Academics – Psychotherapy Science
The degree programme in Psychotherapy Science at Sigmund Freud Private University Vienna (SFU) is the first university-based programme in Europe to offer a theoretically and scientifically grounded as well as practice-oriented preparation for the profession of psychotherapist.
Our study programme was the first to put psychotherapy as a science at the centre of an academic education. In 2005, the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in psychotherapy science were accredited, followed by the Doctoral programme in 2007. In Vienna, the study programmes are offered in German and – since 2008 – also in English.
Watch Our Introduction to the Psychotherapy Science Programme:
Connecting Teaching, Practice and Research
Teaching at SFU is practice-oriented and combines theoretical instruction, personal self-experience, and the development of psychotherapeutic professional competence. Since 2006, SFU Outpatient Clinics have been in operation, serving as an important mental health care facility in Vienna and, from the first semester onwards, as a training setting for our students.
In the third year of the Bachelor Programme, students start specialising in one of the “Psychotherapy Schools” (psychotherapeutic methods), where all content, as provided by the Austrian Psychotherapy Act, is taught. There are also cooperation agreements between SFU and various associations so that psychotherapeutic specialisations (according to § 6-8 PthG, Austrian Psychotherapy Act) are carried out at SFU and thus the path to official registration in the list of psychotherapists for the independent practice of the profession in Austria is possible simultaneously with completing the degree.
Our teaching puts a strong focus on research and science: the Master’s degree course introduces students to the research methods of psychotherapy science. In general, students get involved in the university’s research projects at an early stage.
Benefits of studying Psychotherapy Science at Sigmund Freud Private University Vienna:
- University degree + professional psychotherapy training
(all requirements for registration in the psychotherapist list of the Austrian Ministry of Health are met) - Internationally recognised academic degree
- Learning and studying in small groups
- Connecting teaching, practice and research
- Individual supervision, dialogue and personal contact with lecturers
- High practical relevance from the 1st semester: in-house practical training at the psychotherapy outpatient clinics
- Degree courses offered in German and English
Questions about our International Study Programme?
Then join us at our next information event – we look forward to meeting you! You can also reach out to our Student Recruitment and Admission Office (SRA), where our team will be happy to help. Many of your questions may already be answered in our FAQ section:
FAQ - English Programme Psychotherapy Science
FAQ - English Programme Psychotherapy Science
Does SFU attract international students?
SFU has an international student body, actively attracting students from numerous countries for its English-taught programmes.
Is SFU an accredited university?
Yes, SFU is an accredited university.
How is the Psychotherapy Science programme structured?
- Bachelor studies begin in semester 1
- Propädeutikum completed in semester 4
- Specialisation begins in semester 5 (minimum 3 years)
- Master’s degree + specialisation completed by the end of Master semester 4
- Graduates can apply for entry into the Austrian Psychotherapy Register
Can I start at SFU if I have already completed the Propädeutikum?
Yes, admission normally begins in Bachelor semester 5.
Is the degree recognised internationally for professional practice?
- Yes, the academic degree is internationally recognised.
- However, professional practice is regulated individually by each country: students must review the licensure requirements in the country where they plan to work.
Which psychotherapeutic specialisations are available in English?
Specialisations in English are offered with a minimum of 12 students. In general, Gestalt, psychoanalysis, and systemic family therapy are offered in English. The other specialisations are offered in German:
- Individual Psychology
- Integrative Gestalt Therapy
- Psychoanalysis
- Psychodrama
- Systemic Family Therapy
- Behaviour Therapy
Are academic courses taught in English?
Yes, all lectures and seminars in the international programme are conducted in English.
Are clinical placements available for international students?
Yes, clinical training is available at the SFU Outpatient Clinic and at external projects.
Are there scholarships for international students?
OeAD scholarships for degree studies, research, and short stays: https://oead.at/en/study-research-teaching/overview-grants-and-scholarships
Are there opportunities to study abroad for a semester?
- Individual semesters can be completed at our branches.
- Erasmus semesters are also possible.
- A semester abroad is usually recommended between the 1st and 4th semester of the Bachelor programme.
What are the tuition fees to study psychotherapy science?
See the following pages:
https://ptw.sfu.ac.at/en/academics/bachelor-programme-psychotherapy-science
https://ptw.sfu.ac.at/en/academics/master-programme-psychotherapy-science
Are all costs included in the tuition fees?
- Tuition covers all coursework, examinations, and university services.
- Not included: individual personal training therapy (Lehrtherapie), which is required during the specialisation and must be paid separately.
When can I apply to study at SFU?
- The next application period opens 1 March 2026 for the winter semester 2026/27.
Where can I get information on applying to SFU?
Please contact our Student Recruitment and Admission Office (SRA) on questions regarding the application process and admission:
Tel.: +43 1 798 40 98 391
Mail: admissions@sfu.ac.at
Web: https://admissions.sfu.ac.at/en
Where can I submit my application and supporting documentation?
Application for the Bachelor study programme is submitted online via the SFU website: https://ptw.sfu.ac.at/en/academics/bachelor-programme-psychotherapy-science
Admission requirements
See the following page: https://ptw.sfu.ac.at/en/academics/bachelor-programme-psychotherapy-science
Required documents
Passport, CV, motivation letter, transcripts
Required level of English
- B2
- Austrian Matura equivalence
- I:B, A levels, high school diploma
- It is necessary to have 2 personal interviews with 2 internal staff members.
Class size & teaching format
- Typical group sizes are between 25 and 35 students.
Where is the campus located?
- Sigmund Freud Private University (SFU) Vienna is located at Freudplatz 1 & 3, in Vienna’s 2nd district (1020), right next to the Prater amusement park and the Messe-Prater U-Bahn station (U2 line) for easy access to the city center and airport.
- Facilities on campus include: library, out-patient clinic, study rooms, cafeteria, etc.
Available support services
- Student advisory service
- Psychological or counselling services
- Academic writing support
- Buddy programme / orientation week
What is the programme workload?
For full-time study at Sigmund Freud Private University (SFU) Vienna, the expected workload is generally 60 ECTS points per academic year, which breaks down to approximately 30 ECTS per semester.
Can I transfer credits from another university?
Yes, credit transfer is possible upon review of the transcripts and comparison with the curriculum at SFU.
How are exams conducted?
Exams are in written form for lectures.
Is attendance mandatory?
Seminars and workshops require a minimum of 80% attendance and completion of assignments (group discussion, presentation, and reflection paper) in order to pass the course.
Residency registration in Austria – what are the requirements for residence registration?
- Visit one of the 19 “Residence Registration Service Centres” (Meldeservice, information in German): https://www.wien.gv.at
- or the Central Residence Registration Service (Meldeservice – Zentrale Meldeauskunft der MA 62, information in German) in person: https://www.wien.gv.at
- More information on visas and immigration to Austria is also available on our admission page: https://admissions.sfu.ac.at/en/visa
Student accommodation in Vienna – what are the possibilities for student accommodation?