Nyk Tdg Maritime Academy | Tuition Fee | Entrance Exam Questions | Admission
General Information
Reviews
NYK‑TDG Maritime Academy (NTMA) is widely regarded as a high‑quality maritime training institution that combines rigorous academic education with practical seafaring preparation. Many cadets and alumni commend the Academy for its disciplined, competence‑based curriculum that is grounded in real‑world industry standards. The hands-on onboard training, which follows three years of campus studies, is frequently highlighted as a major strength — helping graduates transition seamlessly into careers at sea or in maritime operations. Reviewers appreciate the support for diversity, noting that the Academy recently began accepting female cadets and established a women’s dormitory. This reflects a commitment to evolving with modern maritime workforce needs.
At the same time, some students comment that the workload and demands are intense: balancing academic theory, training drills, simulations, and eventual onboard service requires commitment and resilience. Adapting to the maritime lifestyle — including long periods at sea during cadet training — can be challenging for those new to such conditions. Nonetheless, the majority view remains positive: cadets and former students often express pride in having undergone rigorous training under global‑industry standards, and many feel the Academy’s preparation has given them a competitive advantage in the maritime sector.
Contact Informations
Address: Canlubang, Calamba City, Laguna, Philippines
Phone Number: +63 49 541‑3000 (or the Academy’s main contact line — verify locally)
Email Address: admissions@ntma.edu.ph
School Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Institution Name | NYK‑TDG Maritime Academy |
| Type | Private merchant marine / maritime academy (jointly operated by NYK Line and Transnational Diversified Group (TDG)) |
| Founded | June 3, 2007 |
| Campus Setting | Suburban (Canlubang, Calamba City, Laguna) |
| Accreditation / Recognition | Recognized under Japan’s overseas maritime‑academy certification scheme; graduates eligible for marine officer certification following licensure examinations in the Philippines |
| Motto / Emphasis | “Bringing value to life” — developing skilled, globally‑ready seafarers with strong character and maritime competence |
| Academic Offerings | Undergraduate maritime education: Marine Navigation and Marine Engineering tracks; 3 years of campus + 1 year onboard training; pathways to officer licensure and maritime careers worldwide |
NYK‑TDG Maritime Academy Rankings
| Ranking Type | Standing / Note |
|---|---|
| National (Philippines / Maritime Sector) | Regarded among leading maritime academies in the Philippines — known for high-quality seafarer training, strong licensure pass rates, and direct pathways to employment with a major global shipping company (NYK) |
| Global / Industry Recognition | While not ranked in traditional global university rankings, NTMA enjoys strong reputation in international shipping and maritime circles due to its affiliation with NYK, recognized credentials, and consistent production of officers and engineers employed worldwide |
NYK‑TDG Maritime Academy Academics
Faculties / Departments
- Marine Navigation / Deck Officer Training
- Marine Engineering / Engine Officer Training
Courses Offered and Programs / Majors
- Four‑year Cadet Program — Marine Navigation (Deck)
- Four‑year Cadet Program — Marine Engineering (Engine)
- Onboard training and licensing preparation — culminating in eligibility for marine officer licensure (deck or engine)
- Safety, compliance, and maritime operations training aligned with international standards (e.g. STCW compliance)
Online Learning
During disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, NTMA demonstrated flexibility by shifting some theoretical instruction online, while rescheduling onboard training and practical drills to ensure continuity of education. However, the core of NTMA’s training remains hands-on, especially for technical, navigational, and engineering skills that require lab, simulator, and onboard vessel experience.
Degrees
NTMA does not follow a typical civilian bachelor’s‑degree model. Instead, it offers maritime‑cadet certification programs that combine academic coursework (for three years) with structured onboard training (one year), culminating in eligibility for marine officer certification. Graduates are trained to meet industry standards for deck officers or engine officers aboard merchant vessels, under the international shipping enterprise operated by NYK.
