International Psychoanalytic University Berlin

Berlin, Germany

About International Psychoanalytic University Berlin

The International Psychoanalytic University Berlin (IPU Berlin) is a state-recognised private non-profit university founded in 2009, and the world's only university with psychoanalysis as its institutional foundation. Located on Stromstrasse in central Berlin, directly on the river Spree, it received institutional accreditation from the Wissenschaftsrat (German Council of Science and Humanities) in 2014, with successful re-accreditations in 2020 and 2025.

The IPU offers interdisciplinary bachelor's and master's programmes in psychology, psychotherapy, cultural psychology, and leadership — integrating psychoanalytic, behavioural, and interpersonal approaches. Teaching is offered in both German and English, with a notable English-track master's in Psychology. Clinical training, research, and an affiliated outpatient clinic are integral to the curriculum.

Being a private institution, tuition fees apply. The bachelor's programme costs approximately €4,950 per semester; the English-track master's costs approximately €6,500 per semester (or €24,800 for the full four-semester programme paid in advance). There is no numerus clausus (NC) — admission is based on individual interviews and motivation rather than grades alone.

Key facts

Founded: 2009

World's only university with psychoanalysis as its institutional foundation

No numerus clausus (NC) — admission via individual interview, not grades alone

Institutional accreditation by Wissenschaftsrat (2014, re-accredited 2020 and 2025)

English-taught MA Psychology with clinical focus — open to international students without German

Partner in the SPOT Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Social Psychology of Transformation

Affiliated outpatient clinic and Erich Fromm Study Centre on campus

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

IPU Berlin is a private non-profit university — tuition fees apply to all students. BSc Psychology: approximately €4,950 per semester (€860/month; total programme approx. €27,500 over 6 semesters). MA Psychology (English track): approximately €6,500 per semester (€1,130/month; total approx. €24,800 for 4 semesters if paid in advance). IPU bachelor's graduates receive reduced rates for master's programmes. A compulsory semester contribution for student services also applies. Unlike most public German universities, there is no free-tuition option here.

Admission requirements

Admission is by individual selection; there is no numerus clausus. Applicants submit a CV, motivation letter, degree certificates, and attend an interview. International applicants with non-German credentials apply through uni-assist (€75 processing fee). For the English-track MA, an undergraduate degree in psychology (or related field with ≥45 ECTS in psychology) is required alongside English proficiency at C1 level (accepted certificates: TOEFL iBT 95, IELTS 7.0, or Cambridge CAE/C1). German-taught programmes require German proficiency at an appropriate level. APS certificate is required for applicants from India, China (incl. Hong Kong and Macau), and Vietnam as a prerequisite for the German student visa — this is a consulate requirement, not an IPU-specific one. A German student visa appointment should be booked as early as possible given processing timelines.

Application deadlines

Winter Semester 2026/27: July 19, 2026 (check ipu-berlin.de/en/applications for extensions or programme-specific variations). Summer semester enrolment available for the BSc programme. All deadlines are listed on the official applications page.

Languages of instruction

German and English. Most programmes are German-taught; the MA Psychology (English track) and the SPOT Erasmus Mundus Joint Master are fully English-taught.

Campuses & locations

IPU Berlin Main Campus

Stromstr. 3b, 10555 Berlin — single campus, central Berlin, on the river Spree

Living in Berlin

Berlin is Germany's capital and largest city, home to approximately 3.7 million residents and one of Europe's leading student cities with over 170,000 enrolled students across more than 30 higher-education institutions. The city is internationally diverse, well connected by public transport, and known for its arts, culture, tech startup scene, and comparatively affordable cost of living relative to other major European capitals. The IPU campus sits in the Moabit district of central Berlin, a short walk from the government quarter.

Student life & support

The IPU's small size creates a close-knit academic community. Students have access to an outpatient clinic, the Erich Fromm Study Centre, Campusnet and e-learning platforms, a career service, and regular academic events. The International Office provides dedicated support for incoming international students and researchers through a Welcome Centre. The Deutschlandstipendium scholarship (€300/month) is available for enrolled students with strong academic or personal merit profiles.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

Accredited Programmes

Master

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus

Other