Cookie policy

By clicking on or navigating the site, you agree to allow us to collect information on and off Studee as outlined in our cookie policy.

Study psychology abroad

: We maximize your chance of getting admitted to your chosen universities

The smart alternative to applying direct for psychology degrees abroad and the easy way to find programs that match your eligibility and aspirations

Find your perfect psychology programs abroad

Find psychology programs you love that match your needs & aspirations, where you stand a high chance of acceptance.

Find other programs in psychology

Psychology degrees abroad

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and how it influences our behavior. It helps us better understand what makes us tick, and is one of the most popular university subjects to study at home and abroad.

Choosing to study psychology abroad can open up a huge number of opportunities, and there are plenty of great psychology degree programs available all over the world for international students to choose from.

You can study psychology at undergraduate, graduate and doctorate levels, and in most cases you will need to study at graduate level in order to become a qualified psychologist.

Psychology program structure

Most psychology degrees are made up of lectures, seminars and tutorials. Some programs also offer a year work placement which let you apply the theory you’ve learned in a working environment. This hands-on experience can help you when it comes to choosing your future career and is a good addition to your CV.

Exactly what you study, and the depth of detail will depend on the degree level you are studying.

The course structure and scope of studying psychology abroad will also vary depending on the country and university you’re studying in. However, common themes and modules you’ll see in a psychology program curriculum include:

  • Foundations of psychology

    This will include a focus on the four main areas of psychology

  • Research methods

    These will cover the quantitative and qualitative research methods you’ll need in order to complete your research project.

  • Conceptual and historical issues

    This covers how psychology theory has changed over time and what factors will affect its development in the future.

  • Individual differences

    This looks at why people have different personalities, how we can measure intelligence and how we treat mental disorders. This is often linked to social psychology.

  • Optional modules

    Depending on the university, you can usually choose some of the modules you study so you can specialize in an area you enjoy. These could include things like forensic psychology, neuropsychiatry or addiction.

  • Research project

    Most psychology degrees will include a year-long research project in the final year of your studies. This will make up a significant part of your final assessment.

Types of psychology degrees

Psychology is a broad topic, and a psychology degree will aim to give you an understanding of all the areas of the subject.

However, there are many options and concentrations you can choose from that offer a more focussed curriculum in a specific area. Some common psychology subdisciplines you could study include:

  • Clinical psychology
  • Counseling psychology
  • Experiment psychology
  • Abnormal psychology
  • Criminal psychology
  • Applied psychology
  • Child psychology
  • Developmental psychology
  • Educational psychology
  • Forensic psychology
  • Social psychology
  • Sport psychology

It’s worth exploring one of these programs if there’s an area of psychology you’re most interested in. Psychology can often be studied as a joint degree in combination with another subject, like sociology, education, business or mathematics.

Why study psychology abroad

Successfully completing a psychology degree will not only give you great career prospects, but it will also enhance your understanding of the people and world around you. Psychology is the perfect subject for those with an inquisitive mind, and a passion for helping people.

Choosing to study psychology abroad opens you up the opportunity of studying a much wider range of programs, and will give your studies an international perspective that can give you an edge in your future career.

Where to study psychology abroad

An important factor to remember when deciding where to study psychology is where you want to work after graduating. It will be easier to work as a practicing psychologist in the country you are studying in, provided you can get the correct work visa because you will be accredited in that country.

For example, in the UK, your degree will need to be accredited by the BPS (British Psychological Society) to practice. However, you can still work in the UK if your undergraduate and postgraduate education took place abroad, but you will need to contact the BPS and meet certain criteria and potentially do some additional studies.

Consider how long you want to study before you start work. If you want to practice as a psychologist in the US or UK, you’ll need a doctorate, however, in some countries you only need a master’s degree. This means studying and working in these countries would offer a much shorter pathway to your chosen career.

Best countries to study psychology

Europe is regarded as the birthplace of psychology, so many of the best courses are located here.

The UK offers some of the most highly ranked psychology programs in the world, as does the Netherlands. Germany also boasts a number of well respected psychology courses and has the added allure of meaning you’ll be studying in the country where the discipline was born.

The US is at the forefront of modern psychology theory and is home to many of the subject’s top-ranked programs. It’s also a great location if you want to stay and work after graduating, with many psychology related career opportunities available.

Best universities to study psychology

The best university for you to study psychology will offer a program that matches your interests and ambitions and be in a country you want to live in for at least three years.

Take a close look at the program curriculum in detail, and think about what the course offers. Ask yourself questions like:

  • Do I want to study a degree that includes work placement or internship?
  • Do I want a course that offers more practical learning?
  • How long do I want to study?

