Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

Master of Science [M.Sc] in Sub-Aqua Marine Ecology and Toxicogenomics (Now M.Sc. Marine Biology) at Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU), Madurai

Important Note: The M.Sc. Sub-Aqua Marine Ecology and Toxicogenomics programme at Madurai Kamaraj University has been renamed to M.Sc. Marine Biology from the academic year 2014-15 onwards. The course continues to be offered under the new name. All information below pertains to the current M.Sc. Marine Biology programme, which is the successor to M.Sc. Sub-Aqua Marine Ecology and Toxicogenomics.

Madurai Kamaraj University's M.Sc. Marine Biology (formerly M.Sc. Sub-Aqua Marine Ecology and Toxicogenomics) is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme offered by the Department of Marine and Coastal Studies under the School of Energy, Environment and Natural Resources. Originally sanctioned by the UGC under its Innovative Programmes for Teaching and Research in Emerging and Interdisciplinary Areas during the X Plan (2004-2009), the course was renamed M.Sc. Marine Biology from 2014-15 onwards. The programme covers marine ecology, toxicogenomics, coral reef ecosystems, marine biodiversity, and related life sciences. Theory classes are held at the MKU Main Campus in Madurai, while practical and field practicals are conducted at the Marine Field Research Facility located at Pudumadam, Ramanathapuram District. The total fees for the programme are Rs. 49,520 for the entire 2-year duration. Admission is through a non-entrance (merit-based) process, and the seat intake is 25 seats per year.

Admissions for the academic year 2026-2027 are currently open. Applications are being accepted online from 02 March 2026, with the last date for submission being 06 April 2026.

Key Points

The programme was originally sanctioned by UGC as M.Sc. Sub-Aqua Marine Ecology and Toxicogenomics and was renamed M.Sc. Marine Biology from 2014-15 onwards; the course content and focus remain aligned with marine ecology and biological sciences.
Theory classes are held at MKU Main Campus, Madurai, while practical and field work is conducted at the Marine Field Research Facility at Pudumadam, Ramanathapuram District - providing real-world coastal and marine ecosystem exposure.
The curriculum emphasises the study of coral reef ecosystems in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay regions, which are among India's most ecologically significant marine biodiversity hotspots.
The programme is offered under the School of Energy, Environment and Natural Resources, giving students access to interdisciplinary research in environmental and marine sciences.
Separate hostel facilities for boys and girls are available at the MKU Main Campus.
Students can pursue M.Phil. in Marine Environmental Studies and Ph.D. in Marine Biology at MKU after completing this programme.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

Madurai Kamaraj University Latest Updates and News

08 Apr, 2026 Madurai Kamaraj University Directorate of Distance Education Admission 2026-27 is ongoing for UG/PG programs. The last date to apply is Apr 10, 2026 (extended). Apply Now!

02 Mar, 2026 Madurai Kamaraj University M.Sc Sub-Aqua Marine Ecology And Toxicogenomics Admission 2026 is open. Apply by Apr 6 @mkuniversity.ac.in. The entrance exam is tentatively scheduled for May 23 & 24, 2026.

02 Mar, 2026 Madurai Kamaraj University M.Sc Sub-Aqua Marine Ecology And Toxicogenomics Fee Structure 2026-27 is out. The total academic fee is ₹ 23,400 .

Madurai Kamaraj University Important Events

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MKU M.Sc. Marine Biology Fees

The M.Sc. Marine Biology programme at MKU has a self-supported fee structure. The total course fee for the 2-year programme is Rs. 49,520, which includes tuition, laboratory, library, special, and other statutory charges. SC/ST students are exempted from tuition fees as per Tamil Nadu Government norms. Hostel accommodation is available on campus at an additional cost.

Fee Structure (2026-2027)

Fee Component	Year I (Rs.)	Year II (Rs.)
Tuition Fee	7,500	7,500
Laboratory Fee	10,000	10,000
Library Fee	750	750
Special Fee	4,310	4,310
University Development Fee	1,200	1,200
Admission Fee	100	-
Alumni Fee	1,000	-
Insurance Fee	250	150
Caution Deposit	-	500
Year-wise Total	25,110	24,410
Total Fees (2 Years)	49,520

Hostel Fees (Optional - Not Mandatory)

Hostel Type	Approximate Annual Fee (Rs.)
Hostel Charges (Men/Women)	18,000 - 24,000
Mess Charges (approx.)	36,000

Hostel accommodation is available on campus for both men and women but is not mandatory.
Tuition fee is not collected from SC/ST students at the time of admission as per Tamil Nadu Government norms.
Special fees and other fees must be paid at the time of admission.
Caution Deposit of Rs. 500 is fully refundable at the end of the programme.
Refund Policy: 80% refund (excluding Special Fee and Caution Deposit) if withdrawal is made at least 15 days before the closing date of admission; 50% refund if withdrawal is less than 15 days prior; no refund after the closing date of admission.
Registration fee for non-entrance PG programmes: Rs. 500 (SC/ST and Christian AdiDravidar students are exempted for one programme).
Fees are to be paid through SBI-I Collect - Madurai Kamaraj University - Registrar.

MKU M.Sc. Marine Biology Admission 2026-2027

Admissions to M.Sc. Marine Biology at MKU for 2026-2027 are currently open. This is a non-entrance programme; selection is based on UG marks obtained up to the V semester/II year. Tamil Nadu Government reservation norms are strictly followed. Candidates must have a minimum of 55% marks in Part III of their B.Sc. (50% for SC/ST).

