Study in Lyon

France's gastronomic capital and fastest-growing student city — rich in culture, tech, and career opportunities.

Students

120,000+

Monthly Budget

€1,062

Studio Rent

€840/mo

Safety Rating

4/10

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Overview

Total Students

120,000+

International %

~17%

Safety Rating

4/10 (Numbeo safety index: 42.5)

City vibeSophisticated, gastronomic, fast-growing tech hub

English programs✅ Available — see universities section

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Housing & Cost of Living

Studio rent

€840/mo

Avg. unfurnished

Shared room

€450–650/mo

Colocation

Monthly budget

€1062

All-in estimate

CAF aid

€100–300

Housing benefit

Best neighborhoods

Croix-RousseGuillotièreVilleurbannePart-Dieu

💡 CAF tip: Apply for CAF housing benefit as soon as you have a signed lease. Students from most countries are eligible for €100–300/month.

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Universities & Tuition

EU tuition

€178/yr

Public universities

Non-EU tuition

€2895/yr

Différenciation tarifaire

Main Universities

🏛 Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (45,000)
🏛 Lyon 2 (30,000)
🏛 Lyon 3 (25,000)

Grandes Écoles

EM LyonSciences Po LyonINSA LyonÉcole Centrale LyonESDES

Best fields

BusinessEngineeringMedicineLawSciences

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Transport & Getting Around

Student pass

€34/mo

With student discount

Regular pass

€72.3/mo

Without discount

Bike-friendly

Yes ✅

Vélo'v (350+ stations)

Airport connectionLyon-Saint-Exupéry; TGV to Paris 2 hrs

Bike-shareVélo'v (350+ stations)

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Work & Visa

Part-time work allowance

964 hrs/year (~18.5 hrs/wk)

Applies to all student visa holders in France

Visa typeLong-stay student visa + residence permit

Job marketStrong — finance, tech, biotech, manufacturing HQs

Internship sceneExcellent — Euronews, Sanofi, Bosch

📋 Visa tip: Apply for your long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) through Campus France in your home country. After arrival, validate it online via the ANEF portal — no prefecture appointment needed.

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International Experience

Students

120,000+

International %

~17%

Safety

4/10 (Numbeo safety index: 42.5)

English programsYes — EM Lyon, INSA, Sciences Po Lyon

City vibeSophisticated, gastronomic, fast-growing tech hub