Sigmund Freud Private University Berlin (SFU)

The Sigmund Freud Private University Berlin (SFU Berlin) is a European private university accredited under Austrian law, located on the historic airport site of Berlin-Tempelhof. It was founded in 2013 and is one of the international branches of the Sigmund Freud University, which originated in Vienna in 2003. In addition to Vienna, there are other locations in Linz, Paris, Milan, and Ljubljana.

SFU Berlin offers a specialized range of studies in the fields of psychotherapy and psychology. Particularly notable is the consecutive direct study programme in psychotherapy science, which is offered for the first time in continental Europe and combines academic training with the qualification for approval according to German law. The psychology degree programmes (BSc, MSc) focus on research-based and practice-oriented training.

SFU Berlin has a state-recognized psychotherapeutic training institute and a university outpatient clinic. The clinic is approved by the Berlin Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians for psychotherapeutic care. Students gain early insights into practice through internships and supervision.

In its teaching, SFU follows a three-pillar model: theory, practice, and personal development. Various psychotherapeutic methods such as behavioural therapy, psychoanalysis, depth psychology-based psychotherapy, and art therapy are taught. The study is conducted in small groups with intensive individual supervision.

Research is a central part of the university's self-concept. SFU Berlin conducts research, especially in the field of psychotherapy science and psychology. Research focuses include training research, cultural psychology methodology, history of psychotherapy, psychosocial support in crisis areas, and discrimination and diversity. There are interdisciplinary collaborations with the Institute of Psychosomatics at the Faculty of Medicine (Vienna).

SFU Berlin maintains numerous national and international collaborations. These include the Else Frenkel-Brunswik Institute (University of Leipzig), the Humboldt University of Berlin, the SOS Children's Village Berlin, the Franziskus Hospital Berlin, the Brandenburg Clinic Berlin-Brandenburg, the Alexian St. Hedwig Hospital in Berlin, the Schlosspark Clinic Berlin, the Martin Gropius Hospital Eberswalde, as well as international partners such as Aalborg University in Denmark and the Herbert C. Kelman Institute for Interactive Conflict Transformation. Students complete internships in specialist clinics, child and adolescent psychiatry, and psychosomatic facilities throughout Germany.

There is a special focus on international mobility. Through the Erasmus+ programme and bilateral exchange programmes, students have opportunities to study at partner universities such as the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW). Additionally, students can spend a semester at the other SFU locations (e.g. Vienna, Paris, Milan, Ljubljana). A summer school in psychotherapy science is offered alternately at the European locations.

The university is accredited by the Agency for Quality Assurance and Accreditation Austria (AQ Austria) and is regularly renewed. All degree programmes offered at SFU Berlin are recognized throughout the EU and lead to Austrian academic degrees that are internationally recognized. This particularly applies to the degree programmes in psychology, psychotherapy science, and journalism. The approval training programmes at SFU Berlin comply with the legal requirements in Germany, enabling professional recognition as a psychotherapist.

SFU Berlin sees itself as a European university with a special focus on the humanities, especially the academicization of psychotherapy. The teaching philosophy focuses on individual supervision, multiprofessional discourse, and socially responsible education.