France City guide
Study in Lyon
If France is on your shortlist, Lyon keeps campuses, housing and academic options in one place. Lyon's metro lines A/B/D and the T1 tram serve the three main campuses of Lyon 1, 2 and 3; Part-Dieu station is the south-east TGV hub, with connections to Paris in under two hours. Lyon is recognised globally as France's gastronomic capital, with the highest Michelin-starred restaurant density per capita.
Lyon's metro lines A/B/D and the T1 tram serve the three main campuses of Lyon 1, 2 and 3; Part-Dieu station is the south-east TGV hub, with connections to Paris in under two hours.
Mid-range costs
Long-stay student visa (VLS-TS)
Up to 964 hours/year while studying
You pay the institution directly — ApplySite adds no hidden student fees.
Education in Lyon is not a single "flagship" campus story. Two-year college routes, degree pathways, work-integrated masters and rolling language intakes sit side by side. Check intake dates, language scores and whether the campus is downtown or suburban with commuter links.
Until then, use this guide for costs, visa type and study format, and talk to an advisor if you already have a campus in mind. The institution processes admission; we help you track the file.
Transit and rent shape the real budget in Lyon more than the headline tuition fee. Lyon's metro lines A/B/D and the T1 tram serve the three main campuses of Lyon 1, 2 and 3; Part-Dieu station is the south-east TGV hub, with connections to Paris in under two hours. Lyon is recognised globally as France's gastronomic capital, with the highest Michelin-starred restaurant density per capita. Compare other France cities in this guide if you have not locked your destination yet.
Most cities in this guide offer three housing profiles: university residence (expensive, limited spaces, book early), homestay (board included, ideal for the first month) and shared flat (best price-to-autonomy ratio over a full academic year). A homestay family typically provides cultural and practical context that no group chat can replicate.
The academic year in France typically starts in September or October, with a second intake in January or February for eligible programmes. Language schools accept monthly starts at most centres. If you arrive outside the main cycle, a language semester beforehand places you at the right level for the formal programme start. In Lyon the concentration of providers means more varied entry dates than in smaller country cities.
To browse verified programmes and apply through ApplySite: open the catalog, filter by city or programme type, compare institution profiles and submit your application directly to admissions. You do not pay ApplySite — tuition and administrative fees go straight to the institution. An ApplySite advisor follows up with you until you receive a decision.
City guide
Why students choose Lyon
- Lyon's metro lines A/B/D and the T1 tram serve the three main campuses of Lyon 1, 2 and 3; Part-Dieu station is the south-east TGV hub, with connections to Paris in under two hours. Lyon is recognised globally as France's gastronomic capital, with the highest Michelin-starred restaurant density per capita.
- Mixed academic routes: languages, diplomas and degrees in Lyon
- Side-by-side comparison with other France cities on ApplySite
- Program catalog in Lyon expanding at launch
Education
Types of institutions
Universities and higher education
Institutions with their own admissions in Lyon; check language of instruction and intake dates.
Colleges and vocational training
Applied one- to three-year diplomas, often with local placements.
Language schools
Intensive courses before academic study or to raise language scores.
Programs
What you can study in Lyon
Programs are published in stages at launch. Use the links below to explore the country catalog or speak with an advisor.
Catalog expanding at launch
Languages in Lyon
Language schools and intensive courses in Lyon to level up before college or university in France.
See programs →Catalog expanding at launch
Undergraduate study in Lyon
Diplomas, technical degrees and pathways with Lyon institutions focused on local employability.
See programs →Catalog expanding at launch
Postgraduate programs in Lyon
MBAs, master's and specializations on campus or hybrid with networking in Lyon's ecosystem.
See programs →Student life
The first semester in Lyon typically has the highest upfront costs: rental deposit, transit card, course materials and setup expenses. Budget a two-month buffer on top of regular monthly costs before your arrival date.
Visa and paperwork
To study in Lyon you will typically need the Long-stay student visa (VLS-TS). Allow several weeks for documents, biometrics and any health checks required for your nationality. While enrolled, up to 964 hours/year while studying Immigration rules change — confirm on the official government site before you travel.
Guide to France →Immigration rules change. Information last updated May 2026 — check the official embassy or government site for your nationality.
Planning your budget
Cost of living in Lyon
Indicative monthly ranges for one person; rent varies sharply by neighbourhood.
Indicative figures only — not a quote from institutions. Last reviewed in May 2026. Verify rent, tuition and visa fees on official sources before you budget or apply.
France
Other cities in France
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I work while studying in Lyon?
In France, the usual rule is: Up to 964 hours/year while studying. Confirm limits on your offer letter and the official immigration site.
How much does it cost to live in Lyon?
Housing is usually the largest expense. Use the cost table on this page as a guide; it varies by area and housing type in Lyon.
How do I apply to a program in Lyon?
On ApplySite you compare programs in Lyon, save favorites and submit your application directly to the institution with admissions tracking.
Are programs already listed for Lyon?
The catalog rolls out in phases at launch. Until then use this guide and contact our team if you already have an institution in mind.
Do I pay ApplySite?
No. ApplySite does not charge tuition or hidden student fees. Official costs (application, tuition, insurance if required) are paid directly to the institution under their published terms.
Are there hidden fees when I apply?
Browsing, comparing and submitting your application on ApplySite is free for students. Each school lists its fees; what you pay goes to the institution. We do not add undisclosed charges on top of those amounts.
Planning your move to Lyon?
Create your account, save institutions you like and send your application when programs go live. You pay the school directly — ApplySite does not charge tuition or hidden fees.