Studying Psychology | Online Information Event SFU Berlin

What do I need to apply for the programme?

1. (required) Letter of motivation (1-2 pages) (In English)
2. (required) Curriculum vitae (CV)
3. (required) Passport or identity card or other proof of citizenship in conjunction with an official photo ID (copy front & back)
4. (required only for our Master programme) 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 B2 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

I need help with financing my studies.

We offer an overview of financing options – especially scholarships and financial aid. Download it here. The SFU offers various payment plans and discount rates that can be arranged with the SFU accounting department.

What kind of language certificates do I need?

All applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency (at least level B2 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.

I already started studying at another University, but want to finish my studies at the SFU. Is that possible?

Yes, that is possible. Please send your university course transcript and the module handbook describing the courses (in English or German) to psychologie.berlin@sfu-berlin.de . If the courses match both in terms of ECTS credits and content, you can possibly receive credit for the coursework you have already completed.

Can I transfer credits from another university’s bachelor programme to SFU’s?

It is possible to receive credits for coursework you have already taken in another bachelor’s programme if: (1) the course you already took covers the same topics, and (2) if the course you took was valued at the same or more ECTS points. If you are interested in comparing such courses, please first look at the SFU curriculum and then the detailed course description in the module handbook. If you believe you may be eligible to receive course credits, you will need to submit the required paperwork (e.g., the course description, syllabus, and/or description in a module handbook of your previous coursework). The SFU will only make an official review of such requests after an applicant has officially been accepted into, and registered for, the SFU bachelor’s program.

If you do receive credit for previous coursework, it is likely that those courses will be found in various semesters in the SFU bachelor’s programme. This means that you will take a reduced course load in the semester where that course is found. The tuition for that semester will also be adjusted to account for the reduction in courses.

How can I apply for a visa?

If you are offered admission to the programme, you will be sent a contract and an invoice for the signing deposit (which is credited to your tuition). Once we have received the signed contract and signing deposit, you will receive official proof of acceptance into the program that you can use for official purposes, such as applying for a German visa.
General Information about German visa can be found her:
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service/-/215870

How many students are accepted into the programmes each year?

All practical, hands-on courses are conducted in small groups. The individual supervision of students by professors and assistants, which is entirely geared towards personal support, is guaranteed by our open-door policy. You will start your studies in a group of 15 to 30 students.

When does the semester start? When do my courses start?

International English-language Bachelor Programme in Psychology
International English-language Master Programme in Clinical Psychology and Public Mental Health
Winter semester: 01.10. – 31.03.
Courses: Mid-October to Mid-February
and
Summer semester: 01.04. – 30.09.
Courses: Beginning of April to the Beginning of July

Master Programme in International Business and Economic Psychology
Wintersemester: 01.10. – 31.03.
Courses: Mid October – Mid February

Are there guided orientation tours for new students?

Yes. At the beginning of each semester, we offer introduction, orientation days for new students, usually over two days. We send out invitations to new students roughly one week before the orientation days.

How do I know which classes to take?

Our programmes follow a given curriculum. You can find the curricula for the various programmes on our website. You can also find an overview of the study programmes here: https://psychologie.sfu-berlin.de/en/academics/overview-study-programmes/.
If you have any question concerning a particular curriculum, please contact us by email: psychologie.berlin@sfu-berlin.de and we’ll forward your questions to the head of that programme.

How do I register for classes?

You register via our study management system, AcademyFIVE. You will receive a personal account for AcademyFIVE where you will find all information about your course of study at the SFU Berlin. We send out emails explaining how this works in greater detail at the beginning of your studies.

Where can I find academic advising?

Please send inquiries to psychologie.berlin@sfu-berlin.de and we’ll forward your questions to the responsible head of department. They will get back to you with an answer or they will arrange a meeting, if desired.

What are the deadlines for assignments or tests?

The deadlines vary from course to course. Please ask your professor. You need to sign up for exams online at least three days before the exam takes place (or earlier).

What professional fields are open to me with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and Public Mental Health?

With a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and Public Mental Health, you can work as a clinical psychologist in Germany.  As a clinical psychologist, you can offer counselling, psychosocial support, and programme development and evaluation in a wide range of clinical settings including clinics, rehabilitation facilities, health centres, crisis intervention services, hospice, and addiction support centres. You will also be qualified to work in social service settings such as schools, domestic violence shelters, prisons and the criminal justice system, grassroots community organizations, assisted living facilities, and youth services.
The English-language Master’s degree also prepares you for careers with international organizations like the UN, WHO, or NGOs working in crisis settings. It also serves prepares you to work as a researcher or to develop an academic career in areas like conflict studies, public mental health, or critical psychology.

Does the Master’s in Clinical Psychology and Public Mental Health provide a pathway to becoming a licensed psychotherapist in Germany?

