Last Updated on September 18, 2024
Psychology is a course that has been extremely popular in recent years in India and abroad, with institutions offering programs at all levels, from undergraduate to doctoral degrees. The top countries to study psychology are the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, Denmark, France, Netherlands, and Italy. Study psychology universities abroad can give a student a better global perspective compared to India, where the discipline is still booming.
With a degree in the subject, a student will be able to gain a deeper understanding and awareness of oneself and others. Applicants will be exposed to different theories and could even conduct extensive research in the field. It also depends on the country; remember, each destination has pros and cons.
Suppose you are curious about the mysteries of the human mind, want to help people grapple with the complexities of mental disorders, and make a difference in the world, but need clarification about which study destination to choose. In that case, you have reached the perfect article to solve all your queries.
Top Countries & Universities around the world
Study psychology abroad provides students with many perks, including enhanced opportunities, modern facilities, superior practical exposure, placements during semesters, cultural enrichment, a deeper understanding of the subject, and valuable connections with industry experts. Adding the cherry on top, the job market for psychologists is rising nowadays. The diverse range of specializations and interdisciplinary options abroad allow students to explore the discipline from various perspectives. As per the QS World Rankings 2024, the best countries to study psychology are listed below-
Study Psychology USA
The US is the global leader in study psychology, with approximately 33 universities ranked in the top 100 by QS. Students worldwide are drawn here for its diverse programs, academic excellence, exceptional student support services, cutting-edge facilities, and world-class faculty. Study psychology in the US offers numerous advantages, including access to prestigious institutions, global recognition, and scholarship opportunities. The median tuition fee for psychology programs ranges from INR 20-50 L. The top-ranking universities in the USA are as follows.
| University | QS Ranking |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | #1 |
| Harvard University | #4 |
| Stanford University | #5 |
| University of California, Berkeley | #10 |
| University of Pennsylvania | #12 |
| Yale University | #16 |
| Princeton University | #17 |
| Columbia University | #23 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | #29 |
| University of Michigan, Ann Arbor | #33 |
| New York University | #38 |
International students can work 20 hours a week part-time during the session and full-time during vacations. Some of the highest-paying part-time jobs include tutoring, calling center representatives, library assistants, research assistants, sales assistants, and department assistants. The starting salary for a psychologist in the United States is INR 89 lakhs annually.
Study Psychology in the UK
The United Kingdom is the best choice for international students, offering high-quality education without compromise. With over 40 universities in the UK ranking among the top for study Psychology, students can immerse themselves in various psychological theories, research methods, and practical applications. The UK also boasts a strong sense of community and belonging, contributing to its rich academic landscape. The average cost of pursuing psychology in the UK is INR 21 lakhs to 53 lakhs annually. The top-ranking universities in the UK include-
| University Name | QS Ranking 2024 |
| University of Cambridge | 2 |
| University of Oxford | 3 |
| UCL (University College London) | 9 |
| University of Edinburgh | 22 |
| University of Manchester | 32 |
| King’s College London | 40 |
| London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | 45 |
| University of Warwick | 67 |
| University of Nottingham | 100 |
| Cardiff University | 154 |
Top courses include a BSc in psychology and behavioral science and an MSc in development psychology and research programs. International students pursuing a study psychology course can work up to 20 hours during the semesters and 40 hours during breaks. Some of the highest-paid part-time jobs include translating, tutoring, library assistant, customer service representative, waiter, and prep cook. The average salary for a psychologist in the UK is INR 45 lakhs.
Study Psychology in Australia
Australia is beneficial for students applying as it has top-ranked institutions that are globally recognized and many scholarships. It is famous for psychologists, neurologists, and psychiatrists contributing significantly to developmental psychology and psychopathology. The top-ranking universities in Australia include-
| University | QS World Rank |
| University of Melbourne | #14 |
| University of New South Wales | #19 |
| University of Sydney | #20 |
| Australian National University | #34 |
| Monash University | #42 |
| University of Queensland | #43 |
| University of Western Australia | #72 |
The top courses include bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology and clinical and professional psychology, with an average tuition fee ranging from 11 to 30 lakhs. Students in Australia are allowed to work 48 hours per fortnight. Some of the highest-paying part-time jobs include Sales Representatives, Customer Service Representatives, Aged care workers, Tutors, Fitness trainers, and servers. The base salary of a psychologist is 51 lakhs.
Study Psychology in Canada
Canada has liberal regulations for international students and comparatively lower tuition fees. Around 18 Canadian universities are placed in QS world rankings. Students can access quality education, research opportunities, and a high employability rate. Some of the famous Canadian psychologists are Albert Bandura and Brenda Miller. The average cost of studying in Canada is 6 to 30 lakhs. Top-ranking universities in Canada to research study psychology include-
| University | QS Ranking |
| University of Toronto | #21 |
| McGill University | #30 |
| University of British Columbia | #34 |
| Western University | #114 |
| University of Alberta | #200 |
| Simon Fraser University | #250 |
| York University | #353 |
Top courses include bachelor’s and master’s degrees in study psychology, especially behavioral neuroscience. International students in Canada can work part-time for 20 hours per week during sessions and full-time during vacation. Some of the highest-paying part-time jobs in Canada include bookkeeper, freelancer, tutor, driver, and dog walker. The average hourly salary for psychologists here is INR 2781.
