As the country’s second-largest student city, Lyon welcomes around 190,000 students across the metropolitan area, studying in more than 2 700 degree programmes. The 9 campuses offer a wide range of academic opportunities, internationally recognised and attracting more than 23,000 international students every year.

Beyond academic excellence, Lyon is strongly committed to improving student well-being and quality of life. The metropolitan area implements policies to address students’ social challenges, combat isolation, and reduce student precarity. Students also benefit from a vibrant campus experience, with a rich cultural scene, numerous events, and a wide variety of sports, artistic, and community activities.

Lyon actively encourages student engagement by supporting student initiatives, volunteering, and civic participation. Through dedicated programmes and partnerships with higher education institutions and student organisations, the city empowers students to play an active role in campus and local life.

As part of its commitment to welcoming international students, Lyon organises the Night of International Students (« Nuit des Étudiants du Monde »), an event celebrating cultural diversity while promoting exchanges between international students and contributing to a more inclusive and welcoming student community.