Study Psychology & Psychotherapy privately: All universities in Germany, all study programs

Psychology without NC and in small groups at private universities
  • 67Academic Programs
  • 32Online
  • 30On-Site
  • 3Part-time
  • 2Hybrid
  • 41Bachelor
  • 26Master
 · Last updated 01.04.2025

Inhalt

Psychology without NC, without overcrowded lecture halls and with intensive support: Only private universities offer you these opportunities.

Here I show you all the universities and colleges in Germany where you can study psychology and also psychotherapy.

I also show you how much it costs to study psychology at private universities and which are the best cities to study in.

Overview of all Courses

We have a total of 65 courses in the field of Psychology. The first 30 top courses are displayed. Use the filter function or our search to discover more courses in the field.

On-campus program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
  •  6 Semester
  •  Frankfurt/Main, Wiesbaden, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Heidelberg, Hamburg, Cologne or Munich
  •  German

The Bachelor's degree programme in Psychology prepares students for their first qualified professional activity as well as for the opportunity to deepen their knowledge through a subsequent Master's programme and …

On-campus program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  PFH Private University of Applied Sciences
  •  6 Semester
  •  Göttingen
  •  German
Distance learning program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  APOLLON University of Health Care Management
  •  6 Semester
  •  online
  •  German

The part-time Bachelor's degree program in Applied Psychology at the APOLLON University of Health Care Management in Bremen offers a comprehensive education over 36 months. Students acquire knowledge in psychological …

On-campus program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  Witten/Herdecke University
  •  6 Semester
  •  Witten
  •  German
  •  Einführung in die Psychologie, Statistik, Psychologische Forschungsmethodik, Wissenschaftstheorie und philosophische Grundlagen der Psychologie, Grund…
Distance learning program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  German Sport University of Health Sciences
  •  7 Semester
  •  Berlin, Ismaning or Unna
  •  German
On-campus program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  Medical School Berlin
  •  6 Semester
  •  Berlin
  •  German
Distance learning program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  IU International University of Applied Sciences
  •  6 Semester
  •  online
  •  German

The Bachelor's degree program in Psychology at IU provides students with a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and the human psyche. The program includes various focuses such as clinical, educational, …

Part-time program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  European Distance Learning University Hamburg
  •  8 Semester
  •  Hamburg
  •  2 Comments & Questions
  •  German
On-campus program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  Döpfer University of Applied Sciences
  •  6 Semester
  •  Cologne and Regensburg
  •  German
Hybrid course, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  IU International University of Applied Sciences
  •  6 Semester
  •  Aachen, Augsburg, Berlin, Bielefeld, Bochum, Bonn, Brunswick, Bremen, Cologne, Dortmund, Dresden, Duisburg, Dusseldorf, Erfurt, Essen, Frankfurt a.M., Freiburg, Hamburg, Hanover, Karlsruhe, Leipzig, Luebeck, Mainz, Mannheim, Munich, Muenster, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Rostock, Stuttgart, Ulm, Wuerzburg or Virtual Campus
  •  German

If you want to know how and why each person is different, the Bachelor of Psychology at IU offers you deep insights. Use interpersonal communication and human behavioral patterns to …

On-campus program, Master of Science (M.Sc.)
  •  Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
  •  4 Semester
  •  Dusseldorf, Cologne, Munich, Heidelberg or Frankfurt am Main
  •  German

With the Master's programme in Psychology (M.Sc.), Fresenius University offers a consecutive programme that was designed according to the recommendations of the German Society for Psychology (DGPs) and builds on …

Distance learning program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  IU International University of Applied Sciences
  •  6 Semester
  •  online
  •  German

Discover the fascinating world of health psychology and help people improve their health and well-being! The Bachelor's program in Health Psychology at IU Distance Learning provides you with comprehensive knowledge …

On-campus program, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  •  IB University of Health and Social Sciences
  •  7 Semester
  •  Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Munich
  •  German
On-campus program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  Medical School Hamburg
  •  6 Semester
  •  Hamburg
  •  German
Distance learning program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  European Distance Learning University Hamburg
  •  6 Semester
  •  online
  •  German

The distance learning course "Psychology" offered by the European Distance University Hamburg GmbH provides basic knowledge in various areas of psychology. The content includes General Psychology, Biological Psychology, Social Psychology, …

On-campus program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  Fresenius University of Applied Sciences Heidelberg
  •  6 Semester
  •  Heidelberg
  •  German
On-campus program, Master of Science (M.Sc.)
  •  Döpfer University of Applied Sciences
  •  4 Semester
  •  Cologne, Regensburg
  •  German
  •  Research Methods and Evaluation, Multivariate Procedures, Psychological Assessment, Diagnostic Practice, Psychobiology and Neuropsychology, Specializa…
Distance learning program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
  •  6 Semester
  •  online
  •  German
Distance learning program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  PFH Private University of Applied Sciences
  •  6 Semester
  •  online
  •  German
in english
Distance learning program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  IU International University of Applied Sciences
  •  6 Semester
  •  online
  •  German or English

