Frequently asked question

- Semester 1 (September 2025 - January 2026)
Recruitment campaign open on february 19, 2025, for an exchange starting in September (Stay for 1 academic year or 1 fall semester).
     => Application deadline: April 29, 2025

- Semester 2 (End of January 2026 until end of June 2026)
Recruitment campaign will open on September 2025, for an exchange starting in January (Stay for 1 spring semester).
    => Application to be submitted before October 2025

Application form and list of documents available at: https://www.insa-lyon.fr/en/exchange-students

The selection committee’s final decision (acceptance or refusal of applications) will be sent to the candidates and their home universities by email. This email is the official answer from INSA Lyon.

Students can take up to a maximum of 30 ECTS per semester.

NB: the INSA system may differ from those in other countries regarding the number of ECTS credits associated with the hours of courses given. The courses at INSA require a lot of face-to-face instruction (even during plenary courses or during exercise sessions) but the amount of independent work is lower than in most countries.

Level B1 in English and/or French (according to the CECR) is highly recommended: 

Students must fulfil specific English and/or French language requirements based on the chosen study scheme.

If you have selected courses taught in French but currently have an A2 level, you are still eligible to apply. However, in this case, you must attend the Summer/Winter School and achieve at least a B1 level before the start of classes.

International students have the special opportunity to attend an intensive French course before semester starts.

• An intensive summer school: 3-week courses (85 hours) – 4 ECTS.
  An intensive winter school: 2-week courses (40 hours) – 2 ECTS.
• http://ecole-ete.insa-lyon.fr/en/

12-18 pupils per class take part in French lessons and activities. 

International students can attend extensive French courses throughout the academic year; on average 2 hours per week. Attending this course is free of charge and mandatory for exchange students who do not have at least a B1 level in French.

As an exchange student you are exempt from paying tuition fees, but there are still some costs you should take into account when planning your stay. You can use this list to help you think about all the possible expenses you may have:

• Rent
• Meals
• Health Insurance
• Books
• Transportation
• Communication
• Clothes
• Personal expenses
• Recreation
• Travel
• Taxes

All the information about passports and visas is available at https://www.insa-lyon.fr/en/right-residence-france

All the information about health security and insurances is available at https://www.insa-lyon.fr/en/health-security-insurances

INSA Lyon is located on the LyonTech-La Doua Campus, 15 minutes from the centre of Lyon. It is a smart, bustling and responsible campus with its halls of residence, canteens, classrooms and sports facilities. The LyonTech-La Doua campus has everything to make life easier. Beside their studies, students have the opportunity to discover many leisure activities as well as Lyon’s exceptional cultural heritage.

INSA offers several types of accommodation; 3200 students can be allocated to 11 halls of residence. Apartments are furnished and equipped with a bathroom, toilet and kitchenette, and have internet access (€360 to €500/month).

INSA Lyon’s restaurants are open 7 days a week (except on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings). They are located on the campus.