5 Cheapest Universities in Lyon for International Students

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In Lyon, there are a handful of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in France without paying a lot, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Lyon, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 11 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Lyon, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Lyon for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Lyon ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Jean Moulin University Lyon 3 2,770 Euros 68%
Lyon Catholic University 9,200 Euros -6%
EPITA School of Engineering and Computer Science 10,400 Euros -20%
Sup’Biotech 12,100 Euros -40%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 8,612 Euros for universities in Lyon.

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1. Jean Moulin University Lyon 3

Jean Moulin University Lyon 3 offers career-oriented programs that will lead to the intellectual and personal development of the students. The university has numerous partnerships around the world, allowing students to participate in various scientific collaboration projects. It aims to provide a diverse and distinct learning environment where all community members get equal chances to prosper in life.

2. Lyon Catholic University

Lyon Catholic University is a private university that is known for its religious and theology courses. The Catholic university seeks to uplift the lives of others by providing quality education that is aligned with Catholic principles. It aims to widen the students’ minds by allowing them to explore science and discover the newest possible solutions to pressing societal problems.

3. EPITA School of Engineering and Computer Science

EPITA School of Engineering and Computer Science is an educational institution that concentrates on giving high-quality education and training in the fields of engineering and computer science. It is complete with the essential equipment and resources to produce graduates who know how the current industry works. It aims to maintain a competitive and productive learning environment where students prosper and achieve their academic goals.

4. Sup’Biotech

The Paris Higher Biotechnology Institute (Sup’Biotech) is a private engineering school in Lyon, France. It was founded in 2003 by the IONIS Education Group to provide middle management for the biotechnology industry. The institute offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biotechnology. Over 47 institutional partners and 12 internships are available at Sup’Biotech.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Lyon for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Lyon ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
ENS Lyon 243 Euros 97%
Jean Moulin University Lyon 3 3,770 Euros 51%
EPITA School of Engineering and Computer Science 7,900 Euros - 9,700 Euros -3%
Sup’Biotech 12,100 Euros -58%
Lyon Catholic University 14,200 Euros - 15,000 Euros -85%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 7,639 Euros for universities in Lyon.

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1. ENS Lyon

ENS Lyon is a small public university in the city of Lyon, France, which ranks among the top academic institutions in the country. The university believes in the importance of research in providing high-quality education. ENS Lyon also has a vast international network of universities, companies, and research institutions to encourage student and faculty mobility and participate in collaborative research projects. 

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, ENS Lyon should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 243 Euros annually for their master's degree.

2. Jean Moulin University Lyon 3

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Jean Moulin University Lyon 3. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Jean Moulin University Lyon 3 is 3,770 Euros.

Jean Moulin University Lyon 3 offers career-oriented programs that will lead to the intellectual and personal development of the students. The university has numerous partnerships around the world, allowing students to participate in various scientific collaboration projects. It aims to provide a diverse and distinct learning environment where all community members get equal chances to prosper in life.

3. EPITA School of Engineering and Computer Science

EPITA School of Engineering and Computer Science is an educational institution that concentrates on giving high-quality education and training in the fields of engineering and computer science. It is complete with the essential equipment and resources to produce graduates who know how the current industry works. It aims to maintain a competitive and productive learning environment where students prosper and achieve their academic goals.

The tuition fee at EPITA School of Engineering and Computer Science for incoming international master’s students is 7,900 Euros to 9,700 Euros. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Sup’Biotech

Another affordable university to consider in Lyon is Sup’Biotech.

The Paris Higher Biotechnology Institute (Sup’Biotech) is a private engineering school in Lyon, France. It was founded in 2003 by the IONIS Education Group to provide middle management for the biotechnology industry. The institute offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biotechnology. Over 47 institutional partners and 12 internships are available at Sup’Biotech.

The tuition fee in Sup’Biotech for master’s program for foreign students starts from 12,075 Euros.

5. Lyon Catholic University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Lyon Catholic University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 14,200 Euros yearly.

Lyon Catholic University is a private university that is known for its religious and theology courses. The Catholic university seeks to uplift the lives of others by providing quality education that is aligned with Catholic principles. It aims to widen the students’ minds by allowing them to explore science and discover the newest possible solutions to pressing societal problems.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Lyon?

Applying to cheap universities in Lyon requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in France for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Lyon?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Lyon. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Lyon is the EPITA School of Engineering and Computer Science, which offers Computer Science to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the ENS Lyon offers Migration Studies, Advanced Mathematics, and Ancient History.


It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Lyon, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Lyon as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Lyon for international students was helpful!