Why Study at Centrale Lyon? A Unique Experience for International Students in France

Renowned for its historical heritage and dynamic student culture, Lyon is the perfect destination for international students. Many, including Nathan, Liangyue, and Antonio, highlight the city as a key reason for choosing Centrale Lyon. "Lyon is an incredible city," says Arthur from Brazil. For others, like Nathan from Germany, the allure of French culture and language played a pivotal role.

This vibrant setting, blending tradition with modernity, creates an exceptional learning environment, ideal for students from all corners of the globe.

Located in Écully, just a few kilometres from Lyon’s city centre, Centrale Lyon's campus enriches this experience further. Set amidst a lush 17-hectare landscape, the campus features state-of-the-art facilities tailored to academic and social life, including a library, advanced research laboratories, sports facilities, student accommodation, and shared spaces for collaboration. This environment fosters intercultural exchanges and personal growth, encouraging creativity and innovation.

Would you like to learn more about the campus and its facilities? Visit our dedicated campus pages.

One of Centrale Lyon's greatest strengths is its commitment to teaching excellence. Unlike large universities, where courses are often highly theoretical and delivered in lecture halls, Centrale Lyon focuses on small-group, hands-on learning. With reduced class sizes, students benefit from greater interaction with instructors and personalised attention. Arthur, a student from Brazil, highlights this difference: "The classes are smaller, and the support from the teachers is much more present, which makes learning easier."

Practical work (TP) and tutorials (TD) play a central role in the curriculum. As Arthur explains, "Practical work is the best part of Centrale, because it's where you can really apply what you learn." The school’s world-class scientific facilities, particularly in mechanics and aeronautics, offer students the opportunity to tackle real-world challenges and work with cutting-edge equipment.

Would you like to learn more about our teaching approach? Visit the "Pedagogy at Centrale Lyon" section of our website.

Beyond academics, Centrale Lyon offers a vibrant and engaging student community. Students like Liangyue and Nathan highlight the wide range of activities available throughout the year, fostering integration and intercultural exchanges. From social gatherings to sports events, these opportunities allow international students to connect with one another and build lasting friendships.

Arthur particularly praises events like Integration Week, which enables international students to explore the city while immersing themselves in the local culture.

Curious about our diverse student associations? Explore them here and find an activity you’re passionate about!

Centrale Lyon offers a comprehensive range of academic programmes, from engineering diplomas to specialised master’s degrees and advanced research opportunities. The institution places a strong emphasis on innovation and applied research, working closely with industry partners and international academic institutions.

Students can explore diverse fields such as fluid mechanics, materials engineering, artificial intelligence, energy transition, and sustainable manufacturing. These programmes are carefully designed to address current and future industrial challenges while providing students with practical experience through research projects, internships, and global collaborations.

Training at Centrale Lyon equips students to become leaders in key industrial sectors, offering them the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly globalised and interconnected world.