Catholic University of Lyon

Lyon, France

Founded in 1875 by a group of Catholic legal experts from Lyon, the Université Catholique de Lyon (UCLy) is a private higher education institution of general interest (EESPIG) that stands at the confluence of the Saône and Rhône rivers in the heart of Lyon.
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Tuition Fees, Cost of Living & Accommodation at Catholic University of Lyon

Cost Of Living

€ 750

Catholic University of Lyon Departments

  • Faculty of Law
  • Faculty of Philosophy, Psychology and Education
  • Faculty of Literature and Languages
  • Faculty of Theology and Religious Sciences
  • Faculty of Economics, Business and Management

Unique Selling Proposition (USP) of Catholic University of Lyon

UCLy's mission is to educate students to become competent professionals and enlightened individuals, capable of navigating a complex world with critical thinking, creativity, and ethical responsibility. The university is committed to developing a demanding and innovative pedagogy that serves the success of every student, combining scientific skills with a human-centred philosophy. UCLy aims to build a welcoming and unique institution, demanding and proud, and above all free—an education with a strong critical spirit, capable of combining the best of human and social sciences with life and health sciences, innovating with companies, and providing society with the talents that France and Europe need. The university also champions inclusion, equal opportunities, and the fight against prejudice, striving to create social bonds through cultural engagement and the pursuit of meaning. The university's cultural mission, "Éduquer au beau et à l'intelligence de l'art, développer l'esprit critique et la créativité, lutter contre les préjugés, créer du lien social," captures this holistic educational vision.

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Distinguished Alumni of Catholic University of Lyon

Infrastructure & Facilities at Catholic University of Lyon

UCLy's infrastructure is designed to support a complete and enriching university experience across its three campuses. The Carnot campus occupies a modern 14,000 m² building with 41 classrooms, 2 language labs, 7 amphitheatres (including one with 340 seats), and an exam room seating 100. The Saint-Paul campus maintains the historic character of the original university buildings while offering modern amenities. The Alpes Europe campus in Annecy provides a contemporary learning environment in a renovated former barracks. Across all campuses, students have access to university libraries, cafeterias managed by CROUS offering affordable meals, student lounges (three foyers in total), associative workspaces, a music room equipped with drums, a digital piano, amplifiers, and microphones, and even a dedicated nap room for rest and rejuvenation. The university also features a 400 m² sports facility named "Gérard Odras" on the Saint-Paul campus, equipped with weight training machines, table tennis tables, and changing rooms with showers. The entire infrastructure reflects UCLy's commitment to creating spaces that foster learning, creativity, community, and well-being.

 
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Catholic University of Lyon Student Life

Student life at UCLy occupies a central place in the university experience, with a vibrant community animated by approximately 40 student associations that operate voluntarily throughout the academic year. Students can engage in a wide range of activities, from humanitarian aid and environmental projects to cultural events, sports competitions, and artistic performances. The university's cultural mission organises exhibitions, concerts, performances, and conferences in partnership with artistic and cultural institutions of the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region. The annual inter-school challenge brings together students from different faculties in friendly competition, fostering camaraderie and school spirit. Student lounges on both the Carnot and Saint-Paul campuses provide spaces for studying, socialising, eating, rehearsing plays or choreographies. The student web radio, in partnership with RCF, offers students a platform to express themselves and develop communication skills. UCLy's holistic approach to student life ensures that students grow not only academically but also as engaged citizens and well-rounded individuals.

 
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Catholic University of Lyon Career support

UCLy provides robust career support services designed to facilitate successful professional integration for all students. The Professionalisation Service within each faculty offers tools and resources to help students define their professional projects, including career fact sheets for various professions (lawyer, parliamentary assistant, diplomatic officer, HR director, hospital director, etc.), internship search assistance, and dedicated workshops throughout the academic journey. The university's strong ties with businesses, with over 1,000 partner companies, enable students to access professional internships integrated into all programmes, work-study (alternance) opportunities, and student missions. Experts and professionals are actively involved in teaching, ensuring curriculum relevance to workplace needs. UCLy Expert, the university's continuing education division, offers professional development programmes for individuals and companies, including certification programmes, executive masters, and customised training solutions. The university's alumni network, comprising tens of thousands of graduates, serves as a valuable resource for networking, mentoring, and job placement. Career support also includes CV and cover letter workshops, interview preparation, and job fair participation. Excellence grants awarded by partner companies further incentivise academic achievement and professional readiness. The university's 89% employment rate for engineering graduates (Bac+5) demonstrates the effectiveness of these career support initiatives.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Admission Requirements at Catholic University of Lyon

1. Admission to first-year Bachelor programmes is conducted through the national Parcoursup platform.
2. Programmes are selective, requiring candidates to submit a motivation letter explaining their professional project.
3. International students may follow specific procedures through the International Student Desk (ISD).
4. For parallel admission into second or third year (L2 and L3), candidates apply directly to the faculty secretariat, submitting a motivation letter detailing their academic and professional background and career project.
5. Specific requirements vary by programme, with some programmes requiring entrance exams (e.g., ACCES for certain business programmes).

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Campus
Recruitment By top Companies

UCLy has a dedicated service that supports students in their relationships with companies and accelerates their professional integration. With over 1000 companies engaged with UCLy Expert, the university offers extensive recruitment opportunities through internships, work-study programmes (alternance), student missions, and direct hiring of graduates. Students can access professional training programmes that are closely linked to business needs, with experts and professionals involved in teaching. The university facilitates recruitment through corporate events, job fairs, and a strong alumni network of tens of thousands of graduates. Excellence grants are awarded by partner companies to support high-achieving students. The Career Service within each faculty provides personalised guidance, internship search assistance, and career workshops to help students define their professional projects and successfully transition into the workforce.

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    Catholic University of Lyon Corporate Partnership

    • Sanofi partners with UCLy to offer professional training and internship opportunities, particularly for students in biotechnology, quality management, and health sciences programmes. Students can pursue work-study (alternance) contracts, gaining hands-on experience at one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. Many graduates secure permanent positions in quality assurance, R&D, and regulatory affairs.

    Notable Achievements of Catholic University of Lyon

    Achievements

    01.
    150th Anniversary and CTI Accreditation.

    150th Anniversary and CTI Accreditation. UCLy celebrates 150 years of education and development, with the first class of CTI-accredited biotechnology engineers receiving their diplomas, symbolising the university's long tradition of training expertise in health and biotechnology since 1952.

    Year
    2025
    02.
    Inauguration of the Maison de la Recherche et de l'Entreprise.

    Inauguration of the Maison de la Recherche et de l'Entreprise. This €1.8 million facility, funded by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region (1/3) and corporate patronage (2/3), created 1,000 m² of dedicated space for research and business partnerships, housing 160 teacher-researchers and 60 doctoral students in enhanced working conditions.

    Year
    2024
    03.
    Reopening of Maison Saint-Bernard Residence.

    Reopening of Maison Saint-Bernard Residence. After complete renovation, this on-campus student residence reopened with superior service offerings, providing modern, convivial housing for UCLy students in the heart of Lyon.

    Year
    2022

    Explore Programs & Courses at Catholic University of Lyon

    Program name
    Tuition Fees
    Deadlines
    Bachelor of Law – Europe and International Track 3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
    €2,895
    12th Mar
    (September)
    €11,000
    12th Mar
    (September)
    Double degree: Bachelor of Laws/LL.B. of Law 3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
    €16,600
    12th Mar
    (September)

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