Summer School
There is no widely published information indicating the existence of a traditional summer‑school program; training is structured year‑round through academic semesters and onboard training rotations. Seasonal adjustments (e.g. for pandemic-related changes) have been made in the past, but these are operational responses rather than formal summer‑school offerings.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Metric | Typical Range / Requirement |
|---|---|
| College Entrance / Admission Exam | Applicants must pass the Academy’s admission screening or entrance exam as applicable (no public standardized SAT/ACT requirement) |
| High School GPA / Academic Record | Admission is based on secondary school credentials and entrance exam outcomes or equivalent; no standardized numeric GPA threshold is publicly stated |
Retention and Graduation Rates
NTMA maintains high retention and completion rates: since its founding in 2007, the Academy has graduated over a thousand cadets, with many graduates successfully achieving marine officer certification and employment with NYK or other maritime employers. The rigorous training and structured pathways contribute to strong follow-through and professional placement.
Entrance Exam Questions
- IQ / aptitude test
- Mathematics (Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry)
- English (vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension)
- Science (general science, chemistry, physics)
Entrance Exam Dates
- For the 2025‑2026 admission cycle, NTMA conducts the entrance exam between September and January.
- Exams are held in selected testing venues in the country, with slots allocated on a first‑come, first‑serve basis.
- NTMA entrance exam is free (no exam fee).
Important Notes About Scheduling
- You can take the NTMA Entrance Exam only once per admission year.
- After passing the exam, further steps include interview, medical examination (with color‑blindness test), psychological test, and other requirements.
NYK‑TDG Maritime Academy Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Admission to NTMA does not rely on international standardized tests like SAT or ACT. Instead, prospective cadets must demonstrate secondary school completion (or equivalent), pass an internal entrance examination and screening process, and meet any additional requirements set by the Academy for navigation or engineering tracks.
NYK‑TDG Maritime Academy Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed; admission appears selective based on entrance exam, academic background, and suitability for maritime training rather than blanket open admission |
NYK‑TDG Maritime Academy Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a completed application form along with proof of secondary education completion. Depending on track and seat availability, they may undergo further evaluation including entrance exam, medical and physical fitness screening, possibly background checks or character assessment given the demands of seafaring life. Cadet candidates are expected to demonstrate maturity, responsibility, and commitment to maritime career paths. Upon acceptance, cadets engage in rigorous maritime education, blending academic study with practical training aboard training ships.
Enrollment
The Academy admits two main cohorts each academic period — one for Marine Navigation and one for Marine Engineering. Each cohort has around 70 cadets per academic year (140 cadets total per year in both streams). As of mid‑2025, total enrollment is around 514 cadets across all years.
Application Process
- Complete and submit the NTMA application form
- Provide proof of secondary education completion or equivalent
- Undergo entrance examination and screening (academic aptitude, physical/medical fitness)
- Upon acceptance, attend orientation, secure accommodations (boarding dormitory provides housing), and enroll in first‑year courses
- Progress through three years of academic curriculum followed by structured onboard training for one year
NYK‑TDG Maritime Academy Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Intake / Program | Note |
|---|---|
| Annual Intake | One cohort per track each academic year (Navigation and Engineering) — no widely publicized multiple start dates; prospective cadets should consult admissions for current schedule |
Essay Prompt
NTMA admission emphasizes aptitude, fitness, and commitment; there is no widely published requirement for personal essays. Selection seems primarily based on entrance exams, academic and background screening, and capacity to follow maritime training requirements.
NYK‑TDG Maritime Academy Scholarships
NTMA offers a “Study-Now-Pay-Later” program and financial support for cadets from indigent or financially challenged backgrounds, reducing financial barriers to maritime education.
NYK‑TDG Maritime Academy Tuition Fees
Detailed public data on tuition fees and cost structures are not broadly published. Given that NTMA offers financing and support programs, cadets may benefit from subsidized payment plans or scholarship arrangements.
