How to apply
Exchange student

International 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 2023, the Shanghai ranking awarded INSA Lyon the 1st place among French institutions in Mechanical Engineering (#76-100), 5th place in Biomedical Engineering (#201-300), 9th in Metallurgical Engineering (#101-150) and 10th in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (#301-400).

Living on a bustling campus

Coming to INSA Lyon as an international 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!

Support for success

INSA Lyon has held the Welcome to France label since 2019. This label underlines the quality of 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.

Watch the video below to discover how we welcome international new comers for a successful INSA experience.

Study at INSA Lyon

Discover the course programs at INSA Lyon for international students  : Exchange programs, doube-degrees, shorts programs, International Bachelor program in Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering

Applications for research master’s, PhDs and other postgraduate degrees should be addressed directly to the departments offering these courses.

Classical training

If you wish to apply to the “classical training” you can apply for the first and third Year of training.
Please note that you must prove your fluency in French.

International tracks

During the first years INSA students can apply for an international track, benefiting from an internationally oriented teaching while obtaining the same scientific training. The sections provide a focus on languages, cross-cultural awareness and better prepare French and international students to a global job market.

More informations: www.rejoindreinsalyon.com/choisir-sa-formation/nos-differentes-formations/filieres-internationales/

Damien Fabregue
Coming to INSA Lyon as an exchange student
Welcome to INSA Lyon
Welcome to international new comers at INSA Lyon
Welcome to INSA Lyon
Welcome to INSA Lyon
Our education
Our education
Our research
Our research
Our campus
Our campus
Oiur network
Our network

Key figures

6,300
students
28 %
are international
300
exchange students per year
9
engineering departments
115
associations
22
research centers
50 %
PhDs are international

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