diploma you can enter lower as Penolong Pegawai Perikanan G5.

Sources:spa.gov.myumt.edu.my

Pay in the private market

Monthly pay from fresh grad to mid-career, from the salary guide cited on this page.

Entry

Private
RM2,470 – RM2,580

Government pay isn't shown: we haven't yet sourced the SSPA civil-service salary tables, and we won't estimate them.

Job demand outlook

Stable

Steady, reliable demand: a consistent number of openings.

Your readiness

How your current SPM subjects line up with this career.

Add your SPM grades to see how ready you are for this career.

Add my grades

Quick answers

How do you become a Marine Biologist in Malaysia?

SPM (Biology, Chemistry, Maths) → Matrikulasi, Asasi Sains, STPM or Diploma → BSc Marine Biology or Marine Science (e.g. UMT, UMS) → apply on SPA for Pegawai Perikanan G9 (Department of Fisheries, marine parks) or join a research institute, consultancy or NGO; a Master's or PhD is usually needed for research-scientist and lecturer posts. With a fisheries diploma you can enter lower as Penolong Pegawai Perikanan G5.

What should I study to become a Marine Biologist?

Related fields of study: Science and Agriculture. SPM subjects that help most: Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and Economics / Business.

How much does a Marine Biologist earn in Malaysia?

Published figures put starting pay at RM2,470 – RM2,580 a month (source: SPA scheme: Pegawai Perikanan Gred G9 (formerly G41) starting pay – RM2,470 with an honours science degree in a related field, RM2,580 with a BSc (Fisheries) (SSPA); the main government entry post for marine biology graduates, Sep 2026).

Biotechnology & STEM · Career guide

Marine Biologist

Studies marine life and ecosystems such as coral reefs, fish and mangroves.

Work overview based on O*NET occupation sources; Malaysian study examples and context are linked below. Actual requirements depend on the programme and post.

What does the work involve?
  • Observe and collect marine-life data.
  • Study organisms in their marine environments.
  • Analyse and report marine research findings.
UMT — Marine Biology degree ↗
Work settings and skills

Marine research, coastal or sea fieldwork, laboratories and conservation projects.

UMT — Marine Biology degree ↗
Study areas and planning after SPM

Marine biology, marine science or related biological science.

Planning example: SPM → science pre-university or a diploma meeting programme requirements → a relevant bachelor's → job applications or research training. Check each programme's special requirements and each vacancy.

UMT's Marine Biology programme is an example of study focused on marine organisms and ecosystems.

These are study areas to explore, not verified admission rules for every programme. Check special requirements, recognition and curriculum directly with the institution.

Further study and professional checks

Choose further study according to the area you want to deepen and the post's requirements. Compare coursework and research modes and read the university's admission criteria.

Check the actual vacancy before treating a qualification as sufficient. Study or training does not guarantee admission or employment.

Sources and checked date

Checked: 2026-11-10

Subjects that matter here

The SPM subjects worth your effort for this career, with the reason for each.

ChemistryUnderstand reactions, materials and lab work.
BiologyThe base for health, food and environment jobs.
MathematicsMeasure, calculate and read data accurately.
Economics / BusinessRun an estate like a business.

Skills to build

Patience in fieldwork and at seaCareful observation and record-keepingScientific writing and data analysisExplaining conservation to fishers and the public

What beginner adverts asked for

We read 8 internship and fresh-graduate adverts in related fields (August 2026). A small sample from one job site, not every vacancy.

5 of 8 were internships

Minimum CGPA asked

3.00 to 3.00

Stated in 2 adverts. Others did not state one.

Languages named

Bahasa Malaysia

An empty line means the adverts did not say, not that employers have no requirement. Check each employer's own advert before you plan around it.

About this information

This describes what the job involves. Pay, demand and entry routes differ in Malaysia, so check the Pathways and Programmes pages for local requirements.

Source: SPA scheme: Pegawai Perikanan Gred G9 (formerly G41) starting pay – RM2,470 with an honours science degree in a related field, RM2,580 with a BSc (Fisheries) (SSPA); the main government entry post for marine biology graduates · as of Sept 2026

Check the salary figures yourself:JPA (SSPA schedule)SPA

Job responsibilities, knowledge areas and work context from O*NET 30.3, US Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0. onetcenter.org