NYK‑TDG Maritime Academy Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
As of 2025, the total cadet population is approximately 514. Female cadets currently make up about 8% of the student body, reflecting recent efforts to diversify and expand access to maritime careers. Age distribution typically reflects late-teen to mid‑twenties for new cadets, consistent with entry following secondary education. Cadets are predominantly Filipino, though NTMA’s affiliation with a global shipping company provides exposure to multicultural and international maritime community standards.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
NTMA’s financial assistance and “Study‑Now‑Pay‑Later” scheme provides opportunities for students from low-income backgrounds to pursue maritime education. Accommodations for students with disabilities are not prominently publicized, given the physically demanding nature of maritime training; eligibility likely depends on fitness for onboard service and regulatory compliance.
Student Body
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Cadets (all years) | ~ 514 (as of 2025) |
| Female Cadets | ~ 8% |
| Cadet Streams | Marine Navigation; Marine Engineering |
University Diversity
NYK‑TDG Maritime Academy emphasizes cultivating global-minded seafarers with a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The introduction of female cadets and the establishment of a women’s dormitory marks a significant move toward gender inclusivity in a traditionally male‑dominated industry, broadening career opportunities for women in maritime fields. International exchange programs with Japanese maritime schools, plus collaborations across NYK’s global network, bring cross-cultural exposure to cadets. These initiatives help foster awareness, mutual respect, and intercultural competencies vital for global seafaring careers. The multicultural nature of the maritime industry, combined with NTMA’s inclusive admissions and training philosophy, contributes to a dynamic, diverse student body — preparing graduates to operate professionally in international crews, navigate global shipping regulations, and adapt to varied cultural environments onboard and ashore.
Average Earnings
Graduates of NTMA typically begin their careers as third officers or third engineers aboard NYK-operated vessels after obtaining their licensure certificates. With the backing of a major global shipping company, many secure stable employment, with prospects to rise through ranks — such as chief engineer or captain — over time. As of recent years, several NTMA alumni have already reached senior positions including captain and chief engineer aboard NYK vessels, demonstrating strong career trajectory and advancement potential.
Graduation Rate
Since the first batch graduated in 2011, NTMA has produced over a thousand graduates, most of whom achieved mariner licensure and secured employment aboard NYK vessels or related maritime operations.
NYK‑TDG Maritime Academy Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
NTMA’s teaching staff includes experienced maritime professionals, including active seafarers and engineers, who bring real-world knowledge and industry practices into the classroom and practical training sessions. Support staff manage cadet services, dormitory life, training logistics, and coordination of onboard placements under the NYK-E2R2 (Education-to-Employment-to-Retention-to-Retirement) framework, ensuring continuity from cadetship to active service.
Faculty Profiles
Instructors specialize in navigation, marine engineering, safety protocols, and maritime operations. Their backgrounds often include seafaring experience, vessel operations, and familiarity with international shipping regulations and standards (e.g. STCW). Their dual role as educators and active industry practitioners ensures that cadet training is aligned with current fleet requirements and operational practices.
NYK‑TDG Maritime Academy Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
The Academy is based on a dedicated campus spanning several hectares in Canlubang, Calamba City, featuring dormitories (including a recently built women’s dormitory), classrooms, simulators, workshops, labs, and recreational facilities. Cadets live on campus, which supports a communal, disciplined lifestyle geared toward maritime training. Dormitory life includes shared living quarters, routine drills, safety training, and structured study schedules — fostering camaraderie, discipline, and readiness for life at sea.
Transportation
Given its suburban location, cadets often rely on campus-provided transit or arranged transport to and from nearby urban centers when on leave. For onboard training, cadets are assigned to training ships or cargo vessels as part of their fourth-year practical training, coordinated through the Academy and NYK’s shipping network. This ensures smooth transition from campus to sea, with transport logistics handled by the institution and shipping operator.
Job Openings
Graduates are guaranteed pathways to employment aboard NYK-operated vessels or within NYK’s global maritime operations network. Under the Academy’s Education-to-Employment-to-Retention-to-Retirement (E2R2) scheme, successful cadets are recruited as junior officers (deck or engine), with structured career progression toward senior ranks like first officer, chief engineer, or captain. The Academy regularly facilitates recruitment, placement, and retention, supporting graduates from licensure to lifelong maritime careers.