Your ideal destination for international studies
Are you dreaming of a study abroad experience that combines academic excellence with an exceptional quality of life? Welcome to Lyon, France's second-largest student hub and a city that's revolutionizing international education. With over 180,000 students, including 15,000 international learners, Lyon offers you world-class universities, a vibrant cultural scene, and a perfect balance between historic charm and modern innovation. We understand that choosing your study destination is a significant decision, which is why we've gathered compelling reasons that make Lyon stand out from other European cities. From its UNESCO World Heritage status to its position as France's gastronomic capital, Lyon provides an enriching environment where your academic journey transforms into an unforgettable life experience. Whether you're pursuing undergraduate studies or advanced research, Lyon's blend of affordable living costs and outstanding educational opportunities creates the ideal setting for your academic success.
Academic excellence and opportunities
Lyon's higher education landscape features Galileo Global Education's prestigious network of specialized schools, offering over 30 innovative programs across multiple campuses. As a student here, you'll benefit from our industry-designed courses taught in both French and English, spanning fields from digital innovation to creative arts and business management.
Our Lyon institutions, including Bellecour Ecole, Digital Campus, and ESG, provide cutting-edge facilities and expert-led training in today's most dynamic sectors. Through our recent strategic partnership with EM Lyon Business School, we've further expanded our academic offerings, combining creative excellence with strong business foundations.
Your educational journey with us emphasizes practical skills and real-world experience, supported by our extensive network of industry partners. Our schools regularly host professional workshops, creative projects, and networking events, connecting you directly with leading companies and preparing you for successful career paths in your chosen field.
Student life and campus culture
Campus life in Lyon pulses with energy across its vibrant student districts. From the bustling cafes near Part-Dieu to the peaceful Parc de la Tête d'Or botanical garden, you'll find perfect spots to study or unwind with friends from around the world.
The city's student culture thrives through events like Les Nuits Sonores festival and monthly cultural gatherings, where you can practice foreign languages while discovering local food specialties. Public transport makes exploring easy with your student monthly subscription, connecting all major campus areas.
Between classes, join one of the many student associations that organize cultural exchanges and weekend trips - perhaps even a journey to see Mont Blanc. The first month might bring some culture shock, but Lyon's welcoming student community quickly makes everyone feel at home.
Affordable cost of living
Monthly living expenses in Lyon range from €800 to €1,200, making it significantly more budget-friendly than Paris. Your student status unlocks numerous financial advantages, with rent in shared apartments starting at €400 in popular student areas.
Food costs remain reasonable thanks to local markets and student-friendly restaurants, where meals average €3-7. The best way to maximize your budget is through student discounts at shops and cultural venues across the city.
Take advantage of the CAF housing assistance program, which can reduce your accommodation costs by up to 30%. Many young people choose Lyon precisely for this balance of quality education and manageable expenses, allowing you to focus on your studies rather than financial stress.
Transportation and accessibility
Lyon's award-winning transport network puts every corner of the city within your reach. The TCL system connects all major campus areas through 4 metro lines, 7 tram routes, and extensive bus coverage, with special student rates making monthly passes highly affordable.
Embrace eco-friendly travel with Vélo'v, the city's popular bike-sharing program offering 5,000 bikes across 428 stations. Your student card grants you access to reduced fares, while the smart transport app helps you plan your journeys efficiently.
The city's compact design means you can reach most destinations within 30 minutes, whether you're heading to classes or exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites. Night buses ensure safe returns from evening activities, making Lyon's transport system a perfect match for student life.
Cultural heritage and activities
Lyon's UNESCO World Heritage status comes alive through its stunning Renaissance architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Your student life here includes exclusive access to world-class museums and theaters, with special student rates making culture both accessible and affordable.
The city's annual calendar brims with unmissable events like the Festival of Lights in December, transforming Lyon into a magical open-air art gallery. Your bucket list should include exploring the hidden traboules of Vieux Lyon and attending film festivals at the historic Institut Lumière, birthplace of cinema.
From weekly food markets to outdoor concerts in ancient Roman amphitheaters, Lyon offers you endless opportunities to immerse yourself in French culture while building lifelong memories with fellow students from across the globe.
Career development prospects
Lyon's dynamic business ecosystem opens remarkable professional doors for international students. The city's thriving sectors, from digital technology to biotechnology, create perfect launching pads for your future career. Many of our partner companies actively recruit through campus career fairs and dedicated networking events.
Your professional journey benefits from Lyon's strategic position as a European business hub. The city hosts over 15 competitiveness clusters where students connect directly with industry leaders. Through our career services, you gain access to exclusive internship programs and mentoring opportunities with experienced professionals.
The blend of practical experience and academic excellence makes our graduates highly sought after in the global job market. Our career development workshops help you master essential skills like French business etiquette and professional networking.
International student community
Joining Lyon's multicultural student body means becoming part of a vibrant network of over 15,000 international students from 130 different countries. Our dedicated welcome programs help you connect with peers through cultural exchange events and language tandems right from your first week.
Student associations organize weekly meetups at popular spots like the Croix-Rousse district, where you can practice French while sharing your own culture. The International Student Network runs monthly cultural festivals, turning campus life into a global celebration of diversity.
Resource centers across university campuses provide personalized support for everything from visa renewals to finding part-time work. Private student clubs foster lasting friendships through sports tournaments and cultural workshops, making your international experience in Lyon truly unforgettable.
Quality of life and safety
Lyon stands out as one of Europe's safest major cities for international students. The city's extensive network of well-lit streets and 24/7 security patrols creates a secure environment for your late-night study sessions or social gatherings.
Modern safety features complement Lyon's exceptional quality of life. The city's advanced emergency response system includes multilingual support services, while dedicated student safety apps connect you directly to campus security. Your student ID grants access to secure bike storage facilities and monitored study spaces across university grounds.
From clean air initiatives to green spaces like the Parc de la Tête d'Or, Lyon prioritizes student well-being. The city's medical centers offer English-speaking staff and special student health coverage, ensuring peace of mind throughout your academic journey.
Is Lyon a good place for students?
Lyon is ranked as one of France's best student cities, offering quality education, vibrant cultural life, and affordable living costs. With over 180,000 students, including 15,000 international learners, the city provides excellent academic and social opportunities.
What makes Lyon special for international students?
Lyon stands out for its UNESCO World Heritage sites, world-class universities, extensive public transportation system, and multicultural environment. The city offers programs in both French and English, along with dedicated support services for international students.
Where can you study in Lyon?
Lyon features several prestigious Galileo Global Education institutions, including Bellecour Ecole offering programs in design, digital media, and creative arts. The Digital Campus and ESG Lyon provide cutting-edge education in business, technology, and digital innovation. Our schools offer over 30 specialized programs taught by industry experts, ensuring you receive practical, career-focused training in fields ranging from fashion design to digital marketing. With Galileo's recent expansion in Lyon, including partnerships with leading institutions like EM Lyon Business School, students benefit from an ever-growing network of educational opportunities and industry connections.
What is the cost of living for students in Lyon?
Monthly living expenses range from €800 to €1,200, significantly lower than Paris. Student housing starts at €400 for shared apartments, and various financial aids like the CAF housing assistance can reduce costs by up to 30%. Student discounts are widely available for transportation, food, and cultural activities.
What career opportunities are available for students in Lyon?
Lyon offers extensive career prospects through its 15 competitiveness clusters, thriving sectors in digital technology and biotechnology, and strong connections between universities and industry leaders. The city regularly hosts career fairs, internship programs, and professional networking events.