In the online study programme Applied Psychology, you systematically deal with topics such as personality psychology, counselling basics and intercultural psychology. The programme lasts 6 semesters in full-time study, 8-12 …

On-campus program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  Sigmund Freud Private University Berlin
  •  6 Semester
  •  Berlin
  •  German
On-campus program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  Macromedia University of Applied Sciences
  •  6 Semester
  •  Munich, Stuttgart, Cologne, Hamburg, Berlin, Leipzig or Freiburg
  •  German
On-campus program, Master of Science (M.Sc.)
  •  PFH Private University of Applied Sciences
  •  4 Semester
  •  Göttingen
  •  German
Distance learning program, Master of Arts (M.A.)
  •  IU International University of Applied Sciences
  •  4 Semester
  •  online
  •  German

Become a professional coach and support people in their personal and professional growth! The Master's program Coaching at IU Distance Learning provides you with comprehensive knowledge in the fields of …

Distance learning program, Master of Arts (M.A.)
  •  IU International University of Applied Sciences
  •  2 Semester
  •  online
  •  German

The master's program Coaching lasts 2-4 semesters in full-time study, depending on prerequisites, or 4-8 semesters in part-time study. You will explore topics such as Virtual Coaching and Self-Coaching, and …

On-campus program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  Berlin International Psychoanalytic University
  •  6 Semester
  •  Berlin
  •  German
Distance learning program, Master of Science (M.Sc.)
  •  German Sport University of Health Sciences
  •  3 Semester
  •  Berlin, Ismaning or Unna
  •  German
Distance learning program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  German Sport University of Health Sciences
  •  7 Semester
  •  Berlin, Unna, Ismaning
  •  German
On-campus program, Master of Science (M.Sc.)
  •  Medical School Hamburg
  •  4 Semester
  •  Hamburg
  •  German
in english
On-campus program, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  •  Touro College Berlin
  •  6 Semester
  •  Berlin
  •  English
  •  Introduction to Psychology, Application of Psychological Principles, Psychological Methodology, English, History and Society, Internship, Senior Honor…

Where to study psychology in Germany? The best cities at a glance

Study Psychology in Munich: Quality of life very high, cost of living just as high.

By far, the most private universities offering Psychology and Psychotherapy degree programmes are located in Berlin: More than 11 universities are located there or operate a campus and offer the opportunity to study psychology.

But is Berlin necessarily the best city to study psychology?

Berlin is very hectic and offers an enormous number of distractions. From my personal experience, I can say that it can be enormously stressful to study in Berlin - the city is very loud, very colorful and restless, and quickly distracts from focused study.

The antithesis to Berlin are tranquil cities like Heidelberg or Göttingen, which allow you to study psychology in an absolutely quiet atmosphere. Both cities are student towns and thus offer numerous opportunities to make contacts beyond the private universities.

Here is an overview of the best cities for psychology at private universities:

Sorting: Cost of living descending. Cost of living is an index of cost of living + rent. A cost of living index of 120 means that living in this city is 20% more expensive than living in New York City. Quality of life is the quality of life index, a combination of different indices. Details on the indices can be found at https://de.numbeo.com. Population density in inhabitants per km2
CityCost of livingQuality of lifePopulation densityUniversities
Munich 59.35 177.40 4,736 IU International University, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, German University of Health and Sport
Frankfurt/Main 55.36 173.16 3,067 Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
Hamburg 51.34 165.92 2,447 MSH Medical School Hamburg, Europäische Fernhochschule Hamburg, University of Applied Sciences Europe
Stuttgart 50.49 170.25 3,062 IB University of Health and Social Sciences
Heidelberg 49.36 1,473 Fresenius University Heidelberg
Cologne 47.83 158.75 2,686 HSD Döpfer University of Applied Sciences, IU International University of Applied Sciences, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, IB University of Applied Sciences Berlin
Düsseldorf 47.66 176.29 2,860 Fresenius University
Berlin 46.62 164.42 4,115 Medical School Berlin, University of Applied Sciences, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, Psychological University Berlin, Sigmund Freud Private University Berlin, Touro College Berlin, Sigmund Freud Private University Berlin, International Psychoanalytic University Berlin, IB University of Applied Sciences, IU International University, University of Applied Sciences Europe
Bremen 43.39 1,743 Constructor University, APOLLON University of Health Care Management
Göttingen 1,017 PFH - University of Applied Sciences
Gera 612 SRH University of Health

Study requirements: Psychology studies also without baccalaureate and without NC

There is no numerus clausus at any of the universities I am presenting here. That's because personality, willingness to perform and motivation are more important to the universities than grades. Apart from that, the courses of study are not always favorable, which in itself represents a kind of entry restriction.