Study Psychology in France
France offers exceptional educational and research opportunities for students. French universities provide diverse research prospects and cutting-edge resources. The top-ranking universities in France include-
| University Name | QS Ranking |
| Université PSL | #24 |
| Sorbonne University | #59 |
| Université Paris Cité | #236 |
| Aix-Marseille University | #387 |
Top courses include master’s and neuroscience courses. The average tuition fee ranges from 2 lakhs to 4 lakhs. Students studying here can work up to 20 hours weekly. Some of the highest-paying part-time jobs include tutoring, teaching assistant, driver, translator, and waiter. The starting salary of a psychologist in France is 72 lakhs.
Study Psychology in Denmark
Denmark is known for its high-quality education on innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The country prioritizes practical, hands-on learning experiences, research projects, internships, and real-world applications to teach the study psychology program. The average tuition fee in Denmark for psychology is INR 5 to 14 lakhs annually. The top-ranking universities in Denmark include-
- University of Copenhagen- QS Rank 107
- Aarhus University – QS Rank 143
- Aalborg University- QS Rank 336
- University of Southern Denmark- QS Rank 326
Other colleges include Copenhagen Business School, Herning Business College, and UCC Professional School. The base salary of a psychologist in Denmark is INR 8 lakhs.
Study Psychology in Austria
International students choose Austria for higher education as it offers a relaxed and comfortable curriculum and lower tuition fees. Vienna and Innsbruck are some of the famous places for pursuing Psychology. Aspirants of study psychology will benefit from psychological research and scientific excellence if Austria is their choice of country. Sigmund Freud and Alfred Adler are some of the famous psychologists Austria gave to the world. The average tuition fee per year in Austria is 2-21 lakhs. The top-ranking universities in Austria are-
- University of Vienna- QS rank 130
- Central European University
- Karl-Franzens-Universitaet Graz- QS rank 662
- Sigmund Freud University
Other famous colleges include Brockport, IES Abroad, and Webster Vienna University. The starting pay for a psychologist here is 73 lakhs.
Study Psychology in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is multicultural and provides various educational opportunities for international students. It offers study psychology courses at different levels- bachelor’s, master’s, diploma, and PhD- and that is also in English. Dutch universities are known for their innovative pedagogical approaches, low tuition costs, and highly recognized degrees. The top-ranked institutions in the Netherlands include-
- University of Amsterdam- QS rank 53
- Utrecht university- QS Rank 107
- Leiden University- QS rank 126
- University of Groningen- QS rank 139
- Erasmus University Rotterdam- QS rank 176
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam- QS rank 207
- Tilburg University – QS rank 371
Most universities charge an average tuition fee of around 2 lakhs. Students pursuing an education program in the Netherlands are limited to working at most 16 hours per week. Popular on-campus part-time jobs include Student, Teacher, and research assistants. Off-campus part-time job options are home tutoring, hotel receptionists, delivery drivers, and cashiers. The average annual salary for a psychologist is 85 lakhs.
Study Psychology in Germany
Being the birthplace of psychology, German cities such as Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt, and Freiburg offer diverse study psychology programs from which you can choose where you want to study. German language proficiency training will be provided along with your studies. Some famous German psychologists are Wilhelm Wundt, Wolfgang Kohler, and Hermann Ebbinghaus. The top-ranking German universities are –
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen- QS rank 47
- Humboldt University of Berlin- QS rank 58
- Heidelberg University- QS rank 101
The average tuition fee differs between EU and non-EU students. It can go up to 15 lakhs, depending on the degree level and type of specialization. International students can work up to 20 hours per week during their course time and full-time during vacations. Some of the highest-paying part-time jobs include Student Assistant, Tutor, Courier, Waiter, and office assistant. The average salary for a psychologist can go up to 44 lakhs.
Study Psychology in Italy
Italy offers a wide range of research and educational opportunities for study psychology aspirants. You can discover exciting branches of psychology, such as psycho-synthesis or transpersonal and humanistic psychology. Top-ranking universities in Italy include-
- Sapienza University of Rome- QS rank 134
- Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna- QS rank 154
- Università di Padova- QS rank 219
- University of Milan- QS rank 276
- University of Trento- QS rank 429
- University of Milano-Bicocca- QS rank 481
- Università Cattilica del Sacro Cuore- QS rank 505
Top courses include bachelor’s and master’s degrees in various specializations, such as clinical and social psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive studies. International students can work up to 16 hours part-time per week. Popular part-time jobs include sales advisor, white-collar worker, delivery boy, customer services, and package handler. The average annual salary of a psychologist in Italy is INR 67 lakhs.
