FRANCE · LYON
Institut national des sciences appliquées de Lyon
public · Founded 1957 · Languages: en, fr
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In short
Institut national des sciences appliquées de Lyon (INSA Lyon) is a top-ranked French engineering school offering integrated master's programs with a strong emphasis on research and industry ties. Located in Lyon, it provides a vibrant student life and opportunities for international students.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1957
- Students
- 5,383
- International students
- 900
- Acceptance rate
- 18%
- Tuition (intl)
- €3–5k/yr
- Languages
- EN, FR
- Location
- Lyon, France
INSA Lyon is a top-ranked French grande école and engineering school offering integrated five-year master's-level engineering programs across disciplines such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, and biochemistry. Founded in 1957 and located on the LyonTech campus, the school is known for its project-based pedagogy, strong research output, and deep ties with industry. It is consistently ranked first among French institutions offering five-year integrated engineering programs post-baccalaureate, and places in the top 30% of global university rankings for engineering. INSA Lyon is part of the national INSA Group network and is active in European research partnerships.
Why study here
- Ranked 1st in France for five-year integrated engineering programs (Le Figaro, L'Étudiant 2026)
- Project-based and internship-driven pedagogy develops real-world engineering and problem-solving skills
- Bilingual environment with programs in French and English; option to learn a third language
- Guaranteed on-campus housing for first-year international students
- Strong research activity in materials science, mechanical engineering, and sustainable development
Student life
INSA Lyon offers a vibrant campus life with over 100 student associations covering sports, culture, and professional development. The LyonTech campus is shared with neighbouring universities and grandes écoles, creating a bustling academic community. Lyon itself is UNESCO-listed and offers outstanding cultural, culinary, and nightlife amenities, making it one of France's most liveable student cities.
Fees
InternationalApprox. €3,000–€4,500 per year for engineering programs; EU students may benefit from reduced rates
HomeApprox. €3,000 per year (national tuition rates apply for French/EU students)
LivingApprox. €800–€1,100/month including housing, food, and transport in Lyon
Exact fees depend on program level (bachelor, engineering diploma, master, PhD) and student origin (EU/non-EU). Scholarship and social aid options are available via the INSA Lyon Foundation.
Admissions
First year engineering entryBaccalaureate (scientific track preferred); selection via INSA Group competitive process
International BachelorBaccalaureate or equivalent; strong secondary school record in science and mathematics
Master / MSc entryBachelor's degree (3 years, 180 ECTS) in a relevant field; competitive dossier review
PhD entryMaster's degree in relevant engineering or science discipline; research proposal required
TOEFL iBT79+
IELTS6.0+
TOEIC785+
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2026 (Engineering & Technology)201
QS World University Rankings 2026 – Materials Sciences151–200
QS Europe University Rankings 2025218
Center for World University Rankings 2025732
Le Figaro étudiant 2026 – Integrated Engineering Programs1st in France
L'Étudiant 2026 – Integrated Engineering Programs1st in France
University scholarships
INSA Lyon Foundation ScholarshipsVariable; merit and need-based awards
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (French Government)Up to €1,181/month for master's; €1,400/month for PhD
Accreditation
CTI (Commission des Titres d'Ingénieur) – accredits all engineering diploma programs; member of the INSA Group national network
Programs
a selectionInstitut national des sciences appliquées de Lyon · France
Master in Acoustics
The Master's degree in Acoustics is a two-year program offered by the University of Lyon, coordinated by École Centrale de Lyon and Polytech-Lyon in collaboration with ENTPE and INSA Lyon. It is supported by the Centre Lyonnais d'Acoustique (CeLyA), an alliance of leading acoustics research teams in Lyon. The program offers comprehensive training across various acoustics fields, including perception, medical ultrasound, aeroacoustics, and vibroacoustics. The curriculum combines theoretical lessons with practical numerical and experimental work, projects within partner research laboratories, and a research internship of at least six months, which can be undertaken in France or abroad. A significant portion of the course emphasizes the development of scientific communication skills in English, with high-level courses delivered in English. This program is designed to prepare graduates for roles in design offices, corporate research and development departments, or for pursuing doctoral studies.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Institut national des sciences appliquées de Lyon · France
Master NanoScale Engineering (NSE)
The Master NanoScale Engineering (NSE) is an international program, with 50% of its students coming from abroad and classes taught entirely in English. This master's degree is a joint program involving three Lyon-based institutions: UCBL 1, École Centrale de Lyon (ECL), and INSA Lyon. It is recognized by the Université de Lyon.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Institut national des sciences appliquées de Lyon · France
Master of Science in Acoustics
The Master of Science in Acoustics is a two-year program offered by the University of Lyon, closely linked to the Lyon Center for Acoustics (CeLyA), a consortium of leading acoustics research teams. The program is coordinated by Ecole Centrale de Lyon and Polytech-Lyon, in collaboration with ENTPE and INSA Lyon. It provides comprehensive training in various fields of acoustics, including perception, medical ultrasound, aeroacoustics, transportation acoustics, and vibroacoustics. The curriculum combines theoretical courses, numerical and experimental work, research projects in partner labs, and an extensive research internship (over six months) in France or abroad. This master's degree prepares students for roles in research and development departments in industry or for doctoral studies.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for France
full fundingFrench Institutes for Advanced Study (FIAS)
French Institutes for Advanced Study (FIAS) Fellowship
Open to international scholars and scientists, primarily in the social sciences and humanities, who hold a doctoral degree plus at least 2 years of full-time post-doctoral research experience (or a master's plus 6 years). Applicants must comply with the transnational MSCA mobility rule, having spent no more than 12 months in France during the 3 years before the deadline.