For a Bachelor's degree, a university entrance qualification is formally required at all the private universities I am presenting here. This is usually a baccalaureate or a specialized baccalaureate, but can also be the specialized university entrance qualification.

You can also enroll in many degree programs without a baccalaureate, such as the Psychology degree programme at IU International University, which requires the following:

  • You have successfully completed a German advanced training course, for example a master craftsman's examination or further training to become a state-certified business economist.
  • Or you have completed German vocational training, such as training as a health care worker and nurse. Following your training, you have worked full-time in this profession for at least 3 years. The profession should fit the psychology subject. If it does not fit, you will have to first complete a trial study at IU before you are enrolled regularly.

At other private universities, similar requirements apply to anyone who wants to enroll in a degree programme without a baccalaureate.

Costs and tuition fees

Private universities are of course expensive compared to state universities, although the price differences between individual universities and UAS are enormous. Particularly inexpensive: IU International University, which currently offers campus study programs and distance learning programs in Psychology.

An important cost factor is, of course, the city in which you study. In southern Germany, the cost of living as well as rents are predominantly more expensive than in cities such as Berlin, for example. You can find a comparison of each earlier in this post.

Here are the costs for popular Bachelor's degree programs in Psychology at a glance:

Costs for popular Bachelor's degree programs in Psychology. Please note that the total costs are approximate and assume that the program will be completed in the standard period of study. The total costs also include possible examination fees and enrollment fees.
CourseUniversityDurationFees

On-campus program
6 Semesterfrom 32148 € total
from 893 € monthly

On-campus program
6 Semesterfrom 29880 € total
from 830 € monthly

On-campus program
6 Semesterfrom 26400 € total
from 820 € monthly

On-campus program
6 Semesterfrom 26100 € total
from 725 € monthly

On-campus program
6 Semesterfrom 25020 € total
from 695 € monthly

On-campus program
6 Semesterfrom 25020 € total
from 695 € monthly

Hybrid course
6 Semesterfrom 15804 € total
from 439 € monthly

Part-time program
8 Semesterfrom 13680 € total
from 199 € monthly

Distance learning program
6 Semesterfrom 12420 € total
from 215 € monthly

Incidentally, as a student at a private university, you are of course entitled to funding under the German BAFöG. Most universities also help their first-year students to find financing partners and thus, for example, to take advantage of a student loan from KFW (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau/Credit Bank for Reconstruction). Some universities also support their students with scholarships, such as the IU International University.

Private universities with Psychology programmes in brief portrait

Interestingly, most private colleges offering studies in psychology are universities. Universities are authorized, for example, to award doctorates. In addition, it is possible to obtain a psychotherapy license by studying psychology at a university.

Here is a brief portrait of the most important universities:

Logo MSBMedical School Berlin: Medical School Berlin - Hochschule für Gesundheit und Medizin (MSB) is a private, state-recognized university. The university was founded in 2012 and is located in Berlin-Wilmersdorf on Rüdesheimer Straße. In WS 2019/2020, a total of 1,650 students were enrolled at the university. MSB consists of 2 faculties: the Faculty of Natural Sciences is a university faculty, and the Faculty of Health Sciences is a university of applied sciences faculty. Psychology courses are organized by the Faculty of Natural Sciences. Since WS 2020, the university also offers a Master's degree programme in Psychotherapy.

Logo FreseniusFresenius University of Applied Sciences: Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, located in Idstein/Hesse as well as in Heidelberg, is one of the largest private universities of applied sciences in Germany and was founded in 1848. In WS 2019/2020, a total of 12,991 students were enrolled at the university. The university offers a very comprehensive study program in natural sciences, in economics and for example also in social sciences. The university offers the Psychology programme at various locations in Germany, for example in Berlin or Cologne.

Logo IUIU International University of Applied Sciences: With over 130,000 students, IU is the largest university in Germany and was founded in 1998. In addition to the numerous distance learning programs, for example in Psychology, in Health Psychology, in Communication Psychology as well as in Business Psychology, IU also offers part-time Bachelor programs in Psychology and Business Psychology, for example in Berlin, Cologne, Munich. Special feature: Studying at the IU is extremely flexible, even exams can be written remotely - online and from home.

Logo MSHMedical School Hamburg: MSH is a private, state-recognized university based in Hamburg. The university was founded in 2009, and in WS 2019/2020 a total of 3,023 students were enrolled in one of the 4 faculties. The Faculty of Human Sciences has the status of a scientific university, so it is equal to a university. Among other courses, the Faculty offers a Bachelor's degree in Psychology as well as a Master's degree in Psychotherapy.

