Studying in Lyon

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Updated by Yoshita on 26 July, 2024

Lyon, situated between the sea and the mountains, is renowned for its rich two-thousand-year history and exceptional cuisine. Home to over 175,000 students, Lyon is a city where two rivers meet and a center of learning featuring prestigious universities known worldwide.

Lyon is well-known for its academic excellence, hosting esteemed institutions like Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 and Université Lumière Lyon 2. The city offers a diverse array of high-quality programs, ensuring international students receive a top-notch education from renowned professors.

Lyon is also celebrated for its remarkable cultural diversity. By welcoming students from all over the world, the city encourages vibrant cultural exchange. With numerous festivals, contemporary art exhibitions, and various artistic events, students can fully immerse themselves in a rich array of cultural experiences.

Student life in Lyon is a unique experience. With numerous social and extracurricular activities, it provides many opportunities for socializing and personal growth. Clubs, associations, student gatherings, concerts, and cultural events enliven daily life, fostering an environment where lasting friendships can flourish.

Public universities in France

French universities operate on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

There are two ways to continue your studies in the French higher education system:

through the expensive but highly reputed "grandes écoles". To be admitted to these schools, you need to pass a competitive entrance examination after two years of preparatory classes;
by joining a public university that offers a wide range of courses and degrees.

These institutions offer excellent research opportunities.

Since the 2019 law on differentiated fees, non-European foreign students have been forced to pay higher tuition fees: 2770 euros for a Bachelor's and 3770 euros for a Master's degree. However, few universities apply the measure, granting partial or total exemptions to foreign students. Campus France lists the universities concerned; as the information sometimes differs from that provided by the institutions, it is best to refer to the updates presented on the university website of your choice.

Main universities in Lyon

École Normale Supérieure de Lyon

The École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS) is one of four French teacher training colleges, alongside those in Paris and Rennes. Currently ranked 121st among the world's top international universities by Times Higher Education, ENS Lyon is a premier institution. It offers highly competitive doctoral programs in biosciences, computer science, mathematics, earth sciences, languages, humanities, and social sciences.

International students who pass the entrance exams or have an exceptional academic record are welcome at ENS Lyon. Admissions are available for bachelor's, master's, and doctoral studies through exchange agreements with their home universities or through an admissions committee that reviews their academic performance, motivations, and chosen subjects.

ENS Lyon and its partners also offer scholarships to foreign master's and doctoral students. Find out more about scholarship opportunities at ENS Lyon.

Foreign students can also gain admission through competitive examinations. If successful, they become trainee civil servants at ENS ("normalien élève"), earning a gross salary of €1,500 per month for 4 years. This applies to students from the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA). The top foreign candidate from outside the EU and EEA will receive €1,000 per month for 3 years. In return, they must commit to serving the French state for 10 years, including their time at ENS.

Due to the undeniable quality of the education at this school, there are many applicants, but only a limited number of spots are available.

ENS Lyon offers scientific programs in English at the master's level, while programs in the arts, social sciences, and humanities require proficiency at a B1 level in French.

Lyon National Institute of Applied Sciences (INSA)

The Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon (INSA) trains future engineers for 5 years. In addition to specialized scientific training, 5 years are spent learning new languages, philosophy, culture, business, and management. Graduates of INSA enter the French job market with an excellent scientific and cultural background.

INSA is ranked 392nd in the QS Worldwide 2024 ranking of top universities. Its primary strength lies in civil and infrastructure engineering, where it ranks among the top 200 universities globally, alongside its strong scientific credentials.

INSA welcomes foreign students at several levels: Bachelor's, Master's, Specialized Master's, Double Degree, and Doctorate. Some courses are taught in English.

The INSA campus is located 15 minutes from the center of Lyon and includes classrooms, restaurants, accommodation, and sports facilities.

Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University

Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 offers courses in science and technology, sports, health, education, engineering, and management, and some programs are in English. The university ranks 452nd in the QS Top Universities 2024 ranking, with special mention for its pharmacy and pharmacology programs. By 2022, it will have more than 45,000 students.

The university focuses on supporting its students by arranging weekly "professional moments", where they meet with professionals in their respective fields. Lyon 1 fosters a robust network connecting current students with alumni. Notably among its alumni is mathematician Cédric Villani, who also teaches at the university.

Lyon 1 is open to foreigners: Thanks to various exchange programs, 10% of its students come from outside France.

