Erasmus guide Université Lumière Lyon 2
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Université Lumière Lyon 2 in Lyon, France.
Snapshot
One of France's most dynamic humanities and social sciences universities (28,000 students, founded 1973 from the original 1896 Université de Lyon) — strong Erasmus network, two campuses in France's gastronomic capital, and direct TGV access to Paris and the Alps.
Why students shortlist it
Public university split between central Lyon and the Bron campus, with strengths in humanities, languages, social sciences, psychology, law and arts. Strong fit for French-speaking students who want a big-city exchange with structured arrival support.
Teaching languages: French (primary); growing English-taught courses for exchange students
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
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.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 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
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
| 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
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
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.
Campus Services
Student Life
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 Dates
Before nomination
Confirm active Lyon 2 Erasmus agreement. French B2 strongly recommended.
Nomination (Semester 1)
May 31
Home Erasmus coordinator nominates to Lyon 2.
CROUS housing
May–June
Apply immediately after nomination for best CROUS allocation.
International Welcome + ESN
September
Attend both — student card, TCL pass, French Sécu, and social on-ramp.