full
Funding
€30k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingFrench Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (Campus France)
MOPGA France Visiting Fellowship Program
Open to early-career foreign (non-French) researchers who hold a PhD obtained within roughly the last five years and who have lived outside France for most of the qualifying period before the call. Applicants must propose a 12-month research project that fits one of the programme's environmental and sustainability themes and must secure a letter of support from a French host laboratory. The programme is open to all nationalities except French citizens.
full
Funding
€30k
Max
Dec 5, 2026
Deadline
partial fundingFrench Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, managed by Campus France
France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Programme
For international students (non-French nationals) nominated by a French higher education institution for a master's or doctoral programme. Master's applicants are generally under ~25 and PhD applicants under ~30 (guideline). Selection favours academic excellence and priority fields; students cannot apply directly.
partial
Funding
€21k
Max
Jan 8, 2027
Deadline
full fundingEmbassy of France in Ghana (Service for Cooperation and Cultural Action)
French Embassy in Ghana Master's Scholarship
Open to Ghanaian nationals residing in Ghana who are under 30 years old at the time of application, hold a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and have completed National Service. A First Class or Second-Class Upper degree is given priority. Applicants must commit to studying in France for the full Master's programme. French language proficiency is not required except for applicants to French as a Foreign Language (FLE) programmes.
full
Funding
€20k
Max
Apr 30, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingSciences Po
Sciences Po Émile Boutmy Scholarship
Non-EU international students newly admitted to a Sciences Po bachelor’s or master’s programme who are not eligible for state financial aid and demonstrate strong academic merit.
partial
Funding
€19k
Max
Jan 5, 2027
Deadline
full fundingFondation Mathematique Jacques Hadamard (FMJH)
Sophie Germain Masters and PhD Scholarships
Open to international students of all nationalities applying to a Master's (M1 or M2) or PhD in Mathematics and its Applications at Universite Paris-Saclay or the Institut Polytechnique de Paris. The first call is aimed at students from outside the Paris-Saclay area, including non-European applicants. Selection is based on academic excellence, with a stated focus on encouraging female applicants. Applicants typically need a CAMPUS France file number for visa purposes.
full
Funding
€13k
Max
Jan 31, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at INSA Lyon?
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International students can expect tuition fees to be approximately €3,000–€4,500 per year for engineering programs. Exact costs vary based on the program level and whether you are an EU or non-EU student.
What are the English language requirements for international applicants?
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For programs taught in English, applicants typically need a TOEFL iBT score of 79+, IELTS of 6.0+, or TOEIC of 785+. Specific requirements may vary by program.
What academic qualifications are needed for admission?
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Admission requirements vary by program level. For the first year of engineering programs, a Baccalaureate (scientific track preferred) is needed. For Master's or PhD entry, a relevant Bachelor's or Master's degree is required, respectively, along with a strong academic record and dossier.
Does INSA Lyon offer scholarships for international students?
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Yes, INSA Lyon offers scholarships through the INSA Lyon Foundation, which provides merit and need-based awards. Additionally, international students may be eligible for the French Government's Eiffel Excellence Scholarship.
What is the cost of living for students in Lyon?
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The estimated monthly cost of living in Lyon for students, including housing, food, and transport, is approximately €800–€1,100.
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