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Masters in Psychology in Germany: Courses and Admission Guide 2025

Expatrio 2025-03-07
Two students sitting in a classroom and studying psychology.

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Pursuing a Master's in Psychology in Germany could be a transformative step in your academic and professional journey. With many universities offering programs in English and tuition-free options, we are here to help you find the best psychology courses for you and answer your questions about the application process!

 

Master's in Psychology Tuition Free Courses for International Students

Many public universities in Germany allow students to study psychology without tuition fees. Here are some affordable options you can explore:

  • Catholic University of Eichstatt Ingolstadt

    Ingolstadt

    Business & Psychology

    M.Sc. | Master of Science

    Language: English

    4 Semesters No Tuition Fee Full-time
    Duration Tuition Fee Study Form
  • Free University of Berlin

    Berlin

    Cognitive Neuroscience

    M.Sc. | Master of Science

    Language: English, German

    4 Semesters No Tuition Fee Full-time
    Duration Tuition Fee Study Form
  • Darmstadt University of Technology

    Darmstadt

    Cognitive Science

    M.Sc. | Master of Science

    Language: English

    4 Semesters No Tuition Fee Full-time
    Duration Tuition Fee Study Form

 

Admission Requirements for an MSc in Psychology Germany

For international students applying for a Master's in psychology in Germany, several key requirements must be met. These requirements can vary by institution but generally include the following:

University Degree Requirements

  • Applicants must possess a relevant Bachelor's degree, typically in Psychology, Neuroscience, or a related discipline.
  • To obtain a master's degree in Psychology that can eventually lead to a license and practice of Psychology in Germany, you will have to prove that your previous study experience matches the requirements of the master's program you want to get admission into. 
  • Students with a bachelor's degree from abroad must ensure their degree aligns with the requirements of the German master's programs or licensing regulations. This alignment is critical due to the recent reforms in psychology degree programs. Decisions on recognition of foreign degrees are made on a case-by-case basis and can vary depending on the university and state examination office.

State Exam

  • In order to practice psychology in Germany, students have to appear for the State Exam and gain a license for psychology. 
  • Once you complete your master's degree, you can appear for the State Exam to gain your license.  

Language Requirements

  • For programs taught in English, applicants must demonstrate proficiency through standardized tests such as the TOEFL (typically requiring a score of 90-100) or the IELTS (with a minimum score of 6.5 or 7.0).
  • Some universities might also accept Cambridge English certificates or equivalent tests.

Work Experience Requirements

  • While not always mandatory, some programs prefer or require applicants to have relevant work experience in psychology or related fields.
  • Practical experiences, such as internships, research projects, or clinical work, can strengthen an application and provide valuable insights into the field.
  • Universities may look for evidence of specific skills, such as research competencies, data analysis, or familiarity with psychological assessment tools.
Remember

Every university may have slightly different requirements based on specific courses and needs. Always check the university course pages for the most up-to-date information.


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Application Deadlines for Master's in Psychology 

Understanding the application deadlines for a Master's program in Psychology in Germany is crucial for a successful application process. These deadlines can vary based on the university and the semester in which you intend to begin your studies. Below is an overview of typical application timelines and key considerations:

General Application Deadlines

Winter Semester:

  • Primary Intake: The winter semester is the main entry point for most master's programs in Germany.
  • Application Deadlines: Applications are typically accepted from mid-December to late March. However, some universities may have earlier deadlines, so it's important to verify the specific dates for each institution.

Summer Semester:

  • Secondary Intake: Fewer programs offer a summer semester intake, but it can be an option for some students.
  • Application Deadlines: Generally, the deadlines fall between mid-May and late September. It's essential to confirm if your chosen program is available for the summer intake.

Additional Considerations for Master's in Psychology

  • New Reforms: Recent reforms in Germany's psychology education, such as the Psychotherapists’ Act, have impacted admissions, making it crucial to ensure your undergraduate degree aligns with new requirements.
  • Admission Tests: Germany has introduced an aptitude test for psychology, which can enhance your application if you're applying for a bachelor's degree that will lead to a master's pathway.
  • Competitive Admission: Psychology programs are highly competitive, with limited slots, so ensure your application stands out by highlighting relevant experience and strong academic records.
  • Language Requirements: Verify the language of instruction for your program, and ensure you meet the necessary language proficiency standards, whether in German or English.

If you want to learn more about the best universities in Germany for Psychology, we have just the guide for you! 
 

English-Taught Psychology Programs in Germany 

  • Catholic University of Eichstatt Ingolstadt

    Ingolstadt

    Business & Psychology

    M.Sc. | Master of Science

    Language: English

    4 Semesters No Tuition Fee Full-time
    Duration Tuition Fee Study Form
  • Free University of Berlin

    Berlin

    Cognitive Neuroscience

    M.Sc. | Master of Science

    Language: English, German

    4 Semesters No Tuition Fee Full-time
    Duration Tuition Fee Study Form
  • Darmstadt University of Technology

    Darmstadt

    Cognitive Science

    M.Sc. | Master of Science

    Language: English

    4 Semesters No Tuition Fee Full-time
    Duration Tuition Fee Study Form
 

Alternative Degree Options for Psychology Students 

If you're looking to expand your career options beyond traditional psychology roles, consider exploring related programs that build on your skills and offer flexibility for a variety of career paths. Here are some alternatives: 

Business Psychology Degrees

  • HMKW University of Media, Communication and Economics

    Berlin

    Business Psychology

    M.Sc. | Master of Science

    Language: English

    4 Semesters 5,100 EUR Full-time
    Duration Tuition Fee Study Form
  • HMKW University of Media, Communication and Economics

    Berlin

    Business Psychology

    M.Sc. | Master of Science

    Language: English

    4 Semesters 5,100 EUR Part-time
    Duration Tuition Fee Study Form
  • HMKW University of Media, Communication and Economics

    Frankfurt am Main

    Business Psychology

    M.Sc. | Master of Science

    Language: English

    4 Semesters 5,100 EUR Part-time
    Duration Tuition Fee Study Form

 

Human Resources Degrees

  • Technical University of Applied Sciences Wuerzburg Schweinfurt

    Würzburg

    International Social Work with Refugees & Migrants

    M.A. | Master of Arts

    Language: English

    3 Semesters No Tuition Fee Full-time
    Duration Tuition Fee Study Form
  • Alice Salomon University Berlin

    Berlin

    Social Work as a Human Rights Profession (MA-SWHR)

    M.A. | Master of Arts

    Language: English

    4 Semesters 2,640 EUR Full-time
    Duration Tuition Fee Study Form

 

Cognitive Science Degrees

No study programs in top universities found for this subject

 

FAQs

Is Germany good for a master's in psychology?

Can I study psychology in Germany in English?

How much does a master's in psychology cost in Germany?

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