Exchange students
Our institution, your new home
Since its foundation in 1957, INSA Lyon – National Institute of Science & Technology – has been one of France’s leading engineering school with no less than 23 internationally recognized research centers. Combining engineering training with strong humanist values, the institute boasts cutting-edge research and close collaboration with industrial partners.
Diversity, excellence, innovation, open-mindedness and high reputation are the core values of the INSA model.
In 2022, the Shanghai ranking awarded INSA Lyon the 2nd place among French institutions in Mechanical Engineering (#51-75), 5th place in Biomedical Engineering (#201-300), 8th in Metallurgical Engineering (#101-150) and Electrical & Electronic Engineering (#301-400).
Living on a bustling campus
Coming to INSA Lyon as an exchange student is a chance to immerse yourself in French culture, in the 2nd largest city in France and the best European destination according to the 2021 World Travel Awards.
With 130 students associations, several support services, on-site accommodation and catering, it’s a lively campus city that awaits you for a new adventure!
Courses of excellence
Whether you want to stay for a semester or a year, you can choose an « à la carte » program from our 9 engineering departments. To get an idea of the courses we offer, test our course simulator: exchange-student.insa-lyon.fr/
Courses are available in English in all our departments.
Before the beginning of each semester, you can attend a French summer/winter school of 2-4 weeks, to integrate swiftly and learn French.
More information: fle.insa-lyon.fr
Watch the video below to learn more about exchanges at INSA Lyon. Presentation of Pr. Damien Fabrègue, Vice-President for European and International Relations.
Tailored research projects
You can come as an exchange student to carry out a research project in one of our 23 laboratories and obtain ECTS credits for it.
Supervised by a tutor, you will also be attached to a study department to benefit from the same status and services as exchange students: French summer/winter schools, support for your administrative procedures, integration into the department, etc.
To apply, you must follow the same admission process as for exchange students and select « research project » on the course simulator: exchange-student.insa-lyon.fr/
Support for success
In 2019, INSA Lyon received the 3-star Welcome to France label for its welcome and support reserved for international students.
As soon as you are accepted at INSA, the Incoming Mobility Team will help you with your registration, your health procedures and your residence rights.
Within your study department, a teacher will be your referee throughout your stay.
Watch the video below to discover how we welcome international new comers for a successful INSA experience.
Admission process
The recruitment period for exchange students for the 2023-2024 academic year opens on February 20th..
The procedures are detailed on: www.insa-lyon.fr/en/exchange-students
More training offers
Experience a double-degree
INSA Lyon is partner of 40 international universities for double-degree programs, of which you may be a student. All engineering degrees awarded by INSA Lyon are accredited by the CTI as INSA Lyon is recognised as one of the best engineering schools in France.
More information: www.insa-lyon.fr/en/international-double-degree
Enroll in one of our Short Programs
If you are looking for a shorter experience, why not try one of our short programs, either on campus or online? Fully immersive and innovative, both in terms of scientific topics and social activities, they also have a flexible registration. Who knows, you might want to come back for an exchange afterward!
More information: www.insa-lyon.fr/en/short-programs
When I knew about the opportunity to study in Lyon, I felt very excited because I read lots of good feedbacks about INSA university.
Cristiano L. from Italy