Study Psychology in Norway
It is a good option for aspirants of psychology. As it is, universities are ranked high in the education related indices. It is ranked the top among its terms of quality of life in UN HDI. A psychology degree from Norwegian University is globally recognised and some of the psychologists from Norway include Nora Alberg and Anathon Aall. The top ranking universities in Norway to study psychology include-
- University of Oslo- QS RANK 117
- University of Bergen- QS rank 281
- Norwegian University of science and technology technology- QS rank 292
Study Psychology in Sweden
Sweden is one of the prosperous nations in Europe since it has a strong social safety net and high per capita income. It is known for international students as the thriving economy, inexpensive healthcare, good work- life balance, research facilities and affordable higher education makes it a perfect place to pursue higher education. Swedish institutions offer lots of psychology courses but at Stockholm university, one of the Scandinavia leading research institutions, students can study masters in psychology fully in English medium of instruction, the top university is to study psychology in Sweden include-
- Karolinska Institutet
- Lund University- QS rank 85
- Uppsala University- QS rank 105
- Stockholm University- QS rank 118
- University of Gothenburg- QS rank 187
- Linkoping University- QS rank 268
Study Psychology in Japan
Japan is the best place to explore the Asian psychological movement in the midst of western influence. The programmes and psychology are available all over the nation from Tokyo to Kobe. Students can take the psychology course in English language but they are also encouraged to learn Japanese language skills with the Japanese courses. The top ranking universities in Japan to study psychology include-
- The University of Tokyo- QS rank 28
- Kyoto University- QS rank 46
- Osaka University- QS rank 80
- Waseda University- QS rank 199
Eligibility Requirements
The primary entry criteria to study psychology at your desired universities abroad are as follows-
- minimum of 60-70% in your higher secondary examination
- Scored 6.0 IELTS overall band score
For a graduate or master coursework, you might require
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of psychology
- Minimum of 3 GPA in an undergraduate program
- IELTS band score of 6.5
- Work experience, if required
- GRE subject test if asked
Other general requisites include official copies of transcripts, a Letter of Recommendation, a Statement of Purpose, a valid passport, and an updated CV.
Specializations in Psychology
Specializing in a particular area of psychology can boost your earning potential and make you an expert in the field. Specialties like clinical, counseling, and forensic psychology often command higher salaries and rewarding careers than general psychology positions. The following lists some of the high-paying specializations –
- Clinical Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Social psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Neuropsychology
- Industrial/Organisational psychology
- Educational Psychology
Scholarships Available
It is essential to check the financial aid that a student can avail to help manage their expenses as it could be a costly affair without that. Many universities offer scholarships specifically designed to help international students. Here is a list of the significant psychology scholarships-
| Scholarship | Offered by | Award |
| Masters Excellence Scholarships | Cardiff University | INR 3.2 L |
| Birmingham Masters Scholarship | University of Birmingham | INR 2.1 L |
| JN Tata Endowment Scholarship | Tata Group | INR 10 L |
| Commonwealth Masters Scholarships | UK government | Full tuition fee+ INR 1.4 L monthly |
Career Prospects
The global recognition of the importance of mental health increased the demand for qualified professionals in the field. The following is the list of some of the highest-paying jobs for psychologists specialized in a particular area-
| Psychologist Specialization | Salary Range (INR) |
| Clinical Psychologist | 80 L – 1.14 CR |
| Counselling Psychologist | 66 L – 1.15 CR |
| School Psychologist | 70 L – 1.1 CR |
| Industrial-Organisational Psychologist | 1.2 CR – 1.8 CR |
| Forensic Psychologist | 98 L – 1.3 CR |
| Neuropsychologist | 96 L – 2.4 CR |
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Conclusion
Studying psychology abroad can offer unmatchable academic advantages and career opportunities in the best countries. These are popular for providing high-quality education, various specialization approaches to study, and excellent networking platforms. Considering individual preferences, students should weigh factors like the field of study, degree options, tuition, and prospects to make informed decisions.
FAQs
Q. Which country is the best to pursue Clinical Psychology? The
The USA, UK, Canada, and Australia are a few of the best countries to pursue clinical psychology.
Q. Which country is the cheapest to study psychology?
Universities in Germany offer tuition-free options to students. However, applicants can also select from the best universities and seek financial aid and scholarship options to make it affordable.
Q. Can I study psychology after 12th abroad?
You may study psychology abroad after 12th grade by pursuing a bachelor’s degree, such as a BA or BSc in psychology.
Q. Which country has the highest demand for psychology?
The United States of America has the highest demand for psychology students.
Q. Can an Indian psychologist practice abroad?
Yes, Indian psychologists can work abroad if they meet all the eligibility requirements.
Linette Shoji is a seasoned content writer specializing in guiding students through the complexities of applying to universities abroad. Her well-researched, clear, and practical articles break down intricate information into easy-to-understand advice. Linette’s work empowers students to make informed decisions, ensuring a smooth and successful journey to higher education.
