Aquaculture is an increasingly popular field of study that is concerned with the production and management of sea life and fishes. Aquaculture is also covered in other related fields of study like Marine Science, Marine Biology, Industrial Fisheries etc.
Aquaculture is taught through certificates, diplomas, PG diplomas, bachelor’s, master's and doctorate forms of degree programmes.
Table of Content
- Aquaculture Courses: Highlights
- Certificate Aquaculture Courses
- Diploma and PG Diploma Aquaculture Courses
- Bachelor Aquaculture Courses
- Master Aquaculture Courses
- Doctorate Aquaculture Courses
- What are the Top Job Options After Aquaculture Courses?
- What Skills are Required in Aquaculture Courses?
- Comparison of Online Aquaculture Courses, Fees and Rating
- Aquaculture Courses: FAQs
Aquaculture Courses: Highlights
The highlights for Aquaculture courses are as follows.
| Type of Courses |
|
| Duration |
|
| Eligibility |
|
| Average Fees |
|
| Online Courses | Available/Not Available |
| Types of Online Courses | Certificates and Diplomas |
| Top Job Prospects | Fisheries Officer, Aquaculture Manager, Research Officer, Science Officer, Hatchery Manager, Quality Control Specialist etc. |
| Average Salary |
|
Certificate Aquaculture Courses
Certificate courses in Aquaculture are available in offline and online modes. Online courses are popular modes of learning new skills quickly and free of cost.
- The duration of certificate courses ranges from a few hours to up to 6 months.
- Candidates need to possess a class 10th or 12th completion certificate from a recognized board of education.
- Certificate course graduates can earn in the range of INR 1.9 to 3 LPA.
Online Certificate Aquaculture Courses
Online certificate courses in Aquaculture or related courses are as follows.
| Certificate Name | Provider | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Becoming Aquaculture Expert (Part 1) | Udemy | 1 hour 2 mins | INR 2,560 |
| Becoming Aquaculture Expert (Part 2) | Udemy | 1 hour 54 mins | INR 2,560 |
| Grand Challenges: Food for Thought | University of Exeter, FutureLearn | 4 weeks | Free |
| Aquaponics – the circular food production system | ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, edX | 6 weeks | Free/ INR 7,269 for a certificate |
| Introduction to Vertical Mud Crab Farming | Udemy | 3 hours 39 mins | INR 12,800 |
Offline Certificate Aquaculture Courses
Currently, only one certificate course is available in offline mode.
| Certificate Name | Colleges Offering | Average Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate Courses in Ornamental Fish Farming | Mumbai University | INR 800 | 1 year |
How are Admissions in Certificate Programs of Aquaculture Courses Done?
Admission to certificate courses is done on a merit basis for both online and offline courses.
- Certificate courses admit candidates who have completed class 10th or 12th standard school leaving examinations.
- Document submission is to be done online, for online courses.
- Online course providers do take time to evaluate applications for granting admission.
Colleges offering Offline Certificates Aquaculture Courses
NIRF has ranked above mentioned offline certificate courses in Aquaculture.
| NIRF University Ranking | Institute Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 65 | Mumbai University | Mumbai |
Diploma and PG Diploma Aquaculture Courses
Diploma and PG diploma courses are fast-tracked courses undertaken by candidates who immediately start working. Both courses are the same in terms of the syllabus but differ in terms of eligibility criteria for admission.
- The duration of the diploma and PG diploma courses is 1 year and 2 years respectively.
- Admissions are conducted on a merit basis and cut off lists of aggregate scores.
- The average starting salary of diploma and PG diploma holders is INR 3 to 4 LPA.
Top Diploma Aquaculture Courses
In India, the following university has a diploma course in Aquaculture.
| Diploma Course Name | Colleges Offering | Average Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Aquaculture | Mumbai University | INR 44,898 | 1 year |
Top PG Diploma Aquaculture Courses
The current PG diploma Aquaculture programmes are as follows.
| PG Diploma Name | Colleges Offering | Average Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Diploma in Aquaculture | Savitribai Phule Pune University | INR 18,500 | 1 year |
| Advanced Diploma in Science of Fishery | Mumbai University | INR 8,000 | 1 year |
How are Admission in Diploma and PG Diploma Aquaculture Courses?