There are a large number of universities that offer psychology degrees, so take your time to make the right decision. It’s also important to think about what the university offers outside of the classroom.

See all universities offering psychology programs

How we maximize your chance of studying psychology abroad

  1. Programs matched to you

    Filter 10,000s of programs down to a shortlist perfect for you, where you have a strong chance of getting admitted

  2. Apply online via Studee

    Complete our application form and only answer the same question once no matter how many programs you apply for

  3. Review, improve & submit

    We rigorously assess your application to ensure you have the best chance of getting admitted before we submit it

  4. Reminders & guidance

    Relax - never miss a deadline or request that could cost you an offer with clear, day-by-day updates on what needs to be done

Our services are 100% free for students like you because we're funded by universities.

Psychology study abroad programs

Psychology degrees abroad are offered at several different levels. At undergraduate level you can study a bachelor’s as a BA or BSc. There may be slight differences between the two, for example a BSc may have a stronger focus on scientific study and research, but generally, the curriculums are the same. They usually take three or four years to complete depending on the country you are studying in.

As a graduate, you can study for a master’s as an MA, MS or MSci. An MSci is offered as a four year undergraduate program with an integrated master’s level qualification. Studying a separate master’s after your undergraduate degree will usually take between one and two years.

You can also study for a PhD in psychology, and it’s often necessary to do this if you want to practice as a psychologist. These programs will be largely research based, and can take two or three years to complete.

Psychology undergraduate programs

Bachelor's in psychology

  • false

    Psychology and Sport & Physical Education - BSc (Hons) Liverpool Hope University, UK

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    15,506 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 12,500 GBP

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Psychology and Sport & Physical Education
  • false

    Psychology - BA Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    18,040 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 30,092 NZD

    Start date
    February, July
    Show program overview about Psychology
  • false

    Arts: Psychology - BA University of Canterbury, New Zealand

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    16,786 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 28,000 NZD

    Start date
    January, February
    Show program overview about Arts: Psychology
  • false

    International Business Administration: Business Psychology - BA SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences, Germany

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    42 months
    Annual tuition fee
    9,778 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 9,167 EUR

    Start date
    March, November
    Show program overview about B.A. International Business Administration - Business Psychology (Berlin)
  • false

    Psychology - BA Maynooth University, Ireland

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    14,400 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 13,500 EUR

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about BA PSYCHOLOGY

Associate in psychology

  • false

    Human Services: Psychology - AASc Lake Land College, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    13,500 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 13,500 USD

    Start date
    August, January, June
    Show program overview about Human Services: Psychology
  • false

    Liberal Arts & Sciences: Psychology - ASc Mohawk Valley Community College, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    7,305 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 7,305 USD

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Liberal Arts & Sciences: Psychology
  • false

    Psychology - ADT Riverside City College, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    9,500 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 9,500 USD

    Start date
    February, June, August
    Show program overview about Psychology
  • false

    Psychology - AA Columbia College, Canada

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    12,590 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 17,100 CAD

    Start date
    September, January, May
    Show program overview about Psychology
  • false

    Psychology - AAOT Lane Community College, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    11,500 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 11,500 USD

    Start date
    September, January, March
    Show program overview about Psychology

Certificate in psychology

  • false

    Psychology - Cert HE University of Essex, UK
    • Online
    • Part-time

    Program type
    Undergraduate certificate
    Duration
    16 months
    Annual tuition fee
    7,650 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 6,167 GBP

    Start date
    September, November, February, April, July
    Show program overview about Psychology

Pathway in psychology

  • false

    Criminology & Psychology (Foundation) - FD Leeds Beckett University, UK

    Program type
    Undergraduate pathway
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    14,513 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 11,700 GBP

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Criminology & Psychology (Foundation)

Psychology graduate programs

Master's in psychology

  • false

    Addiction Psychology and Counselling - MSc London South Bank University, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    8,546 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 6,890 GBP

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Addiction Psychology and Counselling
  • false

    Experimental Psychology - MSc University of West Alabama, USA

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    10,494 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 10,494 USD

    Start date
    August, January
    Show program overview about Experimental Psychology
  • false

    Psychology and Health Inequalities - MSc Keele University, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    23,321 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 18,800 GBP

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Psychology and Health Inequalities
  • false

    Applied Social Psychology: Community/Health Psychology - Integrated MA/PhD University of Windsor, Canada

    Program type
    Master's
    Doctorate
    Duration
    2 years
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    13,724 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 18,640 CAD

