Lyon Local Reference INFOrmation
Information for people moving to Lyon to study. With information on the university system in France, the application and enrolment procedures, housing and financial assistance.
Students seeking higher education in Lyon have many resources available to assist with housing, financial assistance, job seeking and general orientation. This page provides information about the following:
Choosing a School and CourseThere are two main types of higher-education institutions in France:
Both types of institutions may offer short degree-programmes and long degree-programmes. The short degree programmes, generally offered by multidisciplinary institutions affiliated with a university or in specialised schools, involve two or three years of study and are concentrated in the fields of manufacturing, trade and services. Long degree programmes are offered at universities, Grandes Écoles and other specialised schools. UniversitiesUniversities offer academic, technical and professional degree programmes in many disciplines. France's universities are public institutions and enrolment is open to any student holding a French baccalauréat or its foreign equivalent. In the university system the programmes are split into three successive levels:
Specialised schoolsSpecialised schools offer training for careers in many fields including engineering, management, art, and architecture. Specialised schools are more selective in their admissions, enrol fewer students than universities and may be public or private. The Grandes Écoles are specialised schools which are prestigious and selective. In the Grandes Écoles and other specialised schools the majority of long programmes involve five years of study, including two years of preparation. Students who successfully complete the two years of preparatory classes can sit for one of the more selective entrance examinations. For international students it is not necessary to complete the preparatory classes and sit the entrance exam as most Grandes Écoles hold some places open for international students and others seeking admission on the basis of their academic record and experience. In Europe, recognition of degrees and diplomas is assured through a common credit system known as the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). In Lyon there are many English-speaking as well as French-speaking universities and schools offering courses in English. For information about these higher education institutions and the courses they offer see:
Submitting an ApplicationEU nationalsEU citizens wishing to enrol in any year of study can apply directly to the institution of their choice. Requirements and application forms are generally available on the individual institution's websites. Non-EU nationalsA non-EU citizen wishing to enrol as a first year graduate must file a preliminary application of admission (Demande d'Admission Préalable, DAP) with the cultural services of the French Embassy in their home country. Students wishing to enrol in the third or higher levels of university can apply directly to the institution of their choice. In all cases, a non-EU citizen must allow enough time to acquire a student visa. This process can only take place once a letter of acceptance has been received from the academic institution. Visas and residence permitsThere are different formalities for EU and non-EU citizens. EU/EEC nationals do not need to obtain a visa to enter France. Non-EU students intending to stay in France for more than 90 days must acquire a long-stay student visa, which grants permission to stay in France for up to 12 months, prior to leaving for France. To obtain a visa, contact the nearest French Consulate. Non-EU nationals: long-stay student visasOnce in France, all students studying in France for the first time must register at the university's foreign students welcome centre (Centre des étudiants étrangers) within three months. No appointment is usually necessary. An appointment for a mandatory medical exam will be issued once a tax is paid and the registration form is completed. After the medical exam is satisfactorily completed, a sticker is placed in the applicant's passport to confirm registration. A student studying in France for the first time, for up to a year, does not need to obtain a residence permit (Titre/Carte de Séjour). Non-EU nationals: residency permitsStudents who have previously already obtained a Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour (VLS-TS) should apply to the French Office of Immigration and Integration (Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration - OFII) for their residency permit on arrival. This can be done directly at the OFII office.
For information on residence permits see:
EnrolmentThe enrolment process is completed only after the acceptance letter is received, the residence permit/visa has been issued (if required) and the student has arrived in France. As with most higher education intuitions, students must first complete the administrative enrolment at which point a certificat de scolarité (study certificate) and a student ID card are issued; together these confirm legal status as a student. After this administrative enrolment, the student may enrol in courses. Orientation/ArrivalThese are the main welcome/orientation centres for foreign students in Lyon:
The Foreign Students Office (Service des Boursiers Etrangers) at the Centre Régional des Œuvres Universitaires (CROUS) has information on finding work and lodging and can answer questions about residency and other issues. The office is open all year.
The CampusFrance website has information for international students and has been approved by some governments to process visas for applicants from some countries. The Information and Documentation Centre for Youth (Centre d'Information et de documentation pour la jeunesse - CIDJ) offers information and counselling in French on possible fields of study in France.
ScholarshipsThere are three types of scholarship systems in France:
National Health InsuranceEU nationals may use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) while enroled in a higher education institution in France.
It is obligatory for non-EU nationals to enrol in the French national health insurance scheme (Sécurité Sociale) on registration at their chosen higher education institution or they must purchase private health insurance. If the student is already covered by French social security (such as through a spouse or parent) this does not apply. The social security system for students in Lyon is operated by two organisations: Smerra and LDME. These two organisations, along with many other insurance companies, also offer supplementary health insurance to cover expenses the national system does not.
Students under the age of 28 on 1 October of the school year are eligible for coverage under the national health insurance scheme for the school year. Those over 28 years of age are not eligible and must purchase private coverage, though there are exceptions. Contact the school for further information. In addition to the national health insurance, optional affiliation to a supplementary insurance plan is common. If affiliated with a student plan (SMEREP or LMDE), it is suggested to choose the same branch for mutual insurance. Student Housing in LyonStudent complementary insurance schemes may offer help in finding accommodation (classifieds, forums and partnerships). Halls of residenceThe Centre Régional des Œuvres Universitaires (Crous de Lyon), manages some student residence halls. The accommodation is inexpensive but places are limited and priority is given to students with scholarships from the French government or from certain states that have signed agreements with France. Additionally accommodation can be found in private student halls. Private rentalIn order to rent a private flat, applicants must justify their income (monthly income must generally be three times the price of the monthly rent) and usually propose a guarantor who promises to pay the rent if necessary. Renters must take out insurance on rented property.
Crous de Lyon offers a "Logement en ville" service, matching property owners and students for the letting of rooms, studio flats or two-roomed flats. It also passes on advertisements from companies that have agreed to offer flats and flat-shares to students with scholarships based on social welfare criteria. This service is free.
For a small fee, some associations such as the Local Committee for the Housing of Young People (Union Nationale des Comités Locaux pour le Logement Autonome des Jeunes -CLLAJ), connect students looking to rent property with property owners.
Student hostelsStudent hostels are available to everyone without means testing. They mostly offer furnished rooms and sometimes studio flats at prices which are slightly under the market price. Information can be found from The National Union of Student Homes (Union Nationale des Maisons d'Etudiants - UNME) website, though listings are in French. Financial assistance for housingThere are there are two available financial allowances providing housing assistance for students:
These programs are administered by the Family Allowance Office (Caisse d'allocation familiale - CAF).
For assistance paying the deposit required when initially renting lodging, the Avance Loca-Pass system is available. This system provides an interest-free loan for the deposit. Repayment must begin after three months and be completed within 36 months (the full loan amount must be repaid if the student moves out of the property before 36 months). The Garantie Loca-Pass system provides a loan to assist with rent payments for up to 18 months.
Part-time JobsStudents can supplement their income with a student job. Non-EU nationals must submit an application for a temporary work permit and may work a maximum of 20 hours per week. BankingMany banks provide an English-speaking service to their clientele.
LibrariesLibraries in Lyon which may be of interest to students include the following:
University RestaurantsCROUS de Lyon has university restaurants and cafeterias serving a wide range of food. These facilities can be used by:
Public TransportLyon's public transport system includes the Metro underground subway system, a tramway, buses and Velo V bikes. The regional train service extends to the suburbs and the Rhone Alps.
Further Information
1103ww Information supplied by Claire Mcintosh
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