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When most people think about university degrees, they imagine business, engineering, medicine, or IT. But here’s a surprising fact: you can study aquaculture-and it could lead you to an international career in one of the fastest-growing food industries in the world.

With seafood demand soaring and sustainability becoming a global priority, aquaculture-the farming of fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and aquatic plants-is more important than ever. And thanks to the 2+2 Aquaculture Programme offered by Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) in partnership with Jimei University in China, you can start your journey in Malaysia and finish it in one of the world’s leading aquaculture nations.

What is Aquaculture?

Aquaculture is often described as “farming the water.” Instead of fields, you work with ponds, tanks, rivers, and oceans to cultivate aquatic life for food, restocking, or conservation.

It’s a highly interdisciplinary field, combining biology, water quality management, nutrition, environmental science, engineering, and business. As wild fish stocks face pressure from overfishing and climate change, aquaculture provides a sustainable alternative to meet global seafood demand.

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Study Aquaculture

The numbers speak for themselves:

• The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production sector in the world.
• By 2030, nearly two-thirds of the fish we consume will come from aquaculture.
• Malaysia is expanding its aquaculture industry, aiming to boost both domestic supply and export potential.

And when you finish your studies in China, you’ll be stepping into a country that is not only the largest aquaculture producer globally but also a global leader in sustainable fisheries management.

China’s Global Role in Sustainable Fisheries

In October 2023, the Chinese government released the White Paper on the Development of China’s Distant-Water Fisheries, highlighting its commitment to sustainable resource use and high-standard industry regulation ().

Some key measures include:

• Daily electronic fishing logs for all Chinese distant-water fishing vessels from 2024 onwards-stricter than many international requirements.
• Voluntary fishing moratoria in high-seas squid fishing grounds not covered by regional management organisations.
• Real-time vessel monitoring and increased use of AI, electronic observation systems, and on-board video to ensure compliance.
• Strict compliance evaluation for fishing companies, with zero tolerance for illegal activities.

For students, this means your final two years at Jimei University will not just be academic-you’ll be studying in a country actively shaping global best practices in aquaculture and fisheries sustainability.

The 2+2 Aquaculture Pathway

Years 1–2: TAR UMT (Johor, Malaysia)

• Award: Diploma in Aquaculture (MQA/FA 7567)
• Curriculum includes aquaculture setup, water quality management, feed and nutrition, seed production, harvesting, aquaponics, and entrepreneurship fundamentals.
• Hands-on training through fieldwork, industrial visits, and laboratory work.

Years 3–4: Jimei University (Xiamen, China)

• Award: Bachelor of Aquaculture
• Specialisation in marine-focused disciplines.
• Courses taught in Chinese (HSK Level 4 required).
• Opportunity to experience advanced aquaculture systems and research facilities in a major global fisheries hub.

What’s It Like to Study in Two Countries?

In Johor: You’ll start close to home, focusing on tropical aquaculture systems and developing core technical skills. Smaller class sizes mean more personalised learning and easier access to labs and facilities.

In Xiamen: You’ll move to a vibrant coastal city known for its cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and beautiful seaside environment. You’ll study alongside international peers, gain exposure to large-scale marine aquaculture, and see how China applies cutting-edge technology to fisheries management.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the 2+2 programme can work across multiple sectors, including:

• Aquaculture farm management
• Hatchery operations and seed production
• Feed formulation and nutrition consultancy
• Aquatic animal health and disease prevention
• Fisheries research and development
• Aquaculture entrepreneurship and technology startups

With the combination of Malaysian and Chinese qualifications, plus international study experience, you’ll stand out in both local and global job markets.

Programme Details

• Duration: 4 years (2 years in Malaysia + 2 years in China)
• Intakes: June, November
• Fees:
  • TAR UMT (Malaysia): Estimated RM19,300 total (Malaysian students)
  • Jimei University (China): Estimated RMB15,400/year tuition + RMB2,400–9,600/year accommodation
• Entry Requirements: SPM with relevant credits or equivalent; progression to Jimei University requires completion of TAR UMT Diploma and HSK Level 4.
• More Info: View full course listing on StudyMalaysia.com

Your Next Step

If you’re looking for a career that blends science, sustainability, and global opportunity, aquaculture is a field worth exploring. With the TAR UMT–Jimei University 2+2 Aquaculture Programme, you can start your studies in Malaysia, finish in China, and graduate ready to lead in one of the world’s most dynamic and essential industries.

Your journey to becoming part of the next generation of global aquaculture leaders could start now.

References

• Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology – Diploma in Aquaculture (2+2 with Jimei University). Retrieved August 2025 from /what/course/tarumt/0058195
• The State Council of the People’s Republic of China – White Paper on the Development of China’s Distant-Water Fisheries. Retrieved August 2025 from
• Photo by Diploma in Aquaculture - TAR UMT Johor Branch:
• StudyMalaysia.com – Agriculture, Forestry, Fishery & Veterinary: /what/agriculture-forestry-fishery-veterinary-courses