Admissions to diploma and PG diploma courses in Aquaculture are done on a merit basis.
- Diploma courses admit candidates who have completed their class 10th or 12th standard examinations.
- PG diploma courses admit candidates who have a bachelor’s degree programmes in a related field.
- Universities release cut off lists of aggregate scores for merit-based admissions.
Colleges offering Diploma Aquaculture Courses
NIRF prepares an annual rankings list for the best universities in India. The ranks are as below.
| NIRF University Ranking | Institute Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 65 | Mumbai University | Mumbai |
Colleges offering PG Diploma Aquaculture Courses
NIRF’s annual ranking list has featured above mentioned PG Diploma courses in Aquaculture. The ranks are as follows.
| NIRF University Ranking | Institute Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Savitribai Phule Pune University | Pune |
| 65 | Mumbai University | Mumbai |
Bachelor Aquaculture Courses
Bachelor's degree programmes, in India, one can earn while learning Aquaculture is B.Sc. One can learn the subject matter as a specialized programme or an elective subject of related courses.
- The duration of bachelor’s degree programmes is 3 years.
- Admissions are done on a merit basis and entrance examinations.
- The average starting salary bachelor’s degree graduates can earn is between INR 4 to 6 LPA.
Top Undergraduate (UG) Aquaculture Courses
The popular bachelor's degree programmes in Aquaculture and related courses are below.
| Bachelor Course Name | Colleges Offering | Average Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Sc. Aquaculture | Mahatma Gandhi University University of Calicut Bharathidasan University | INR 3,280 | 3 years |
| B.Sc. Fishery Science | University of Calcutta Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University | - | 3 years |
| B.Sc. Marine Science | Amity University Noida | INR 41,000 | 3 years |
| B.F.Sc. | Punjabi University | - | 3 years |
How are Admission in Bachelors Aquaculture Courses Done?
Admission to bachelor's level Aquaculture courses is conducted through both merit basis and entrance examinations.
- Candidates need to have completed their class 12th standard examinations in the Science stream.
- An aggregate score of 50% and above is needed for admission.
Colleges offering Bachelor Aquaculture Courses
All the best universities in India are routinely ranked by NIRF for MHRD. The ranks are as follows.
| NIRF University Ranking | Institute Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | University of Calcutta | Kolkata |
| 30 | Mahatma Gandhi University | Kottayam |
| 37 | Amity University Noida | Gautam Budh Nagar |
| 52 | Jammu University | Jammu |
| 54 | University of Calicut | Malappuram |
| 53 | Bharathidasan University | Tiruchirappalli |
| 64 | Punjabi University | Patiala |
| 69 | Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University | Aurangabad |
Master Aquaculture Courses
Masters degree programmes, in India, in Aquaculture are taught through specialized programmes. It is also taught as an elective in related courses like Fishery Science, Marine Biology, Ocean Science etc.
- The duration of the master's courses is 2 years.
- Admissions are done through university level entrance examinations and personal interviews.
- The average starting salary masters degree holders can earn is between INR 5 to 7 LPA.
Top Postgraduate (PG) Aquaculture Courses
Master’s degree programmes in Aquaculture and related courses are as follows.
| PG Course Name | Colleges Offering | Average Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.Sc. Aquaculture and Fishery Microbiology | University of Calicut University of Kerala Mahatma Gandhi University | INR 4,770 | 2 years |
| M.Sc. Marine Biology and Fisheries | Andhra University Amity University Noida Pondicherry University | INR 12,200 | 2 years |
| M.Sc. Ocean Science and Technology | University of Madras | INR 7,425 | 2 years |
| M.Sc. Fishery Science | Alagappa University Sri Venkateswara University Cochin University of Science and Technology | INR 5,000 | 2 years |
How are Admission in Masters Aquaculture Courses Done?