Logo Uni WHWitten/Herdecke University: Witten/Herdecke University is a private, state-recognized university and was founded in 1982. In the winter semester 2019/2020, a total of 2,617 students were enrolled at the university. As one of the few private universities, Witten University also offers a degree program in Human Medicine with the final goal of a state examination. The Bachelor's degree program in Psychology has already been adapted to the reform of psychotherapist training. Admission to the Psychology programme is severely limited to just over 30 students per semester, who undergo a multi-stage selection process.

Logo SFUSigmund Freud Private University Berlin: SFU Berlin is not a university under German law, but a campus of Sigmund Freud PrivatUniversität in Austria. SFU was founded in 2005, and in addition to Berlin, the accredited university operates campuses in Vienna, Linz, Paris, Milan and Ljubljana. The university offers both a B.Sc. and an M.Sc. in Psychology. In addition, one can study Psychotherapy Science at SFU; degree goals in each case are BA. pth. (Bakkalaureus/Bakkalaurea for Psychotherapy Science) as well as the Mag. pth., both degrees according to Austrian law.

Logo IPUBerlin International Psychoanalytic University: IPU is a private, state-recognized university located in Berlin-Moabit. The university was founded in 2009, and in WS 2019/2020 a total of 700 students were enrolled at the university. In addition to various Master's programmes in the field of psychology, the university offers the undergraduate Bachelor's program Psychology Plus. Plus means that students additionally acquire a certificate in Psychodynamic Interviewing during their studies.

Logo MHBBrandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane: MHB is a young university located in Neuruppin with an additional campus in Brandenburg an der Havel. The university was founded in 2014, and in the winter semester 2019/2020, a total of 444 students were enrolled at the university. The university currently offers two degree programs: Human Medicine and Psychology. In WS 2020/2021, MHB also introduced Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes in Psychotherapy, which will lead to the national state examination and a limited license to practice psychotherapy for 5 years.

Logo PSBBerlin School of Psychology: The PHB, located in Berlin-Mitte, is a university and was founded in 2010 by the professional association of German psychologists. In WS 2019/2020, a total of 458 students were enrolled at the university. The university offers Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in Psychology as well as the opportunity to complete psychotherapy training.

Study Psychotherapy at private universities in Germany

With the German Amendment of the Psychotherapists Act 2020, the training for psychotherapists will also change. At many of the universities I am presenting here, it was previously possible to study psychology with a focus on clinical psychology as a Bachelor's and Master's degree. Graduates could then apply for training as psychotherapists.

As a result of the legislative reform, Psychotherapy degree programs are now being created to lead to a state examination and a limited license to practice. The first direct study programs started in winter semester 2020/2021, for example at the Brandenburg Medical School.

Here is an overview of the current Psychotherapy degree programs at private universities:

CourseUniversityDurationFees

On-campus program
7 Semesterfrom 22260 € total
from 530 € monthly

On-campus program
4 Semesterfrom 28925 € total
from 1175 € monthly

On-campus program
4 Semesterfrom 19920 € total
from 830 € monthly

On-campus program
4 Semesterfrom 21360 € total
from 890 € monthly

On-campus program
4 Semesterfrom 16780 € total
from 695 € monthly

On-campus program
4 Semesterfrom 15600 € total
from 650 € monthly

On-campus program
6 Semesterfrom 32868 € total
from 913 € monthly

More degree programs here: Study Psychotherapy at private universities: All study programs at a glance

Distance learning programmes in Psychology in Germany

Distance learning is the form of study for anyone who wants to study while working or who is in special phases of life, such as parental leave.

What are the advantages of distance learning? Distance learning courses are mainly completed from home, with the help of online lectures and study scripts. Some universities, such as IU International University, even offer the option of writing exams from home. In addition, distance learning programs at private universities are significantly less expensive than face-to-face programs.

Here is an overview of popular distance learning programs in the field of psychology:

CourseUniversityDurationFees

Distance learning program
6 Semesterfrom 11448 € total
from 268 € monthly

Distance learning program
6 Semesterfrom 15063 € total
from 259 € monthly

Distance learning program
6 Semesterfrom 19620 € total
from 545 € monthly

Distance learning program
6 Semesterfrom 12420 € total
from 215 € monthly

Distance learning program
6 Semesterfrom 11952 € total
from 332 € monthly

Distance learning program
6 Semesterfrom 13680 € total
from 285 € monthly

Distance learning program
6 Semesterfrom 15063 € total
from 259 € monthly

Read more about Psychology in distance learning here (German): Psychology distance learning: 20 degree programs + paths to Psychotherapy.

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