INSA Lyon logo

INSA Lyon

Lyon, FR · Ranking #406

INSA Lyon (Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon) is a prestigious French public engineering school and part of the INSA Group, established in 1957 and located in Lyon, France. It offers multidisciplinary engineering education with strong emphasis on scientific fundamentals, innovation and practical application. INSA Lyon’s programmes include Bachelor’s (Cycle Préparatoire), Master’s in Engineering (Diplôme d’Ingénieur), specialised Master’s, and PhD degrees across fields such as civil and environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, materials science, industrial engineering and applied mathematics. The school prioritises research with numerous laboratories in partnership with CNRS, INSERM and industrial partners, promoting scientific discovery and technological transfer. With a vibrant international profile, INSA Lyon offers exchange agreements, double degrees and international mobility opportunities. Its graduates are recognized for their technical expertise, adaptability and leadership in industry, research, public services and entrepreneurship.

INSA Lyon logo

INSA Lyon

About the university

INSA Lyon (Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon) is a prestigious French public engineering school and part of the INSA Group, established in 1957 and located in Lyon, France. It offers multidisciplinary engineering education with strong emphasis on scientific fundamentals, innovation and practical application. INSA Lyon’s programmes include Bachelor’s (Cycle Préparatoire), Master’s in Engineering (Diplôme d’Ingénieur), specialised Master’s, and PhD degrees across fields such as civil and environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, materials science, industrial engineering and applied mathematics. The school prioritises research with numerous laboratories in partnership with CNRS, INSERM and industrial partners, promoting scientific discovery and technological transfer. With a vibrant international profile, INSA Lyon offers exchange agreements, double degrees and international mobility opportunities. Its graduates are recognized for their technical expertise, adaptability and leadership in industry, research, public services and entrepreneurship.

Key information

  • Location: Lyon, FR
  • Ranking #406
  • QS #351
  • THE #301
  • National ranking #4
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Civil & Environmental Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical & Electronic Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Materials Science
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Industrial Engineering

Programs (8)

  • Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Telecommunications

Student body

  • Total students: 6,500
  • Undergraduate: 2,000
  • Graduate: 4,500
  • International students: 25%

Campus life

Campus life at INSA Lyon blends rigorous engineering training with active social and extracurricular engagement. Students take part in numerous clubs and organisations such as robotics teams, engineering societies, entrepreneurship initiatives, cultural groups and sports teams, fostering collaboration and personal development beyond the classroom. Regular events, competitions and hackathons encourage innovation and community spirit. Situated in Lyon — a dynamic student city with rich cultural heritage, a vibrant arts scene and global industry presence — the university offers ample opportunities for networking, professional growth and social experiences during study years.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: €600 - €1,300 / per month

Housing options

  • Student residences
  • Shared apartments
  • Private apartments

Student clubs and organizations

  • Engineering Society
  • Robotics Club
  • Entrepreneurship Club
  • Cultural & Sports Groups

Sports

  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Rugby
  • Volleyball

Career & internships

Employment rate: 90%

Partner companies

  • Airbus
  • Renault
  • EDF
  • Capgemini
  • Safran
  • Thales
  • Dassault Aviation
  • IBM

Internships: INSA Lyon integrates internships and professional placements into its engineering curriculum, allowing students to gain practical experience with multinational companies, research centres and public sector organisations across sectors such as aerospace, energy, IT and construction. Career services support students in securing placements, developing CVs and preparing for interviews, while Erasmus+ and international exchange agreements expand internship opportunities abroad. Practical experience forms an essential component of graduates’ professional readiness and enhances employability.

Admission requirements

Required documents

  • High School Diploma/Transcript
  • Proof of language proficiency (French/English)
  • Motivation Letter
  • CV
  • Entrance exam or preparatory cycle performance

Tuition costs

  • €245 - €4,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 30.00%
  • Scholarships available: INSA Lyon offers scholarships and financial aid including merit‑based awards, mobility grants (Erasmus+), and needs‑based support for international students. Doctoral candidates may access research grants and project‑linked funding. The international office assists students in identifying external fellowship opportunities and partner scholarships to support costs of living and study abroad, helping widen access and enhance global mobility.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1957
  • Teaching languages: French, English, french
  • Study formats: offline

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