Admission to a master’s level degree programmes are done primarily through entrance examinations.
- The eligibility criteria for admissions is a bachelor's degree in the same field.
- Work experience also counts towards admissions.
- Entrance exam scores asked for from candidates are JEE Advanced, IPU CET, TISSNET and NEST.
Colleges offering Masters Aquaculture Courses
Above mentioned master's degrees have secured ranks in NIRF's annual list. The ranks are as follows.
| NIRF University Ranking | Institute Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 19 | Andhra University | Visakhapatnam |
| 22 | University of Madras | Chennai |
| 23 | University of Kerala | Thiruvananthapuram |
| 30 | Mahatma Gandhi University | Kottayam |
| 36 | Alagappa University | Karaikudi |
| 38 | Sri Venkateswara University | Tirupati |
| 37 | Amity University Noida | Gautam Budh Nagar |
| 54 | University of Calicut | Malappuram |
| 58 | Pondicherry University | Puducherry |
| 62 | Cochin University of Science and Technology | Cochin |
Doctorate Aquaculture Courses
Doctorate courses, research-based courses, are the highest level of degree one can earn in India. For Aquaculture, candidates can learn the subject matter as a part of other degrees like Marine Sciences, Fishery Science etc.
- The duration of doctorate courses is 3 to 5 years.
- Admissions are conducted through entrance examinations, personal interviews, and research proposals.
- The average starting salary doctorate degree holders can earn is between INR 6 to 9 LPA.
Top PhD Aquaculture Courses
The top doctorate Aquaculture courses in India are as follows.
| Doctorate Course Name | Colleges Offering | Average Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. Marine Sciences | University of Madras Pondicherry University | INR 5,060 | 3 years |
| M.Phil Aquatic Biology and Fisheries | Kerala University | INR 30,300 | 3 years |
| M.Phil Fishery Biology and Aquaculture | Mahatma Gandhi University Sri Venkateswara University | INR 11,805 | 3 years |
| Ph.D. Industrial Fisheries | Cochin University of Science and Technology | INR 8,525 | 3 years |
How are Admission in Doctorate Aquaculture Courses Done?
Admissions to doctorate Aquaculture courses are done through entrance examinations. There are also eligibility criteria that candidates need to fulfil further.
- Eligibility criteria is candidates to possess a master’s degree and work experience in the same field.
- After qualifying the entrance exam round, personal interviews are held.
- Research proposals are to be submitted for the personal interview round.
Colleges offering Doctorate Aquaculture Courses
AS per NIRF, who prepares annual rankings lists for MHRD. The ranks for above doctorate courses are as follows.
| NIRF University Ranking | Institute Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | University of Madras | Chennai |
| 23 | Kerala University | Thiruvananthapuram |
| 30 | Mahatma Gandhi University | Kottayam |
| 38 | Sri Venkateswara University | Tirupati |
| 58 | Pondicherry University | Puducherry |
| 62 | Cochin University of Science and Technology | Cochin |
What are the Top Job Options After Aquaculture Courses?
Aquaculture opens up jobs in many different positions and industries. The top jobs in Aquaculture are as follows.
Fisheries Officer
Fishery Officers are entrusted to protect, preserve, and grow fishes and other sea animals. They make sure there is no pollution, ensure that usage of water resources is being done in balance.
Starting Salary: INR 2.78 LPA
Skills Required
- People skills
- Interest in environmental protection
- Expert in fishes and fishing
- Data analysis skills
Aquaculture Manager/Farm Manager
Aquaculture Managers are hired to help raise various fishes and shellfish. They do their work with an ecological mindset to not upset the environmental balance.
Starting Salary: INR 4 LPA
Skills Required
- Conflict management
- Business acumen
- Strong written and spoken communication skills
- Personnel management skills
Science Officer
Science Officers, as the name says, are hired to work in different Scientific fields like Zoology, Botany, Physics etc. Their work includes research and helps in the development of new inventions.
