Unique maritime education in Malmö

The World Maritime University (WMU) was established in 1983 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The WMU’s mission is to serve the global maritime community as a centre of excellence and to be IMO’s apex institution for high-level maritime education and research. The University is located in Malmö in Sweden and in well suited buildings that once belonged to the Maritime Academy.

The WMU offers specialised postgraduate education in maritime affairs, leading to the award of PhD, MSc, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate. The entrance requirements are the same for all students but the period of studies varies depending on the programme chosen. It takes 17 months for the MSc, 12 months for the Postgraduate Diploma and seven months for the Postgraduate Certificate.

The WMU also offers research degrees in Maritime Law and in International Commercial Law together with the University of Wales in Swansea. The programme leads to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

As all teaching is in English, an English and Study Skills Programme is designed to give the students the skills that are necessary to follow the education programmes. Only mature students who already are established in a career in the maritime field are admitted to the University. The minimum requirements are a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline or the highest-grade certificate as master mariner, chief engineer or equivalent qualifications. The students must also have substantial and directly relevant professional experience as well as competence in the English language according to an internationally recognised standard test. A high level of computer competence is also required.

It costs approximately USD 23,000 to support a student during an academic year. USD 11,000 of this is the fee for teaching, field training, study materials and insurance. The rest is the minimum amount necessary to cover the students living expenses.

Personal sacrifices
Since the University started in 1983, 1,800 students have graduated. Many of them make personal sacrifices and leave jobs, homes and families for the opportunity to come to Malmö to try and obtain a unique degree from the World Maritime University. Most of them are supported economically by their own companies, governments or national funding agencies, while others are funded under multinational, bilateral or national schemes. Students who are unable to get sufficient support from their home countries can apply for one of the fellowships that are made available by international donors.

The criteria the donors have established is that the applicants must be under the age of 40 and priority given to women. Each year there are four times as many applicants as there are awards.

Growing stream of income
Though the University itself generates a constantly growing stream of income from research, consultancy and other activities, the WMU largely depends on voluntary financial contributions. Since 1983 the University’s total income amounted to USD 138 million. The largest donor is Sweden, which has provided almost one third of the income or USD 46 million. Norway, Japan, Germany, Denmark, Canada, the International Transport Workers’ Federation, INMARSAT, the United Kingdom and France are also generous contributors. The City of Malmö supports the WMU through the provision and maintenance of the University buildings.

There is also a close and mutually beneficial partnership between the WMU and the maritime industry such as shipping companies and port operators.
Students from all over the world who are coming to the WMU and Malmö are not only getting an internationally highly respected academic degree but they are also a vital part of a global network of professional experts. The graduates will continue to play a key role in the provision of maritime education, training and technical advice for the global marine community.

//Robert Hermannson