Lyon is one of France's biggest student cities. It has large public universities, specialist schools, and a strong student life. If you want to study there, you will usually find a mix of French-taught and some English-taught options, plus housing and transport made for students.
Universities and colleges in Lyon
Lyon has several well-known higher education institutions. They are known in general terms for different strengths, so it helps to check each programme page, not just the university name.
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 - often linked with science, health, technology, and sport.
- Université Lumière Lyon 2 - often known for humanities, social sciences, languages, and law-related fields.
- Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3 - often linked with law, business, management, and humanities.
- INSA Lyon - a major engineering school with a strong technical profile.
- emlyon business school - known for business and management studies.
- Arts and design schools and other specialised colleges also exist in the city, depending on your field.
France also has many public and private institutions outside the main university names. In Lyon, the exact options depend on your subject, degree level, and language level.
English-taught study and entry requirements
Many programmes in Lyon are taught in French, especially at undergraduate level. At master's level, you can often find more English-taught choices, especially in engineering, business, international studies, and some science fields.
- Check the university or school admissions page for the language of instruction.
- Look for the exact entry route for your degree level: bachelor, master, or exchange.
- Some programmes ask for proof of English, such as IELTS or TOEFL, while French-taught courses may ask for French proof such as DELF or DALF.
- If you are applying from outside the EU, the route can depend on your nationality and the level of study, so always follow the official instructions for your case.
Do not assume that a university listed in English online means all courses are in English. Always open the programme page and read the language, documents, and deadlines carefully.
Costs of living in Lyon
Lyon is usually cheaper than Paris, but it is still one of the pricier student cities in France. Your costs will depend a lot on housing, transport, and whether you cook at home or eat out often.
- Rent is usually the biggest cost. A room in shared housing is often cheaper than a studio.
- Student residences can be more affordable than private rent, but places can be limited.
- Food costs are moderate if you use student cafeterias and shop in supermarkets.
- Transport is easier to manage than in many large cities because Lyon has a good public transport network.
- Health insurance, phone, books, and personal spending can add up quickly, so make a simple monthly budget before you arrive.
For rent and living costs, the best source is local student housing pages, the university accommodation office, and major housing platforms. Prices change by neighbourhood, size, and season, so do not rely on old social media posts.
Student housing and neighbourhoods
Many international students look first at university residences, CROUS housing, shared flats, or private studios. CROUS is the public student housing and student services system in France.
- University or CROUS residence - often the cheapest option, with simple rooms and shared facilities.
- Shared flat - common in Lyon and often a good balance between price and independence.
- Private studio - more privacy, but usually more expensive.
Neighbourhoods near campuses or on good metro and tram lines are popular with students. When you search, think about commute time, safety, heating, and whether bills are included.
If you need housing help, check the university housing office, CROUS Lyon, and the official student services pages. Start early because good options can go fast.
Transport, part-time work, and daily life
Lyon has metro, tram, bus, and funicular lines. Students often use discounted transport passes, so check the official transport operator and student services pages for current options.
- Bikes and walking are useful for short trips.
- Public transport is usually enough for most student areas.
- Part-time work may be possible, but your right to work depends on your visa or residence status if you are not an EU/EEA student.
For work rules, use the official French immigration authority or the French government site. For student jobs, universities often post openings, and local employers may hire for cafes, shops, tutoring, events, or campus jobs.
Daily life in Lyon is friendly for students. There are museums, food markets, parks, river walks, sports clubs, and many student associations. It is a large city, but many areas feel very manageable once you learn the transport system.
How to get noticed by admissions offices
If admissions offices search the Eduuro register, make sure your profile is complete and easy to read. They usually look for a clear match, not a long story.
- Write your field of study clearly.
- Add your current education and expected graduation date.
- State your English level honestly.
- Upload the documents you already have, such as transcripts, diploma, ID, or language proof.
- Keep your profile up to date if your results or plans change.
Also check the official programme page for entry rules, because that is the source that matters for every application.
Common questions
Is Lyon cheaper than Paris?
Usually yes. Lyon is often cheaper than Paris, but it is still a major city, so housing can be expensive compared with smaller French towns.
Can I study in English in Lyon?
Yes, some programmes are in English, especially at master's level. But many courses are in French, so you must check each programme page carefully.
Can international students work part-time?
Often yes, but the rules depend on your nationality and visa status. Always check the French immigration authority and your university's student support page before you plan a job.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, so universities can understand your background quickly. Admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.