Academics – Psychotherapy Science
The Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in Psychotherapy Science at Sigmund Freud Private University Vienna (SFU) are the first university-based programmes in Europe to combine academic, research-led training with practical preparation for the profession of psychotherapist. They integrate the two-stage training structure set out in the 1990 Austrian Psychotherapy Act, consisting of the Psychotherapeutic Propaedeutic Course (Propädeutikum) and the Psychotherapeutic Specialisation (Fachspezifikum).
In 2024, Austria introduced a new Psychotherapy Act that significantly restructured psychotherapy training. Under transitional arrangements, anyone wishing to complete the “old” two-stage pathway must finish the Propaedeutic Training by 30 September 2030 and either start the Psychotherapeutic Specialisation by 1 October 2030 or complete it by 30 September 2038.
At SFU Vienna, the Bachelor’s programme in Psychotherapy Science can be commenced until the winter semester 2027/28, and the Master’s programme until the winter semester 2030/31. Once both programmes have been completed, graduates are eligible for professional licensure as psychotherapists in Austria.
Connecting Teaching, Practice and Research
Teaching at SFU is strongly practice-based, combining theoretical learning, personal self-experience, and the development of practical psychotherapeutic skills. Since 2006, our University Outpatient Clinics have been an important part of healthcare provision in Vienna, and they are available to students as training settings from their very first semester.
Teaching is closely linked with research and academic work. Our Master’s degree programme introduces students to research methods in psychotherapy science. Students are involved in the university’s research projects at an early stage wherever possible.
Benefits of studying Psychotherapy Science at Sigmund Freud Private University Vienna:
- Student-centred learning environment fostering intellectual growth and active engagement with current psychotherapy research
- Strong theory–practice integration with early, extensive hands-on training in the university’s own outpatient clinics
- Interdisciplinary perspective informed by the humanities, social sciences, and cultural studies
- A pioneer in academic psychotherapy education, with more than 20 years of experience
- Study programmes available in both English and German, enabling access for international students
Questions about our International Study Programme?
Then join us at our next information event – we look forward to meeting you! Many of your questions may already be answered in our FAQ section or in the video below:
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?
