Five good reasons to study at INSA Lyon

An international education and research centre

The Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (INSA) of Lyon is an international, multidisciplinary university-level School of Engineering at the heart of the European higher education scene.
From its foundation in 1957, INSA Lyon has included international, human and social aspects in the curriculum of its engineers. In fact, international relations and openness are valued as highly as the quality of its education and research.

  • International Outreach

    An international campus: 30% foreign students representing 92 nationalities

    ✔️ National rankings of engineering schools 2024

    • Le Figaro étudiant - 1st Institution with a 5-year integrated master's program after High-School
    • L'Étudiant - 1st Institution with a 5-year integrated master's program after High-School

    ✔️ QS World University Ranking 2025

    • In the top 30% of the best universities in the world;
    • 170th/510 in Europe;
    • 11th/35 in France;
    • 2nd in Lyon (behind ENS).

    ✔️ Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2024

    • Top 300 of higher education institutions committed to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
    • Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) #201-300
    • Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) #201-300
    • Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) #201-300

    ✔️ Shanghai Ranking by Subject 2023

    • Among the world's top 75 institutions for mathematics; 
    • Among the world's top 100 institutions in mechanical engineering.

  • High-Quality Teaching Programmes

    An engineering curriculum integrating a multidisciplinary approach, including humanities

    • 9 engineering departments.
    • Strong links to industry, including internship opportunities
    • Project-based pedagogy
    • Synergy between education and research

  • Student Services and Support

    French lessons are provided all year, including summer and winter schools.

    • Each department has an international academic advisor and the International Relations Office is there to help too.
    • Halls of residence available for all international students

  • Vibrant Campus Life

    Great place to study, enjoy many cultural and sporting activities

    • More than 130 student associations: INSA Lyon encourages students to actively participate in community life on campus: a good way to make friends and foster leadership and project management skills

    • Located on 2 sites: Lyon Tech-La Doua campus (Technopolis of 100 ha, 25,000 students, 80 laboratories) and Oyonnax (Plasticampus)

    • BdE (Student Union), “24h de l’INSA” biggest student festival in France, “Un Doua de Jazz” festival, ETIC INSA Technologies

  • Idyllic Location

    A smart, bustling and responsible campus, only 15 minutes from Lyon city centre.

    • 2nd most dynamic digital sector (robotics, programming, big data, etc.). Over 7000 companies in the digital sector are based in the Lyon area. The city supports start-ups in the digital sector via growth accelerators such as Lyon French Tech (Aderly.com)
    • 2nd largest City in France and leading industrial region
    • Major cultural events: Les Nuits Sonores (electro music festival - 140,000 people), Les Nuits de Fourvière (performing arts festival - 130,000 people)
    • Vieux Lyon listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site