Psychotherapy Master's: 1,300 Applications in Austria

Places and Distribution

The large number of applications contrasts with a growing supply bottleneck. Around 40 percent of the 12,300 therapists currently working in Austria will retire over the next ten years. At the same time, demand has risen in recent years, and the federal government is pursuing the goal of expanding supply.

Background: Growing Gap in Therapy Places

Admission follows a procedure modeled on that for human medicine studies. 75 percent of places are reserved for students with an Austrian Matura certificate. 70 percent of the result depends on the test section "Grundlagen der Psychotherapiewissenschaft," which therefore carries the greatest weight in the selection process.

In addition to the classic training path, there is the option of dedicating study places for "Aufgaben im öffentlichen Interesse." In this model, applicants must achieve fewer points on the entrance test and receive a scholarship. In return, they commit to remaining with the employer sponsoring them for a certain period.

Transitional Rules for Ongoing Training

Generous transitional periods apply to previous training. The propaedeutic can still be completed by 2030, and the specialist training by 2038. This is intended to ensure that therapists already in training can continue their path under the old conditions.

The reform responds to a gap between training and care that has been discussed for years. Concentrating the offering at public universities is also intended to strengthen quality assurance. At the same time, the rush for Master's places shows that demand significantly exceeds supply.

The universities are preparing for a two-stage training path that is to be more firmly anchored in science in the future. Observers see the rush as an indication that the profession of psychotherapist has gained in attractiveness for many young people.