Erasmus guide Université Lumière Lyon 2
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Université Lumière Lyon 2 in Lyon, France.
Study abroad at Université Lumière Lyon 2: overview
Study abroad at Université Lumière Lyon 2 makes sense when the academic fit is stronger than the destination brand alone and you are honest about everyday logistics. Université Lumière Lyon 2, created in 1973 from the historic Université de Lyon (founded 1896), is one of France's leading humanities and social sciences universities. Useful proof points: Visible university community; verify the current headcount on the official page.; Visible international community; confirm the current figure before making decisions.; History and Medieval Studies, Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, Political Science. Before choosing, confirm teaching language, faculty seats and housing near the campus.
Enrollment
Visible university community; verify the current headcount on the official page.
International Mix
Visible international community; confirm the current figure before making decisions.
Why students choose it
Best for students who want History and Medieval Studies, Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, Political Science and are willing to check language, seats, campus rules and housing before choosing.
Language of instruction: French (primary); growing English-taught courses for exchange students
Exchange & application at Université Lumière Lyon 2
Start with home-university nomination, then application, Learning Agreement, insurance and course approval. At Université Lumière Lyon 2, rules can sit at faculty level, so do not promise yourself courses before they are validated.
✅Requirements
Partner nomination, online application, transcript, learning agreement, French proof, health insurance.
📨Nomination Process
Home Erasmus coordinator nominates to Lyon 2's Service des Relations Internationales. Lyon 2 contacts student directly.
🛂Visa Support
EU/EEA: no visa. Non-EU: French long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) — apply at French consulate 10 weeks before arrival.
👥Buddy System
ESN Lyon and Lyon 2 buddy programme pair exchange students with French volunteers.
🧭Orientation Week
Lyon 2 International Welcome Day and ESN Lyon Welcome Week at semester start.
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 (Sep–Jan) | May 31 | June 30 |
| Semester 2 (Feb–Jun) | November 30 | December 31 |
Arrival Checklist
- Non-EU: French VLS-TS visa at French consulate — 10 weeks minimum.
- Register with CROUS Lyon for housing — apply in May–June for autumn.
- Get TCL (Transports en Commun Lyonnais) monthly pass for metro and tram.
- Register with French Sécu if EU — opens CAF housing allowance.
Academics & courses at Université Lumière Lyon 2
Academics combine credits, exam calendars and faculty-level rules. Check prerequisites, the real teaching language of each course and whether course lists can change before enrolment.
📝Course Registration
Course registration via Lyon 2 ADE system after admission. Learning agreement pre-approved by faculty. Build backup list.
🎓Credit System
France uses ECTS. Full-time semester = 30 ECTS.
💯Grading System
French 0–20 scale: 10 = pass. Grade conversion tables provided for Erasmus transcripts.
✍️Exam Culture
Contrôle continu (coursework) plus final exams. Humanities lean toward essays, seminars, and oral presentations.
📚Library Access
Lyon 2 Library (BU) at both campuses — strong humanities collections and digital access.
Tuition & fees at Université Lumière Lyon 2
For exchange, separate home tuition, local admin fees, insurance and living costs. Full-degree tuition is a different category and must be checked on the official fee page.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | €0 to Lyon 2 (pay home institution fees only) | Erasmus exchange students pay no tuition. Lyon living costs: €750–1,050/month — more affordable than Paris with significantly better food. |
| Full degree – EU/EEA | €170/year (Licence); €243/year (Master) | French statutory fees — very affordable. EU students eligible for CAF housing allowance. |
| Full degree – non-EU | €2,770/year (Licence); €3,770/year (Master) | Bienvenue en France programme fees. Eiffel Excellence and Campus France scholarships available. |
€0 to Lyon 2 (pay home institution fees only)
Erasmus exchange students pay no tuition. Lyon living costs: €750–1,050/month — more affordable than Paris with significantly better food.
€170/year (Licence); €243/year (Master)
French statutory fees — very affordable. EU students eligible for CAF housing allowance.
€2,770/year (Licence); €3,770/year (Master)
Bienvenue en France programme fees. Eiffel Excellence and Campus France scholarships available.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at Université Lumière Lyon 2
Housing near Université Lumière Lyon 2 should move in parallel with the application. Compare residence, private room, transport route and contract terms before arrival.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Lyon
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at Université Lumière Lyon 2
Use the international office, faculty coordinator, library, wellbeing services and student groups from week one. Asking early prevents small admin mistakes from becoming blockers.
🛡️Mandatory Insurance
Yes.
🇪🇺EHIC Accepted
Yes
🏥Campus Clinic
SIUMPPS Lyon 2 — campus health and psychological services.
🧠Mental Health
SIUMPPS psychological consultations — free for enrolled students.
EHIC + French Sécurité Sociale
Free
Best option for EU students.
LMDE complementary insurance
~€100–200/year
Recommended top-up for EU students.
Student life at Université Lumière Lyon 2
Student life depends on repeatable routines: associations, sport, ESN or faculty groups. Do not wait for the campus to do all the work; join repeated channels early.
Student Clubs
- ESN Lyon
- BDE associations
- SUAPS Sport
Buddy Program
ESN Lyon buddy programme pairs exchange students with French volunteers.
Sports & Recreation
- SUAPS Sport Centre — gym, pools, courts
- Cycling along the Rhône and Saône
- Skiing in the Alps (1.5 hours from Lyon)
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend Lyon 2 International Welcome Day — student card, TCL transport pass, Sécu registration.
- Register with French Sécu if EU — unlocks CAF housing allowance.
- Eat at a bouchon lyonnais — authentic Lyonnais cuisine (quenelles, grattons) in a small neighbourhood bistro.
- Join ESN Lyon's Beaujolais Nouveau trip in November — one of France's great annual wine traditions.
Key exchange dates at Université Lumière Lyon 2
The critical dates are nomination, application, fee or registration steps, course selection, housing, arrival and exams. Keep resit periods visible before booking return travel.
-
1
Before nomination
Confirm active Lyon 2 Erasmus agreement. French B2 strongly recommended.
-
2
Nomination (Semester 1)
May 31
Home Erasmus coordinator nominates to Lyon 2.
-
3
CROUS housing
May–June
Apply immediately after nomination for best CROUS allocation.
-
4
International Welcome + ESN
September
Attend both — student card, TCL pass, French Sécu, and social on-ramp.