Universite Catholique de Lyon

France is the largest country in Western Europe. It lies on the western edge of the continent of Europe and shares borders with six neighboring countries: Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain. Within these boundaries, France has exceptionally varied scenery. This, together with its rich cultural heritage, make it a common tourist destination and the world's fourth most popular destination for international students.

Lyon is centered in the natural river valley of the Rhône-Alpes region. As you stroll the city streets, you will be taken back through time with the diverse architecture spanning several eras. The city is home to numerous art and cultural events, such as the Lyon Festival of Lights. Food is also important to Lyon's culture; the city is considered one of the gastronomic capitals of the world. With a large student population, Lyon is characterized as France's second “university city," after Paris.

UCLy held its first class on November 25, 1875. The university began with only a Faculty of Law and has since expanded to include six faculties and three campuses. UCLy holds values of universality and openness and has a university community with a wide variety of philosophical, religious and political backgrounds and beliefs. The university strives to never stop evolving, creating programs that combine scientific skills with a human-centered philosophy.

Courses in English

UCLy's business school offers a variety of courses in English, mostly concentrated on Finance, Marketing, Law and Strategy. The school also offers a few non-business courses in areas such as The European Union, Culture, and Art in France.

View courses offered in English

Language Courses

• UCLy offers optional pre-semester intensive French language courses from July-September. Program length varies from one to three months, with 20 contact hours per week. The courses include language instruction as well as cultural activities and outings. There are no pre-semester French language courses offered prior to the spring semester. For more information about the courses click here.
• Students may take French language courses throughout the semester. Register for French classes early as they are very popular in Lyon.
• View French language courses

Students from the U of L may only take courses offered by UCLy's ESDES Business School.

The European academic structure varies from the North American system. Courses completed at a European exchange partner will not be transferred back to the U of L on a course-for-course basis. Rather, students will be required to successfully complete a certain number of ECTS (European Transfer Credit System) credits to earn U of L credit equivalency. Typically, a full course load is 30 ECTS, and 6 ECTS = 3 U of L credits.

You are eligible for this exchange if you are:

• A full-time Dhillon School of Business student
• In at least the 2nd year of your program
• In good academic standing, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher

For a stay of more than 90 days, it is MANDATORY for students to obtain a study visa. There is no fee for exchange students.

Students from Canada must register on the Études en France platform before applying for a visa. 

You must apply for your visa at the nearest French Embassy or Consulate. As this can take quite some take we strongly advise you to apply for your visa as early as possible.

For further details about this visa, visit the Campus France website, email outgoing@uleth.ca, or contact the Consulate General of the French Republic in Vancouver.

For detailed information about vaccination recommendations when visiting France, please visit the Government of Canada's website.

UCLy provides a wide variety of accommodation options. For a full list view its accommodations page.

Campus Residences

• UCLy has two campus residences available - Maison Saint-Bernard and Maison Saint-Laurent
• Each room at Maison Saint-Bernard includes a bed, desk, bookcase, closet, fridge, and private bathroom
• Each room at Maison Saint-Laurent includes a bed, desk, sink, and cupboard. Showers and toilets are shared with others on the floor
• To view information about pricing click here

Private Student Residences

• Fully furnished studio flats or one-bedroom apartments

Private Rented Accommodation

• UCLy has arrangements with property owners and rental platforms to assist students in finding rooms or apartments for rent

Homestay

• Students stay with a French family, providing an opportunity to improve French language skills and be immersed in French culture

Low Rent Accommodation in Exchange for Help

• Students have the option to live with elderly people and assist them with daily living in exchange for lower rent
• Students are required to complete an interview and speak fluent French to be accepted

Lyon is 2 hours from Paris, the French Riviera and Switzerland (Geneva) by train. When arriving in Lyon by plane to the Saint-Exupery airport, shuttle buses leave every 20 minutes for the city centre. For additional travel information, please visit www.sncf.com.

As of 2023, students between the age of 18-27 can purchase a pass for the public transportation network within Lyon for €25/month. The pass includes access to all TCL buses, metros, trams, funiculars, and shuttles. For more information on subscriptions and pricing click here.

For those planning a lot of travel throughout Europe, it is recommended to buy a Eurail pass. The pass must be purchased before going to France.

Students going on an exchange pay regular U of L tuition and fees. For up-to-date tuition information, visit the U of L's Financial Services website.

It is MANDATORY and free for students to register with the French health insurance scheme (CPAM). 

CPAM covers about 70% of health and hospitalization costs. This does not cover all healthcare costs, so it is advisable to take out a policy with an insurance company who will reimburse the remainder.

For more information about health insurance in France click here.