Which are the 10 best countries to study psychology?

Have you ever wondered why we do the things we do? Psychology is the science that unlocks the mysteries of the human mind and how it shapes human behaviour. 

Psychology is becoming increasingly popular in India and abroad, with universities offering programs at all levels, from bachelor’s degrees to Ph.D.s. Some of the best countries to study psychology include the USA, Austria, the UK, France, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Germany, and Italy.

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Studying psychology abroad can open exciting doors. Not only will you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and others, but you’ll also be exposed to different approaches and research opportunities. 

Take the USA, for instance; with over 1,00,000 psychologists working there and salaries ranging from INR 63L to INR 83L (USD 75K to USD 100K), it’s a country that truly values this field. 

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about pursuing a psychology degree abroad, from choosing the right program to finding your dream job in the field. 

So, if you’re curious about the human mind, eager to make a difference in the world, and interested in the best countries to study psychology, read on!

Key Highlights

Here’s a roundabout of everything that you will learn in great detail in this blog post about the best countries to study psychology.

Best Countries To Study Psychology

The job market for psychologists is booming! As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a 6% increase in jobs between 2022 and 2032. With psychology becoming increasingly popular worldwide, you have a wealth of options to consider for your studies. 

From Austria, the birthplace of modern psychology, to the United States, where the American Psychological Association constantly pushes boundaries with new research, there’s a perfect fit for every aspiring psychologist.

But where do you begin? To help you sort out your options, we’ve created a list of the best countries to study psychology. Have a look.

Here’s a list of the best countries to study psychology and average annual salary.

Top Universities from Best Countries To Study Psychology

Are you thinking about pursuing a psychology degree abroad? You’re in luck! Many countries offer excellent educational opportunities in this field.

The United States is a leader in psychology education, having around 33 universities in the QS top 100 for psychology. The UK is another strong contender with 16 top universities.

While Germany and the Netherlands have fewer top universities (3 and 9, respectively), they still provide high-quality education.

Here’s a list of some of the top universities to study psychology.

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1. University of Oxford (UK)

Stepping into history, the University of Oxford, established in the 11th century, offers a unique experience for psychology students. This prestigious university, known for its colleges and scattered buildings around the city centre, has a strong reputation in the sciences, particularly ranking number one in medicine.

Psychology Courses Offered

• MSci in Experimental Psychology
• BA or MSci in Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics
• MSc in Psychological Research
• MSc by Research in Experimental Psychology
• DPhil (PhD) in Experimental Psychology

English Requirement

Notable Alumni

• J. R. R. Tolkien, the creator of The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings books, is an Oxford University alumni.

• Rupert Murdoch, the Australian-American investor and businessman, owns New Corp and is an Oxford University alumnus.

2. Harvard University (USA)

Are you looking to dive deep into the world of psychology? Then consider Harvard University, established in 1636. This prestigious university offers a rich history and an esteemed reputation for its psychology programs. It consistently ranks among the world’s best, attracting students seeking a top-notch psychology education.

Psychology Courses Offered

• B.A. Psychology
• M.A. Psychology
• PhD Psychology

English Requirement

Notable Alumni

• Barack Obama, the 44th president of the USA, is a Harvard University alumni.

• The co-founder of Facement and its parent company, META, Mark Zuckerberg, is also a Harvard alumnus.

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3. University of Cambridge (UK)

Steeped in history since its distant founding in 1209, the University of Cambridge offers psychology programs within its distinguished colleges. This world-renowned university is known for its exceptional academics and research, making it a top choice for students seeking a psychology degree.

Psychology Courses Offered

• Psychological and Behavioural Sciences Tripos (PBS)
• Natural Sciences Tripos (NST) 
• PhD in Psychology

English Requirement

Notable Alumni

• Stephen Hawking, one of the smartest men on the planet, is a University of Cambridge alumni.

• Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, is also a University of Cambridge alumni.

4. Stanford University (USA)

Are you considering Stanford University for psychology studies? Established in 1885, Stanford has a rich history of innovation and discovery. This world-class university offers psychology programs alongside its esteemed research institutes and schools.

Psychology Courses Offered

• Undergraduate Program in Psychology
• PhD Program in Psychology

English Requirement

Notable Alumni

• The current prime minister of the UK, Rishi Sunak, is a Stanford Alumni,

• The Indian-origin Google CEO Sundar Pichai is also a Stanford alumnus.

5. UCL (UK)

If you are looking for universities from the best countries for masters in psychology, then UCL in the UK is your dream university. University College London (UCL), established in 1827, is a world-renowned university ranked 9th globally. This prestigious university offers a variety of psychology programs alongside its leading research and is known for its focus on graduate employability.

Psychology Courses Offered

• BSc in Psychology
• Psychological Sciences MSc

English Requirement

Notable Alumni

• Our very own father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, is a UCL alumnus.

• One of the greatest directors of our time, Christopher Nolan, is also a UCL alumnus.

6. Yale University (USA)

Are you considering Yale University for psychology studies? Founded in 1701, this highly respected university offers a rich academic experience. Yale has a strong reputation for its psychology programs alongside its esteemed liberal arts curriculum and vibrant campus life.

Psychology Courses Offered

BS in Psychology

English Requirement

Notable Alumni

• George W. Bush, 43rd president of the USA, is a Yale University alumni.

• Bill Clinton, who served as the 42nd president of the USA, is a Yale University Alumni.

7. Columbia University (USA)

You should consider Columbia University for psychology studies. Founded in 1754, this prestigious Ivy League university offers a rich academic experience alongside its renowned research and esteemed alumni network.

Psychology Courses Offered

Graduate Program in Psychology

English Requirement

Notable Alumni

• Popular Hollywood actor Jake Gyllenhaal is a Columbia University alumni.

• Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the USA, is a Columbia University alumni.

8. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) (USA)

Dive into the world of psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), established in 1919. This highly-ranked university has a strong psychology program alongside many other respected fields of study, making it a great choice for well-rounded learning.

Psychology Courses Offered

• Undergraduate Program in Psychology
• P.hD in Psychology

English Requirement

Notable Alumni

• Arnold Schwarzenegger, one of the greatest actors of all time, is a UCLA alumnus.

• Marilyn Monroe, the American actress, model and singer, is also a UCLA alumni.

9. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (USA)

The University of Michigan, established in 1817, offers a rich academic experience alongside its strong research programs. This highly regarded university is known for its comprehensive graduate programs, including psychology.

Psychology Courses Offered

• Undergraduate Program in Psychology
• PhD in Psychology

English Requirement

Notable Alumni

• Tom Brady, dubbed the greatest quarterback of all time, is a University of Michigan alumni.

• Gerald Ford, the 38th president of the USA, is a University of Michigan alumni.

10. University of Amsterdam (Netherlands)

The University of Amsterdam (UvA), established in 1632, offers a rich selection of psychology programs alongside a vast range of subjects. This prestigious university, ranked in the top 20 in Europe, boasts a vibrant international student body and a modern research focus.

Psychology Courses Offered

• Bachelor’s in Psychology
• Master’s in Psychology 
• PhD in Psychology

English Requirement

Notable Alumni

• Charles Michel, president of the European European Council since 2019, is a University of Amsterdam alumni.

• Guido van Rossum, creator of the Python programming language, is a University of Amersertdam alumni.

Eligibility Criteria To Study Psychology

More than 7.6 lakh Indian students went abroad for higher studies in 2023. They were able to go because they were eligible for whatever course they wanted to study. Hence, it is important to check eligibility before applying to any course at any university.

Here’s a general idea of eligibility criteria followed at universities from the best countries to study psychology.

• Bachelors in Psychology: Strong foundation in Science, Math, and Social Sciences. Specific requirements (Arts or Science) depend on the university program (BA vs BSc).

• Masters in Psychology: Bachelor’s degree + strong Statement of Purpose. Bachelor’s in Arts or Science may be eligible (check the university program). GRE Subject Test might be required.

• PhD in Psychology: Strong GRE, IELTS or TOEFL scores can help you get scholarships.

Here are some general requirements for studying psychology abroad.

• A GPA score of 3.0 or higher
• English Proficiency:
  • IELTS: 6 or higher
  • TOEFL: 88 or higher
• Official or certified copies of transcripts (high school mark sheets, bachelor’s etc.)
• Letter of Reference (2 academic & 1 professional)
• Statement of Purpose
• An updated CV
• Valid Passport

Important Note: This is a general guideline; remember that specific requirements may vary by university and country.

Types of Specialisations in Psychology

There’s good news if you’re considering a career in psychology! Countries like the UK have a growing need for qualified psychologists, with the number exceeding 54,000 in 2023 and continuing to rise. This translates to a stable job market with plenty of opportunities.

What’s more? Specialising in a particular area of psychology can boost your earning potential. Specialities like forensic psychology, which deals with legal matters and criminal behaviour, and clinical psychology, which focuses on mental health diagnosis and treatment, often command higher salaries compared to general psychology positions.

So, if you’re passionate about understanding human behaviour and helping others, psychology could be a great choice for you. With a strong foundation in psychology and a targeted specialisation, you can position yourself for a successful and rewarding career.

Here’s a list of some of the high-paying specialisations available.

• Clinical Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Neuropsychology

Major Scholarships Available for Psychology

Studying psychology abroad can be an incredible experience, but it’s important to be realistic about the costs involved. Tuition fees and living expenses can add up quickly, especially for Indian students venturing overseas. 

Did you know? In 2023, the USA and UK alone issued more than 140,000 visas to Indian students! This highlights the growing popularity of studying abroad for Indian students, and psychology is a popular field of choice. 

The good news is you don’t have to shoulder this burden alone! Many universities from the best countries to study psychology, governments, and even private organisations offer scholarships specifically designed to help international students like yourself. 

These scholarships can significantly reduce the financial strain, making your dream of studying psychology abroad a much more achievable goal.

Here’s a list of some major scholarships for psychology.

Job Prospects in Psychology

There’s a global wave of recognition for the importance of mental health, and that translates to a growing need for qualified psychologists. Australia, with over 31,000 psychologists, is just one example. 

The numbers are impressive in other developed countries, too, with Italy boasting over 1,30,000, Germany exceeding 37,000, and France surpassing 58,000 psychologists. And these numbers are steadily climbing year after year.

This rising demand isn’t just creating more jobs for general psychologists; it’s also leading to a surge in opportunities for specialists. Neuropsychologists delve into the connection between the brain and behaviour, while Industrial-Organisational Psychologists apply psychology to the workplace, focusing on employee well-being and productivity. 

Counselling Psychologists provide crucial support for individuals facing emotional challenges. These are just a few examples of the diverse and in-demand specialisations within the psychology field.

Here’s a list of some of the top-paying jobs for psychologists.

Conclusion

To sum up, the field of psychology is booming, especially in developed countries like the US, Austria, the UK, and beyond. This is great news if you’re looking for a stable and rewarding career. 

While the cost of becoming a psychologist can seem expensive, remember – it’s an investment. The knowledge and skills you gain can be paid back within the first few years of your practice. 

This article has explored some of the best countries to study psychology. Now it’s your turn to take the first step –  start researching programs, get prepared for applications, and get ready to make a real difference in people’s lives.

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