Master Programme Psychology Berlin

Application/Enrollment Period:

No numerus clausus (NC); admission is based on individual suitability for the chosen specialization, assessed through a personal interview. You can register for the interview [here]. A letter of motivation must be submitted prior to the interview.

The formal requirement for admission to the Master’s program in Psychology is a Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.Sc.) in Psychology or in a field related to the social sciences, cultural studies, or economics. In the latter case, eligibility will be assessed on an individual basis.

Language Skills:
If the applicant’s native language is not English, proof of English language skills at a minimum level of C1 (according to IELTS or TOEFL) is required. A completed course of study in English (e.g., high school, or university degree-granting program), can also be submitted as proof.

Applications for the winter semester of 2026/27 are now open. Admission interviews will take place from January 2026 onwards. To ensure there are still places available on your chosen programme, we encourage you to apply as early as possible.

• Application deadline for winter intake 2026 for international students who require a visa to study in Germany: 31 July 2026.
• Application deadline for winter intake 2026 for all other students: 15 September 2026.

If you would like to apply for the programme,

1. click on the “Apply online” button and register,
2. complete the online application form step by step and upload the required documents,
3. submit your application.
4. Your application will be checked for form and content (this may take 1-2 weeks).
5. If your application is successful, you will be invited to an interview. The interview will take place with a member of the academic staff of the Faculty of Psychology.
6. You will be informed of the result approximately 2 weeks after the interview.

We also offer regular online information evenings or you can visit us in person to get an impression of the University.

Required and optional documents for the application*:

1. (required) Letter of motivation (1-2 pages) (In English)
2. (required) Curriculum vitae with your address (CV)
3. (required) Passport or identity card or other proof of citizenship in conjunction with an official photo ID (copy front & back)
4. (required) Certificate of your completed Bachelor Degree
5. (required) Proof of higher education entrance qualification (e.g., high school diploma). All documents need to be in English or officially translated into English – German is also acceptable).
6. (required) Proof of English proficiency. All applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency (at least level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, International Baccalaureate. A minimum German language proficiency level is not required for participation in the International English-language Programmes at the SFU Berlin. Nevertheless, please keep in mind that while it is relatively easy to get by with English in Berlin, basic knowledge of German is very useful.
7. (required) Photograph (.jpg, good resolution)
8. (optional) University transcripts (these need to be in English or officially translated into English – German is also acceptable).
9. (optional) Additional supporting documents

Within the Master’s programme in Psychology, students can choose from the following specializations:

In German:

• Social Psychology & Clinical Psychology

In English:

• Clinical Psychology and Public Mental Health

In the core programme, which is compulsory for all students, the first year of study initially focuses on further deepening the training in social science research methods. At the same time, students acquire the corresponding subject-specific competences in their chosen emphasis. The acquisition of theory goes hand in hand with the practical testing of the knowledge to be acquired. The second year of study provides for a professional internship of at least four months as part of the curriculum in the core studies. From the third semester onwards, students start preparing for the scientific thesis; the Master’s thesis is then realised in the fourth semester.

The students are capable of independent scientific work, they have sound professional knowledge in their chosen emphasis and can apply their scientific expertise in practical professional contexts.

The master’s programme in psychology provides in-depth competencies in psychological diagnostics and case history taking, enabling a nuanced assessment of individual, group-based, or organisational contexts. On this foundation, targeted interventions and counselling processes are developed in alignment with professional and ethical standards. Graduates are equipped to identify psychologically relevant needs for change and to foster developmental potential based on theoretical and methodological principles – both in clinical and in economic, social, or societal contexts. The ability to collaborate across disciplines and to work in a scientifically grounded manner ensures applicability in a wide range of professional fields (such as clinical practical fields, human resources, market research, marketing, coaching, or within the public and non-profit sectors, as well as in development cooperation, humanitarian aid in international contexts, or trauma and crisis counselling). It also enables reflective and responsible psychological practice, even in complex areas of application.

Tuition fee (2026):

• Master’s Degree Programme (MSc., 4 semesters): € € 6.145 per semester or € 1.044,65 per month (24 monthly payments including a 2% processing fee)
• Signing deposit: € 480
  The deposit is to be paid upon signing the enrolment contract and will be counted toward tuition fees owed. In case you resign from your studies before the semester begins, we will retain the deposit.

Tuition fees are charged for the standard programme duration (Bachelor’s Degree: 6 semesters, Master’s Degree: 4 semesters). The total costs of studying at SFU will not increase in case a student’s studies are extended by one year.

Additionally you have to pay the mandatory ÖH (Österreichischen Hochschüler_innenschaft) contribution every semester for the Austrian National Union of Students. More information on the current contribution rate and what it is used for: https://www.oeh.ac.at/en/service/oeh-contribution/

Payment plans can be arranged if needed. We would be happy to advise you on this.

Contact Finance and Controlling:

Mail: accounting@sfu-berlin.de
Phone: +43 1 798 40 98 304
Opening and telephone hours: Mo-Thur: 10 am–3 pm / Fr: 10 am–3 pm, by telephone only 
Address: Freudplatz 1, 3rd floor, room 3002

The Sigmund Freud Private University offers a limited number of need-based scholarships in the form of a tuition fee reduction for its English-language programme in Berlin.
If you would like to apply for a scholarship, please complete the application form and
send it to psychology@sfu-berlin.de.
The deadline for submitting scholarship applications for the Winter 2026 semester is 15 April 2026.

In accordance with the specified criteria*, Sigmund Freud Private University awards performance- and merit-based scholarships annually. Further information can be found here
(LINK: https://psychologie.sfu.ac.at/en/academics/students/scholarship-and-funding/ )

Further Information on options for financing your studies you can find here.
(LINK: https://www.sfu-berlin.de/wp-content/uploads/Study-Financing.pdf)

*For citizens of an EEA member state (including Switzerland), or
-when you have equivalent status to Austrian nationals under §4 StudFG. This includes:
-Possession of a “Daueraufenthaltskarte EU” (permanent residence card – five years of uninterrupted residence in Austria)
-Being a family member of an EU citizen who is employed or self-employed in Austria
-Being a family member of an Austrian citizen
-Holding refugee status

The programme has been accredited by AQ Austria. All SFU Accreditation Reports are available in German.

Programme Coordinator Berlin, Emphasis Sozialpsychologie und Klinische Psychologie
Ass.-Prof. Dr. Karin Mlodoch
karin.mlodoch@sfu-berlin.de

Programme Coordinator Berlin, Emphasis in Clinical Psychology and Public Mental Health
Ass.-Prof. Dr. Kate Sheese
kate.sheese@sfu-berlin.de