Quick Summary
Since 1971, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 has been one of France's prominent publics, based in Lyon. Ranked #452 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 47000 students including 10% from outside France. Known for strengths in Life Sciences, Medicine, Mathematics, it maintains an acceptance rate of 25%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Lyon 1 is a top-tier scientific university in France's second-largest economic hub, offering exceptional medical and science training with very low tuition fees.
Subject Strengths
Life SciencesMedicineMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiological Sciences
Founded1971
TypePublic
Total Students47000
Intl Students10%
Faculty Ratio16.2
CampusUrban / Multi-campus
Campus Size100 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsHospices Civils de Lyon (HCL),Centre Léon Bérard,Hôpital Louis Pradel
AccreditationFrench Ministry of Higher Education and Research
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#452
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#401-500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#201-300
Academic Ranking
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Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor,Master,Doctorate,DUT/BUT,Engineering Degrees,Medical Degrees
Programs
13
PhD Programs
Not Available
Online Programs
CIRI - International Center for Infectiology Research,Institut Camille Jordan,CRAL - Centre de Recherche Astrophysique de Lyon
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
French Ministry of Higher Education and Research
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate25%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPANot Available
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 31
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Submit applications through the 'Etudes en France' procedure if applicable. Focus on French language proficiency (DELF B2/C1) as most programs are taught in French.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
UG Tuition
€170/yr
per year · EUR
Living Cost
€11,500/yr
per year · EUR
PG Tuition
€243/yr
per year · EUR
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€11,913/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableEiffel Excellence Scholarship,Erasmus+,Ampère Excellence Scholarships,CROUS Social Grants
Avg Scholarship$6,000
Financial AidAvailable via CROUS and regional aid
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor,Master,Doctorate,DUT/BUT,Engineering Degrees,Medical Degrees programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Pharmacy | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Biotechnology | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Theoretical Physics | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Informatics | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$48,000
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong integration with Lyon's bio-cluster and chemical valley companies.
Industry Connections
SanofiBioMérieuxTotalEnergiesCNRSInserm
Notable Alumni
Cédric Villani,Axel Kahn,Jean-Michel Aulas
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Comprehensive (SUAPS) including stadiums, gyms, and swimming pools
Student Clubs
Over 120 student associations
Library Resources
BU Lyon 1 (6 specialized sites including Science and Santé)
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, BCI, ORA, TASSEP
Summer Programs
Available