Studying Psychology in Germany could be a great choice if you’re curious about how the human mind works, how the brain functions, and how it affects behavior.
Study Psychology in Germany: Top 28 Universities & 46 English Programs

Contents
This guide is for international students who want to study Psychology in Germany. It covers Psychology courses offered in English, different degree types, the best universities for Psychology, and more!

Int. Study Programs

Universities

Cities
Why Study Psychology in Germany?
Studying psychology in Germany provides a solid education and a rich cultural experience, fostering both personal and professional growth.
High-quality education
Germany has great universities that are well-known for their psychology departments. The programs put a strong focus on research, giving you the chance to take part in different projects.
No tuition fees
Most public universities in Germany don’t charge tuition for undergraduate programs which makes your education more affordable. You’ll just need to pay a small fee each semester for administrative costs and a public transport ticket.
Comprehensive curriculum
The psychology courses here are in-depth, covering many aspects of the field and including practical training through internships.
International environment
Many students from all over the globe attend German universities. You'll find many master's programs taught in English which is helpful if you’re not fluent in German.
Good job prospects
In Germany, there’s a lot of demand for psychologists in different sectors, including healthcare, education, research, and industry.
Living in Germany
The country is known for its high living standards and safety. There’s a lot to explore culturally and historically, plus it’s easy to travel to other European countries.
Support for students
Universities offer special support for international students to help with everything from your application to settling in.
Scholarships
There are scholarships and financial aid options available, like those from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), to help manage the costs of studying abroad.
Cutting-edge research
The research in psychology here is innovative, especially in areas like mental health.
English-Taught Psychology Degree Programs at German Universities
You can study psychology in Germany in English, especially at the master's level. While most undergraduate programs are taught in German, a few universities offer English-taught master's programs in Psychology or related fields. Here are some of your options:
- University of Freiburg: Master of Science in Psychology: Cognitive Science
- 📖 Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich): Master of Science in Neuro-Cognitive Psychology
- University of Mannheim: Master of Science in Psychology
- Jacobs University Bremen: Master of Science in Psychology
- University of Konstanz: Master of Science in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy
- SRH Hochschule Heidelberg: Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
- Technical University of Munich (TUM): Master of Science in Neuroengineering
- University of Bonn: Master of Science in Neurosciences
📖 - Looking for the best psychology universities in Germany? Discover our handpicked list of top institutions offering psychology programs in Germany!
Best Universities in Germany To Get a Degree in Psychology
What Programs in Psychology are German Universities Offering?
When you choose to study Psychology in Germany, you'll typically encounter two main types of degrees: the bachelor's degree and the master's degree.
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Psychology
- Duration: 3 years
- Focus: Foundation in psychology, covering areas such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and research methods.
- Language: Predominantly taught in German, though some universities might offer courses or entire programs in English.
After you get your bachelor's degree, you have two main options. You can start working in entry-level jobs, like in human resources or marketing. Or you can continue your studies and get a master's degree.
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Psychology
This is the standard graduate degree for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in Psychology or a related field.
- Duration: 2 years
- Specializations: Clinical psychology, cognitive neuroscience, educational psychology, occupational psychology, health psychology, and more.
- Language: Only a few courses are offered in English, so options might be limited. You can also opt for courses taught in German.
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Psychology
This degree is less common than the M.Sc., and it focuses more on theoretical, social, and applied aspects of psychology.
- Duration: 2 years
- Focus: Organizational psychology, social psychology, and educational psychology.
- Language: Mostly offered in German.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Natural Sciences (Dr. rer. nat.) in Psychology
Doing a doctoral degree (PhD) is the next step for students interested in further studies or high-level professional careers.
- Duration: 3 to 5 years.
- Focus: In-depth research in a specialized area of psychology, then writing a dissertation.
- Language: Research and dissertation can often be conducted in English, though proficiency in German may be required for certain aspects of the program or for interacting with patients if clinical research is involved.
Psychology-Related Studies for International Students in Germany
In Germany, Psychology-related studies go beyond traditional Psychology degrees. These programs offer unique perspectives and specialized knowledge in fields closely linked with psychology.
Neuroscience
Neuroscience is a field that combines psychology, biology, chemistry, and physics. It studies how the nervous system and the brain work. German universities, like those in Berlin and Munich, offer cutting-edge neuroscience programs.
- Focus: Study how the brain affects behavior, how we process information, and how we respond to our environment.
- Career paths: Graduates can work in research, pharmaceuticals, or clinical settings, focusing on areas like cognitive development, neurodegenerative diseases, or mental health.
Clinical Psychology
Clinical Psychology programs in Germany prepare students to understand, diagnose, and treat psychological disorders and behavioral issues.
- Focus: Extensive hands-on experience through internships and supervised placements.
- Career paths: Graduates can become therapists, counselors, or clinical psychologists, working in hospitals, private practices, or schools.
Graduates need additional certifications to practice clinically which usually involves further examinations and state licensing in Germany.
Industrial and Organizational Psychology
This field of study focuses on making workplaces more productive. It’s about hiring the right people, keeping them on the team, and making sure they’re happy in their jobs.
- Focus: Applying psychological principles to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems.
- Career paths: Positions in HR departments, organizational development, talent management, or as consultants for business organizations.
FAQ
What are the language requirements to study Psychology in Germany?
If you're thinking about studying Psychology in Germany as an international student, you'll need to check whether the program is taught in German or English because the requirements vary depending on which language is used.
Most undergraduate psychology programs in Germany are taught in German. Here’s what you need to know if you choose a program taught in this language:
- TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache): This test assesses your proficiency in German. You typically need a level of at least 4 in all four parts of the test.
- DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang): Similar to TestDaF, the DSH is another common test required by universities. Passing usually means achieving a level of DSH-2 or DSH-3 which corresponds to B2/C1 on the CEFR scale.
- Goethe Certificate: Some universities also accept the Goethe Institute’s certificates with a minimum level of B2 or C1 required, depending on the university’s specific requirements.
For master’s programs and occasionally bachelor’s programs that are taught in English, here are the typical requirements:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) score of around 80 to 100 is commonly required.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Universities usually expect a score of 6.5 or higher.
- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: Some universities might also accept these Cambridge English certificates, demonstrating an advanced level of proficiency.
What are the visa requirements for students?
If you're an international student planning to study in Germany, you'll need a Student Visa, which requires a valid passport, an admission letter from a German university, proof of financial resources, valid health insurance and possibly proof of accommodation. Depending on your psychology program's language, you might also need to prove your language skills in German or English. Once in Germany, you must convert your visa into a residence permit at the local Alien’s Authority. This streamlined approach will help ensure a smooth transition to studying in Germany.
Can international students work in Germany after graduation?
After completing your studies in Germany, you can apply for a residence permit to look for a job related to your degree for up to 18 months. During this time, you can work in any job to support yourself. Once you've found a suitable job, you can apply for a German residence permit or an EU Blue Card. The latter is ideal for high-skilled workers and can lead to permanent residency after 33 months or 21 months with B1 German proficiency.
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