Psychology Schools and Programs in Panama

Psychology Studies in Panama

In Panama, psychology is studied as a university degree, the licenciatura en Psicología, and can be continued with a master's degree (maestría) for specialisation. Teaching is in Spanish. SpainExchange lists one school in Panama that teaches psychology: the Universidad de Panamá, the country's oldest university, created by presidential decree on 29 May 1935. It has its own Facultad de Psicología, one of 19 faculties.

The faculty describes psychology as a science that seeks to understand human behaviour and mental processes in order to promote mental health, psychosocial well-being and personal development. The degree combines this scientific base with supervised practice in applied fields.

How the degree is organised

Under the 2022 study plan, the Licenciatura en Psicología at the Universidad de Panamá takes five years in the daytime shifts (morning and afternoon) and totals 177 credits. The previous 2012 plan totalled 181 credits and could also be taken in an evening shift over seven years. Credits are counted in the Panamanian system, not in ECTS, so students who plan to continue in Europe should ask how their credits will be converted.

According to the faculty, students can specialise in these areas:

• Clinical psychology
• School and educational psychology
• Forensic psychology
• Sports psychology
• Industrial and organisational psychology
• Social psychology

The faculty also runs a psychology clinic (Clínica Psicológica), a research centre and a journal, the Revista Especializada de Psicología (REDEPSIC), and offers master's programmes in psychology. Across the whole university, the Universidad de Panamá reported 367 programmes in the first semester of 2026: 193 undergraduate and 174 postgraduate.

Admission and language

Admission to psychology at the Universidad de Panamá has several steps:

• Online registration with the university's admissions office, which has a separate route and step-by-step instructions for foreign applicants
• The academic aptitude test (Prueba de Capacidades Académicas, PCA), which all applicants to the university take, and a general knowledge test (PCG) for certain programmes
• A selection programme run by the faculty's admissions committee, which makes the final decision

Psychology is one of the programmes that only accept applicants who choose it as their first option. For the 2027 intake, most admission tests are held online. The faculty publishes a separate list of requirements for foreign students, so check it before you gather your documents.

All teaching is in Spanish. Students who need to improve their Spanish first can take semester courses at the university's language centre, which teaches Spanish for foreigners from level A1 to C2; in the second semester of 2026 a course cost $200 for the general public.

Visa and recognition

Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. Panama's Ministry of Foreign Affairs explains that a consul can issue an authorised visa after approval by the Servicio Nacional de Migración (SNM), and the SNM publishes the options, requirements and forms for migration permits (checked October 2026). A five-year degree needs a migration permit, not a tourist stay.

The national accreditation council CONEAUPA lists the Universidad de Panamá among the reaccredited universities. If you plan to work as a psychologist in another country, ask that country's authorities how a Panamanian licenciatura is recognised before you enrol; the rules for professional practice differ from country to country.

Careers

According to the faculty, graduates work in psychology clinics, hospitals of the social security fund (CSS) and the Ministry of Health (MINSA), private practice, the education system (MEDUCA), private companies, public institutions, government bodies and non-governmental organisations. The faculty notes that clinical psychology is one of the widest areas of employment in the profession; its master's programmes allow further specialisation.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a psychology degree take in Panama?

At the Universidad de Panamá, the Licenciatura en Psicología takes five years in the daytime shifts under the 2022 study plan, with a total of 177 credits.

Can I study psychology in Panama in English?

Generally not. The Universidad de Panamá teaches in Spanish, so you need a good level of the language. Its language centre offers Spanish courses for foreigners from A1 to C2.

Is there an entrance exam for psychology?

Yes. All applicants to the Universidad de Panamá take the academic aptitude test (PCA), and the Facultad de Psicología adds its own selection programme. Psychology must be chosen as the first option.

Which specialisations can I choose?

The faculty lists clinical, school, forensic, educational, sports, industrial and organisational, and social psychology, and offers master's programmes for further specialisation.