Why Choose Lyon as Your Study City in France?

When you decide to study in Lyon as an international student, you are choosing a city that combines academic excellence, an active student community and a comfortable, human-sized environment. Lyon is large enough to offer everything you need, but more affordable and relaxed than Paris.

Top student city with real opportunities

Lyon consistently ranks as one of the best student cities in France. You benefit from:

• Several universities, Grandes Écoles and business schools to choose from
• Strong sectors in tech, finance, engineering, health and gastronomy
• Excellent public transport and easy connections to Paris, Geneva and the Alps

Perfect balance: quality of life, safety and culture

The city centre, Presqu’île and Vieux Lyon are UNESCO World Heritage areas, full of history, cafés, boutiques and riverside walks. For international students, this means a daily life that feels safe, inspiring and full of things to discover after class.

Universities, Business Schools & Programs in Lyon

Lyon offers a wide range of Bachelor, Master, MBA and specialised programs in English and French. With StudyConnectFrance, you do not need to navigate this alone – we help you target the right level, the right school and the right program for your profile.

Types of institutions you can choose

• Public universities: affordable tuition, large range of courses and strong research
• Grandes Écoles & engineering schools: selective programs with excellent reputation
• Business schools: management, marketing, finance, luxury, supply chain and more
• Specialised schools: hospitality, culinary arts, design, health and social fields

Whether you want to study business, IT, data, engineering, healthcare, hospitality or design, there is a realistic way to study in Lyon if your academic background and motivation are clear.

Cost of Living in Lyon for International Students

A realistic budget is essential if you plan to study in Lyon and apply for a French student visa. Most students should plan for a monthly budget of around €850–€1,000 per month, depending on housing and lifestyle.

Main monthly expenses in Lyon

• Accommodation: ~€300–€600 in shared flats, €250–€500 in student residences, €600–€900 for private studios
• Food & groceries: around €250–€350, less if you cook at home regularly
• Transport: student passes for metro, tram and bus at reduced rates
• Other costs: phone, internet, health, personal expenses and leisure

During Campus France and visa stages, StudyConnectFrance helps you present a clear, coherent financial plan that proves you can genuinely support your stay in Lyon.

Student Life in Lyon – What to Expect Day-to-Day

Living and studying in Lyon means joining a community of more than 140,000 students in a city that is constantly moving. You will find student associations, international clubs, language exchange evenings and cultural events all year long.

Culture, food and free time

• Explore Vieux Lyon, Presqu’île and the river banks after class
• Try traditional bouchons lyonnais and discover why Lyon is called the gastronomic capital
• Enjoy festivals, concerts, cinema, museums and local markets

Weekends can take you to the Alps, the Mediterranean, nearby Switzerland or French wine regions – all easily reachable from Lyon.

1. Profile evaluation & course shortlisting

We start with a detailed review of your academic history, budget and language skills. Then we shortlist realistic programs in Lyon that match your profile and visa conditions.

2. Admission, Campus France & visa file

We guide you through applications, help you structure your motivation letter, and make sure your Campus France and visa files are complete, coherent and professionally presented.

3. Housing, CAF & practical setup

Before you arrive in Lyon, we help you understand housing options, prepare documents for landlords, and explore potential CAF housing aid where applicable.

4. Arrival & integration in Lyon

Once you land, we support you with bank accounts, SIM cards, transport passes and health insurance basics – so your first weeks in Lyon are organised instead of stressful.

5. After studies: APS, jobs & long-term planning

If your program leads to eligible degrees (such as recognised Master or RNCP levels), we advise you on post-study options like APS, job-search permits and change of status – always within the French legal framework.

Our mission is to be more than an agency – we are your France-based partner for every key decision linked to your studies in Lyon.