Starting Salary: INR 11 LPA
Skills Required
- Assertive but patient
- Flexible
- Analytical skills
- Attention to details
Quality Control Specialist
Quality Control Specialists are hired into different industries to ensure the process ongoing there is up to standards. They take care of the industry specifications and guidelines to do their jobs.
Starting Salary: INR 4.34 LPA
Skills Required
- Good communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving skills
- IT and Math skills
Research Officer
Research Officers are in control of research projects and are managing a team of members. They oversee the entire project and make sure it runs smoothly. In Aquaculture, Research Officers help build new projects.
Starting Salary: INR 3.28 LPA
Skills Required
- Research skills
- Analytical skills
- Organized working
- Project Management

What Skills are Required in Aquaculture Courses?
In Aquaculture, there are some related skills that when learned act as value addition to resumes during a job search. Top such skills are as follows.
Aquaponics
Aquaponics is the combination of aquaculture and hydroponics, which is the art of growing plants without soil. Experts in this field have the know-how to create an environment where plants are being grown without soil and using the waste of the fishes.
Top Aquaponics Courses
| Course | Provider | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aquaponics – the circular food production system | ZHAWx, edX | 6 weeks | Free/ INR 7,270 for a certificate |
| Aquaponic Gardening: Growing Fish and Vegetables Together | Udemy | 6 hours 31mins | INR 1,600 |
| Aquaponics Farming & Gardening + Design Case Study | Udemy | 1 hour 46 mins | INR 1,600 |
| Learn Organic Aquaponics From A Commercial Aquaponic Farmer | Udemy | 37 mins | INR 1,600 |
Aquaponics Course Syllabus
| What is Aquaponics? | Why is Aquaponics important? |
| The right environment and location | Air and water |
| Hardware | Software |
| Water system | Diving deeper |
Aquaponics Job Profiles
- Aquaponics farmer
- Farm Foreman
- Greenhouse Technician
- Project Assistant
Marine Biology
Marine Biology deals with the study of all living organisms in oceans. One gets educated on pollution and the preservation of all the ocean creatures. The aim of it is to preserve the oceans in a proper way for the future generations.
Top Marine Biology Courses
| Course | Provider | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Algae | UC San Diego, Coursera | 10 hours | Free Enrolment |
| Ecology: Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation | American Museum of Natural History, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Coursera | 9 hours | Free Enrolment |
| One Planet, One Ocean | SDG Academy, edX | 6 weeks | Free/ INR 3,598 for a certificate |
| Water on Earth: An Introduction | Queen’s University, edX | 4 weeks | Free/ INR 11,750 for a certificate |
Marine Biology Course Syllabus
| Biological Oceanography | Marine Pharmacology |
| Biostatistics | Marine Geology |
| Aquaculture | Marine Food Technology |
| Marine Technology | Marine Botany |
| Fishery Science | Marine Pollution |
Marine Biology Job Profiles
- Marine Biologist
- Marine Ecologist
- Marine Conservationist
- Dive Operations Manager
Permaculture
Permaculture is a land and water management technique that is done to preserve ecosystems and the environment. It has a set of principles on the basis of which entire systems are designed.
Top Permaculture Courses
| Course | Provider | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to permaculture | Udemy | 2 hours 1 min | INR 3,200 |
| Permaculture: What you need to know | Udemy | 39 mins | INR 8,640 |
| Permaculture Design for Conserving Water | Udemy | 1 hour 25 mins | INR 1,280 |
| Sustainable living made simple | Udemy | 3 hours | INR 2,560 |
Permaculture Course Syllabus
| What is permaculture? | Permaculture Ethics |
| Scales of permaculture systems | Permaculture design process |
| Watershed | Site Analysis |
| Site Analysis documentation and presentation | Permaculture for drylands, tropics, and temperate climates |
Permaculture Job Profiles
- Urban Farmer
- Farm Manager
- Landscape Manager
- Landscape Crew
Sustainable Development
Sustainable Development aims at social growth and development while making sure it is within ethics and the environment is not harmed. In Aquaculture that will cover the protection of oceans and rivers.
