Pakistan Marine Academy | Fee Structure | Admission | Courses Offered
1. General Information
Overview
Pakistan Marine Academy (PMA), located in Karachi, is a premier institution dedicated to maritime education and training in Pakistan. Established in 1962, PMA has been instrumental in producing highly skilled professionals for the merchant navy and marine industry, both locally and internationally. The academy operates under the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and is recognized for its rigorous academic curriculum combined with practical seafaring experience. Its mission is to provide comprehensive training to cadets, encompassing navigation, marine engineering, safety, and leadership skills essential for a career at sea.
PMA emphasizes discipline, professional ethics, and operational competence, aiming to develop well-rounded marine officers capable of handling modern maritime challenges. The academy has state-of-the-art simulators, workshops, laboratories, and training vessels, allowing cadets to gain hands-on experience in navigation, ship operations, and maritime technology. Over the years, PMA has collaborated with international maritime organizations and shipping companies, ensuring that its graduates meet global standards of maritime education and safety. Its alumni serve in diverse capacities in shipping companies, port authorities, and naval operations, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s maritime sector.
Contact Informations
Address: Pakistan Marine Academy, Karachi, Pakistan
Phone Number: +92 21 9926 1420
Email Address: info@pma.edu.pk
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1962 |
| Type | Public Maritime Academy |
| Motto | “Excellence in Maritime Education” |
| Student Enrollment | Approximately 800–1,000 cadets |
| Academic Affiliations | Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Pakistan, International Maritime Organization (IMO) |
Pakistan Marine Academy Rankings
| Ranking Type | Position / Note |
|---|---|
| National (Pakistan) | Leading maritime academy in Pakistan |
| Global Ranking | Recognized among top maritime training institutions in South Asia |
2. Pakistan Marine Academy Academics
Pakistan Marine Academy Faculties / Departments
- Department of Nautical Science
- Department of Marine Engineering
- Department of Maritime Safety and Navigation
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Department of Maritime Management and Logistics
Pakistan Marine Academy Courses Offered and Programs / Majors
- Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science
- Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering
- Diploma in Navigation and Ship Operations
- Diploma in Marine Engineering
- Postgraduate Diploma in Maritime Management
- Short-term professional training programs in Safety, Security, and Ship Operations
Online Learning
Pakistan Marine Academy has started integrating online learning modules for theoretical components of navigation, marine engineering, and maritime management. These platforms support distance learning for cadets during off-sea periods and provide supplementary training materials, lectures, and assessments to reinforce classroom and onboard learning.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Exam Type | Requirement / Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Secondary School Certificate | Minimum of B grades in Mathematics, Physics, and English |
| PMA Entrance Examination | Includes aptitude, mathematics, and science assessments |
| English Proficiency | Required for all cadets |
Retention and Graduation Rates
PMA maintains high retention rates due to strict academic standards and supportive training programs. Graduation rates are consistently strong, with most cadets completing their programs successfully. The combination of rigorous classroom instruction, simulator training, and onboard apprenticeship ensures that cadets acquire the necessary knowledge and practical experience to excel in maritime careers.
3. Pakistan Marine Academy Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Applicants must have strong secondary school performance with a focus on mathematics, physics, and English. GPA scales differ by regional boards, but typically a B or above is required in relevant subjects. SAT/ACT is not required for domestic applicants.
Pakistan Marine Academy Acceptance Rate
| Admission Type | Approximate Rate |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate and Diploma Programs | 30–40% |
Pakistan Marine Academy Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a completed application form along with certified copies of secondary school results, a medical fitness certificate, and proof of age. Candidates must pass an entrance examination assessing technical aptitude and English proficiency. Selection also involves interviews and physical fitness evaluations to ensure readiness for the demands of maritime training. International applicants must provide equivalent educational certificates and demonstrate English language competency.
Application Process
- Obtain and complete the official PMA application form
- Submit academic certificates and transcripts
- Provide a medical fitness certificate
- Pass the PMA entrance examination
- Attend interview and physical fitness assessment
- Receive admission decision
- Complete enrollment and orientation procedures
Pakistan Marine Academy Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Intake Period | Typical Schedule |
|---|---|
| First Intake | January |
| Second Intake | July |
Essay Prompt
Some programs may require applicants to submit a statement of purpose detailing career objectives, motivation for joining the maritime sector, and alignment with PMA’s mission to develop professional seafarers.
Pakistan Marine Academy Scholarships
PMA offers merit-based scholarships and need-based financial assistance for high-performing cadets. Scholarships may cover tuition, boarding, uniforms, and other educational expenses, encouraging excellence and supporting students from diverse backgrounds.
Pakistan Marine Academy Tuition Fees (Costs)
| Program Type | Typical Tuition / Fee Structure |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate / Nautical Science | PKR 50,000–70,000 per year |
| Undergraduate / Marine Engineering | PKR 70,000–90,000 per year |
| Diploma Programs | PKR 30,000–50,000 per year |
4. Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
PMA predominantly enrolls male cadets, with limited female representation in specialized programs. Students range from 17–25 years old, primarily from across Pakistan, with a small number of international cadets. The academy emphasizes discipline, cultural awareness, and teamwork, fostering a sense of camaraderie and professionalism among diverse student groups.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
PMA provides targeted scholarships and support services for low-income students. While the physical demands of maritime training limit the enrollment of students with certain disabilities, the academy ensures inclusive support for those meeting fitness requirements.
Student Body
| Category | Approximate Number |
|---|---|
| Total Students | 800–1,000 |
| Undergraduate Cadets | ~700 |
| Postgraduate / Diploma Cadets | ~100–150 |
| International Cadets | Minority; primarily from South Asia |
University Diversity
Pakistan Marine Academy emphasizes professional and cultural diversity. Cadets from different regions, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds participate in structured training programs designed to foster teamwork, leadership, and respect. The academy’s environment promotes mutual understanding and cooperation, preparing graduates to work effectively on multinational vessels and in international maritime settings. Exposure to diverse perspectives enhances problem-solving, adaptability, and global competency among cadets.
Average Earnings
Graduates from PMA typically enter careers in merchant shipping, naval logistics, and maritime engineering. Entry-level officers in the merchant navy earn competitive salaries based on rank and vessel type, with opportunities for international assignments offering higher compensation. Career progression, further certifications, and specialized training can significantly increase earnings potential, ensuring financial stability and professional growth for PMA alumni.
5. Pakistan Marine Academy Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
PMA employs experienced instructors, naval officers, and maritime specialists. The staff includes professors, lecturers, simulator trainers, and technical support personnel who oversee cadet development, safety training, and operational competencies. Administrative staff manage enrollment, training logistics, and student services to ensure smooth institutional operations.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty members possess advanced degrees, maritime certifications, and professional experience in seafaring, marine engineering, and navigation. They are engaged in teaching, practical training, curriculum development, and mentorship, ensuring cadets acquire both academic knowledge and hands-on skills essential for maritime careers. Faculty actively collaborate with international shipping organizations to maintain contemporary industry standards.
6. Pakistan Marine Academy Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
The campus offers cadet hostels, dining facilities, classrooms, laboratories, simulators, and sports facilities. Cadets live in structured boarding arrangements, adhering to disciplined routines and training schedules. Campus life emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and personal development, complemented by recreational and extracurricular activities designed to enhance resilience, physical fitness, and camaraderie.
Transportation
The academy is located near Karachi port, allowing easy access for training vessels and commuting cadets. Public transportation is available for faculty and staff, while cadets primarily rely on academy-provided transport for off-campus activities and practical training. On-campus mobility is facilitated through organized pathways and internal shuttle services for cadets and staff.