Please note that this Master’s programme does not qualify you to become a licensed psychotherapist in Germany. If your goal is to become a licensed psychotherapist in Germany, we recommend pursuing a Master’s programme in Psychotherapy Sciences.  If your goal is to practice psychotherapy outside of Germany, we recommend you carefully review your local licensing requirements to determine whether this programme meets the requirements for further training and licensing.

What career opportunities are available with a Master’s in International Business and Economic Psychology (IMBEP)?

With a Master’s in International Business and Economic Psychology, you can pursue various roles that combine psychology and business. This could include positions in HR, organizational development, market research, and consulting. You’ll be well-prepared to work in multinational companies, startups, or consulting firms, especially in areas like consumer behavior, employee well-being, and organizational transformation. The program also opens doors to international organizations, research roles, or careers in the rapidly growing fields of digital economy and behavioral economics.

Does the university have its own accommodation for students? Or can it help you find accommodation?

The Sigmund Freud PrivatUniversity does not provide its own accommodation. You will need to organize your own accommodation in Berlin. The housing situation in Berlin is very tight and it can be difficult to find accommodation. We therefore advise applicants to organize their accommodation as early as possible. The University will try to help students who find themselves in an emergency situation and assist them in finding accommodation.

FAQ Career Opportunities

FAQ for International Students at the SFU Berlin

 What career opportunities do I have after completing my bachelor’s degree in psychology at the SFU?
The SFU bachelor’s programme in psychology is designed to introduce students to the breadth and diversity of contemporary psychology. Students learn about the theoretical foundations of psychology, different research methods, the academic principles of the field, and are taught about different fields of psychological practice. The bachelor’s programme is not designed as vocational training per se but provides a broad foundation and preparation for later specialization in the master’s programme.

Our study program is structured to support students  to make an informed decision about how they want to proceed with their careers. Most graduates of the programme choose to pursue a master’s degree in psychology with a specialization that matches their interests (e.g., clinical, business, counselling, research, etc.).

Which master’s programmes can I apply to with a bachelor’s from the SFU?
The SFU is a private university officially accredited in Austria, and all degrees are awarded in accordance with Austrian law. The structure of the programme is based on the principles of the European Union’s 1999 Bologna Declaration. Therefore, all graduates of our faculty can apply to any master’s programme which acknowledges a (3-year/180 ECTS) bachelor’s of psychology that follows the principles of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). However, it should be noted that many universities have specific entry requirements for their master’s programmes, such as ECTS credits in certain areas, internships, and other criteria. We therefore recommend finding out about the entry requirements for Master’s programmes as early as possible before finishing the bachelor’s programme.

What options do I have if I want to continue my studies at the SFU after completing my bachelor’s degree?
Our department of psychology currently offers three specializations at the master’s level:

• Clinical Psychology and Public Mental Health (English): Find out more about this specialization here
• Sozialpsychologie und Klinische Psychologie (German): Find more about this specialization here.

Graduates from the SFU’s faculty of psychology can apply to any of these programs. Graduates from SFU Berlin can also apply to continue their studies in Vienna.
Further information about the application process in our English Master’s can found here.

Is it possible to apply for a master’s programme outside of the SFU? Do I need to be proficient in German to do so?
In principle, you can apply to any institution in the European Higher Education Area that requires a bachelor’s degree in psychology as an admission requirement. However, you should always check the specific entry requirements of the university in question. This also applies to language skills, which are required for many, but not all, master’s programmes.

Is it possible to work as a licensed psychotherapist in Germany after the English-language bachelor’s in psychology?
If you want to work as a licensed psychotherapist in Germany, it is essential that you understand and speak German well. For practical and legal reasons, we therefore recommend doing your bachelor’s degree in our German programme  if you want to pursue this career track.
The German approbation regulation in psychotherapy requires several clinical subjects and internships which are not included in the English bachelor’s programme. If you are considering switching to our German programme, we are happy to provide you with further information via psychologie@sfu-berlin.de.

Due to a recent change in Austrian law, it will soon be possible to transfer directly from a bachelor’s degree in psychology to a master’s degree in psychotherapy at the SFU. The conditions under which the German license for psychotherapy can be obtained through this combination of studies are currently being reviewed. We will inform you about the results as soon as possible.

Is it absolutely necessary to obtain a license as psychotherapist to work as a psychologist in a clinical context in Germany?
No, there are many other areas of work for psychologists outside of state-licensed psychotherapy. For example, psychologists work in prevention, rehabilitation, counselling, care and diagnostics. Our master’s specialization in Clinical Psychology and Public Mental Health is tailored precisely to these fields and enables students to work clinically outside the field of psychotherapy.

Can I also pursue an academic career at the SFU?
Yes. Beyond collaborating in one of our current research projects, you can also enter our 3-year PhD-programme which is organized by the Faculty of Psychology in Vienna. More information about this program can be found here.