Top Sustainable Development Courses
| Course | Provider | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Environmental Management | Technical University of Denmark, Coursera | 11 hours | Free Enrolment |
| Know Your Water | Udemy | 1 hour 11 mins | INR 1,920 |
| The Sustainable Development Goals – A global, transdisciplinary vision for the future | University of Copenhagen, Coursera | 10 hours | Free Enrolment |
Sustainable Development Course Syllabus
| What is Sustainable Development? | Strategies and measurement |
| Efficiency and innovation | Green growth and rebound |
| Sufficiency, income, and labour | Poverty and inequality |
| Instruments for Sustainable Development | Biodiversity |
Sustainable Development Job Profiles
- Environmental Engineer
- Sustainability Specialist
- Sustainability Manager
- Sustainability Director
Comparison of Online Aquaculture Courses, Fees and Rating
The top online courses in Aquaculture are as follows along with their fees and student ratings.
| Course | Provider | Duration | Student Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Becoming Aquaculture Expert (Part 1) | Udemy | 1 hour 2 mins | 4.1 |
| Becoming Aquaculture Expert (Part 2) | Udemy | 1 hour 54 mins | 4.6 |
| Grand Challenges: Food for Thought | University of Exeter, FutureLearn | 4 weeks | 4.2 |
| Aquaponics – the circular food production system | ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, edX | 6 weeks | NA |
| Introduction to Vertical Mud Crab Farming | Udemy | 3 hours 39 mins | 4.1 |
| Aquaponic Gardening: Growing Fish and Vegetables Together | Udemy | 6 hours 31mins | 4.2 |
| Global Environmental Management | Technical University of Denmark, Coursera | 11 hours | 4.7 |
| Introduction to permaculture | Udemy | 2 hours 1 min | 4.2 |
| Introduction to Algae | UC San Diego, Coursera | 10 hours | 4.7 |
Comparison of Online Platforms offering Aquaculture Courses
Among the various platforms providing courses in Aquaculture, the top two are Udemy and FutureLearn. Both have been compared below.
| Parameters | Udemy | FutureLearn |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate Name | Becoming Aquaculture Expert (Part 1) | Grand Challenges: Food for Thought |
| Fees | INR 2,560 | Free |
| Student Rating | 4.1 | 4.2 |
| Enrolment | 2,948 | 4.832 |
| Duration | 1 hour 2 mins | 4 weeks |
| Created by | Hidayah Taufek | University of Exeter |
Aquaculture Courses: FAQs
Ques. Can I learn Aquaculture courses Online?
Ans. Yes. There are plenty of online courses in Aquaculture.
Ques. Which is the best Aquaculture Free Online Course in India?
Ans. The best platform will depend on the course choice and past ratings of students. The top courses are as follows.
-
Udemy
-
Coursera
-
Upgrad
-
FutureLearn
-
edX
Ques. What is the duration of an Aquaculture Course?
Ans. The duration of Aquaculture courses is completed through a few hours to up to 5 years.
Ques. How much does it cost to do an Aquaculture course?
Ans. The fees of Aquaculture courses range in duration from free to up to INR 45,000.
Ques. Should I go for an Aquaculture weekend course or should I look for a job in the same field and learn from the experience?
Ans. It is also recommended to learn and earn a degree first before delving into the job field as certain technical aspects can only be learned through on campus classes.
Ques. Is it worth pursuing an Aquaculture course?
Ans. Yes. Aquaculture is a rewarding field and graduates are hired in a variety of industries.
Ques. What is the average salary after completing an Aquaculture course?
Ans. The average salary Aquaculture graduates can earn is highest for a Science Officer at INR 11 LPA.
Ques. Do I get a scholarship to pursue Aquaculture certifications?
Ans. Yes. Some online platforms do have scholarships and other forms of financial aid.







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