Furthermore, Lyon 1 is one of the largest universities in France, encompassing three main campuses in Lyon and Villeurbanne, along with several smaller schools in the surrounding area. During the first 2 months of the academic year, a welcome desk is available to assist new students.

Lumière Lyon 2 University

Université Lumière Lyon 2 specializes in the humanities and social sciences but also offers courses in the arts, literature, sports, economics, management, science, and health. Lyon 2 is particularly noted for its language courses.

The university has a student body of over 28,000, with 4,637 international students. Its two main campuses are situated along the banks of the Rhône River and at Porte des Alpes, with additional smaller campuses spread across the region.

Jean Moulin Lyon 3 University

Like Lyon 2, Lyon 3 specializes in the humanities and social sciences but also offers a wide range of other courses. The university takes particular pride in supporting students during their studies and professional integration. As part of the Erasmus program, students can take courses in either French or English. In the former case, a French language proficiency test is required.

In 2022–2023, the university welcomed 27,661 students to its three campuses, two located in the heart of Lyon and the third in Bourg-en-Bresse.

Administrative formalities to study in Lyon

No visa is required for students who are citizens or residents of a European Union or EFTA (European Free Trade Association) country. However, students from non-EU countries must apply for and obtain a visa to study in France.

Further information on visas and residence permits can be found here. If the stay exceeds 6 months, a residence permit will also be required.

Financing your studies in France

As a foreign student, there are several ways to finance your studies in France:

by obtaining a grant from your home university;
by receiving a "subsidy" from the French university concerned or from specific organizations.

For a full list of funding options, check the "Finance your studies" section of the France Diplomatie website.

Foreign students are also entitled to work in France, provided they are covered by social security and have a residence permit if they are not from the European Union.

Student accommodation in Lyon

The international section of the Lyon CROUS (Student Welfare Service) helps foreign students find accommodation. Other dedicated websites, such as Studea and Habitez-Etudiez, are also worth a visit. For students interested in sharing, websites such as Adele, Appartager, Loc Service, and La carte des colocs can help you in your search for student accommodation in Lyon.

Another option for foreign students wishing to improve their French language skills is to live with a host family. For listings, visit Roomlala.

Doing an internship in France

Regulations governing internships in France are the same for foreign students and their French counterparts. If you are not a citizen or resident of the European Union, your student visa will allow you to do an internship, but only under certain conditions.

Working in France after graduation

Students from the European Union can live in France without restriction after graduation. Certain conditions apply to foreign students, such as the degree obtained and the amount of salary received.

Cost of living in Lyon

According to various reports and press articles, Lyon is among the French cities where the cost of living, especially for students, is steadily increasing.

The Lyon CROUS offers a wide range of meals for students, as well as "points" menus. As far as public transport in Lyon is concerned, you can expect to pay 25 euros a month for a student and around 16.50 euros a year for a Vélo'v subscription (reserved for 15- to 25-year-olds; the full rate runs from 15 to 31 euros a year). Another scheme is the Free Vélo'v, a free rental system for under-18s.

Expect to pay between 900 and 1250 euros a month to live comfortably as a student in Lyon. Foreign nationals under 28 years of age who study for more than 4 months in France may be covered by French Social Security.

The best areas to live as a student in Lyon

If you're looking forward to living in Lyon, Vieux-Lyon may be the place for you. Located in the 5th arrondissement, it's the central district, close to everything, even on foot. Culture lovers will appreciate the area's many historic buildings and colorful streets. For affordable accommodation (from 450 to 580 euros for a 25m² rental), look no further than Saint-Jean and Saint-Just. You'll find furnished and unfurnished rentals to suit your needs.

La Guillotière, renowned as the vibrant student district, is situated between the main universities and Quai Augagneur. It boasts excellent public transportation connections and is known for its abundance of clothing stores. Rental prices for studios in this area range from 350 to 600 euros for 25m².

Finally, the La Croix Rousse district is celebrated for its stunning views and relatively affordable rents, albeit higher compared to the other areas mentioned. Rent for a 30m² apartment typically ranges from 600 to 800 euros. This lively neighborhood also features charming green spaces like the Jardin des Plantes.

Leisure and student life in Lyon

For those who enjoy walking along the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon offers numerous paths to stroll and admire the scenery. Culture and history enthusiasts will find Lyon's historic districts captivating, with notable landmarks such as the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the Cour des Voraces, the Place des Terreaux, and the Place des Jacobins. Don't miss exploring the Traboules, the city's hidden passageways. You can also climb to the top of Fourvière Hill or unwind with a stroll in Parc de la Tête d'Or.