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Applied Social Psychology: Community/Health Psychology
  • false

    Arts (Thesis): Psychology - MA (Thesis) University of Canterbury, New Zealand

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    19,184 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 32,000 NZD

    Start date
    August, September, October, November, January, February, March, April, May, June, July
    Show program overview about Arts (Thesis): Psychology

Doctorate in psychology

  • false

    Applied Social Psychology: Industrial/Organizational Psychology - Integrated MA/PhD University of Windsor, Canada

    Program type
    Master's
    Doctorate
    Duration
    2 years
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    13,724 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 18,640 CAD

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Applied Social Psychology: Industrial/Organizational Psychology
  • false

    Evolutionary Psychology - PhD Abertay University, UK

    Program type
    Doctorate
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    17,056 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 13,750 GBP

    Start date
    October, February, June
    Show program overview about Evolutionary Psychology
  • false

    Organizational Psychology - PhD Alliant International University, USA

    Program type
    Doctorate
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    27,940 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 27,940 USD

    Start date
    August
    Show program overview about Organizational Psychology
  • false

    Counseling: School Psychology - EdS Murray State University, USA

    Program type
    Doctorate
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    11,800 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 11,800 USD

    Start date
    January, April, August
    Show program overview about Counseling: School Psychology
  • false

    Counselling Psychology - Doctorate London Metropolitan University, UK

    Program type
    Doctorate
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    17,763 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 14,320 GBP

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Counselling Psychology

Diploma in psychology

  • false

    Arts: Psychology - PGDipArts University of Canterbury, New Zealand

    Program type
    Postgraduate diploma
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    16,306 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 27,200 NZD

    Start date
    January, February
    Show program overview about Arts: Psychology
  • false

    Counselling Psychology - PGDip Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand

    Program type
    Postgraduate diploma
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    22,782 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 38,002 NZD

    Start date
    February, July
    Show program overview about Counselling Psychology
  • false

    Psychology - GradDipArts University of Auckland, New Zealand

    Program type
    Postgraduate diploma
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    21,011 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 35,048 NZD

    Start date
    February, July
    Show program overview about Psychology
  • false

    Health Psychology - PGDip Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

    Program type
    Postgraduate diploma
    Duration
    9 months
    Annual tuition fee
    22,524 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 37,571 NZD

    Start date
    February, July
    Show program overview about Health Psychology
  • false

    Psychology - PGDip University of Essex, UK
    • Online
    • Part-time

    Program type
    Postgraduate diploma
    Duration
    16 months
    Annual tuition fee
    9,281 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 7,482 GBP

    Start date
    October, January, April, July
    Show program overview about Psychology

Certificate in psychology

  • false

    Psychology - PGCert University of Essex, UK
    • Online
    • Part-time

    Program type
    Postgraduate certificate
    Duration
    8 months
    Annual tuition fee
    4,640 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 3,741 GBP

    Start date
    October, January, April, July
    Show program overview about Psychology

Pathway in psychology

  • false

    Environmental Psychology, Pre-Masters - PGP University of Surrey, UK

    Program type
    Postgraduate pathway
    Duration
    6 months
    Annual tuition fee
    16,436 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 13,250 GBP

    Start date
    September, February
    Show program overview about Environmental Psychology, Pre-Masters

Entry requirements to study psychology abroad

The specific entry requirements for each psychology course will depend on the country and university you’re applying to, however there are some requirements you’ll always need to meet:

  • Completion of secondary education in your home country
  • A clear interest in, and passion for, psychology
  • Satisfactory English language proficiency test scores
  • A bachelor’s degree, usually in psychology or a related field, to study at postgraduate level

Check the requirements for your chosen program carefully before you apply, to see what grades you’ll need. The application process will also be unique to the country, university and program you’re applying to, but you can see the general study abroad application requirements here.

Future psychology careers

One of the most attractive things about a degree in psychology is that it opens you up to a huge number of potential new careers - it’s not just for practicing psychologists.

It can give you loads of transferable skills that most employers value, so you’ll have plenty of options after graduation.

Here are some of the most common careers that psychology graduates go into:

  • Psychologist (you can also specialize in a specific area, e.g. clinical, educational, forensic psychology etc.)
  • Counseling
  • Advice work (e.g. careers adviser)
  • Police officer
  • Marketing
  • Human resources
  • Probation officer

Remember that to become a practicing psychologist you will usually need at least a master’s degree, and often a doctorate. However, a bachelor’s degree in psychology is still a valuable asset that many employers look at favorably.