Admission Dates - MKU M.Sc. Marine Biology 2026-2027

Event	Date
Online Application Opens	02 March 2026
Last Date for Application Submission	06 April 2026
Publication of Selection List	To be announced
Commencement of Classes	July 2026 (Tentative)

Note: M.Sc. Marine Biology is a non-entrance programme at MKU. There is no university-level entrance exam for this course; admission is purely merit-based on UG marks.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have passed B.Sc. in any branch of Life Sciences (Biology, Biochemistry, Botany, Zoology, Microbiology, Marine Biology, Biotechnology, or equivalent) from a recognised Indian or foreign university.
Minimum 55% marks in Part III (subject marks) for General/OBC candidates.
Minimum 50% marks for SC/ST candidates.
Candidates appearing in the final year (VI Semester/III Year) of their UG programme are also eligible to apply.

Admission Process

Submit online application at admissions.mkuniversity.ac.in by 06 April 2026 with a registration fee of Rs. 500.
Upload required documents: passport photo, signature, SSLC/HSC mark sheets, UG mark statements (up to V semester), community certificate (if applicable).
Selection is based on UG marks (up to V semester) following Tamil Nadu Government reservation norms.
Selected candidates are notified via the university website and notice board.
Attend counselling/admission on the specified date with original certificates.
Pay the prescribed fees through SBI-I Collect on the day of admission.

MKU M.Sc. Marine Biology Scholarships 2026-2027

Students enrolled in M.Sc. Marine Biology at MKU are eligible for state and central government scholarships based on community, income, and merit. The Tamil Nadu Government provides scholarships for BC, MBC, SC, and ST students, while central government schemes offer additional support. These scholarships can significantly offset the course fees for eligible students.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount (Approx.)	Provider
Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST	SC/ST students with minimum 50% marks	Rs. 5,000 - 20,000 per annum	Tamil Nadu Government / Government of India
Tamil Nadu Government Scholarship (BC/MBC)	BC/MBC students, minimum 50% marks, family income up to Rs. 2.5 lakh/year	Rs. 3,000 - 10,000 per annum	Tamil Nadu Government
Central Sector Scholarship	Merit-based, top 20 percentile in 12th board	Rs. 10,000 - 20,000 per annum	Government of India
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Schemes	SC/ST/OBC/Minority/EWS students	Varies	Government of India
MKU Tuition Fee Waiver	SC/ST students	Full tuition fee waiver	Madurai Kamaraj University
MKU Differently Abled Fee Waiver	Differently abled students	Tuition + Special fee waiver	Madurai Kamaraj University

BC and MBC students must apply for scholarships through the Tamil Nadu Government's official scholarship portal.
SC/ST and Christian AdiDravidar students must apply through the respective government departments.
Scholarship applications are typically submitted at the beginning of each academic year.
Income certificate (obtained within 3 months before application) is required for SC/ST scholarship applications.

MKU M.Sc. Marine Biology FAQs

Ques. Is M.Sc. Sub-Aqua Marine Ecology and Toxicogenomics still offered at MKU, or has it been discontinued?

Ans. The course has not been discontinued - it was renamed to M.Sc. Marine Biology from the academic year 2014-15 onwards. The programme continues to be offered by the Department of Marine and Coastal Studies at MKU. The core focus on marine ecology, toxicogenomics, and marine biodiversity remains part of the curriculum under the new name.

Ques. Where are the practical classes and field work conducted for M.Sc. Marine Biology at MKU?

Ans. Theory classes are held at the MKU Main Campus in Madurai. Practical and field practicals are conducted at the Marine Field Research Facility located at Pudumadam, Ramanathapuram District, which is situated near the Gulf of Mannar - one of India's richest marine biodiversity zones. This gives students direct exposure to coral reef ecosystems and coastal marine environments.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after M.Sc. Marine Biology from MKU?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers in marine research institutes (CMFRI, NIO, NCAOR), environmental consulting, fisheries departments, coastal zone management, and conservation organisations. Government jobs in Forest Department (Marine), Fisheries Department, and DRDO are also accessible. Many graduates pursue Ph.D. in Marine Biology, Oceanography, or Environmental Sciences at premier institutes in India and abroad.

Ques. Is there an entrance exam for M.Sc. Marine Biology admission at MKU?

Ans. No, M.Sc. Marine Biology at MKU is a non-entrance programme. Admission is based purely on merit - specifically on UG marks obtained up to the V semester. Candidates with B.Sc. in Life Sciences with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST) are eligible to apply.

Ques. What is the significance of studying marine biology near the Gulf of Mannar region?

Ans. The Gulf of Mannar is one of the world's richest marine biodiversity regions and India's first Marine Biosphere Reserve. MKU's Marine Field Research Facility at Pudumadam provides students direct access to study coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and diverse marine fauna in this ecologically critical zone. This hands-on exposure is a significant advantage for students pursuing research or conservation careers.

Ques. Can students from non-biology backgrounds (e.g., Chemistry, Physics) apply for M.Sc. Marine Biology at MKU?

Ans. No. The eligibility criteria specifically requires a B.Sc. in Life Sciences branches such as Biology, Biochemistry, Botany, Zoology, Microbiology, Marine Biology, or Biotechnology. Students from Chemistry, Physics, or other non-life science backgrounds are not eligible for this programme.