Central School of Lyon

Lyon, France

The Central School of Lyon (École Centrale de Lyon) is a top-tier French engineering school known for its strong emphasis on multidisciplinary education, innovation, and research. Located near Lyon, it consistently ranks among the best grandes écoles in France for science and engineering.
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Tuition Fees, Cost of Living & Accommodation at Central School of Lyon

Cost Of Living

€ 6000

Undergraduate Fees International Students

€ 7630

Post Graduate Fees International Students

€ 12300

Bachelors

  • € 7630
  • € 7630
  • € 7630
  • € 7630

Central School of Lyon Departments

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Physics
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Materials Science
  • Computer Science
  • Telecommunications
  • Micro-Nano-Biotechnology

Unique Selling Proposition (USP) of Central School of Lyon

The Central School of Lyon stands out for its strong commitment to inclusion and social impact. It actively promotes gender equality and supports women pursuing engineering careers. The school works to inspire high school students to explore scientific fields and engineering professions. It also prioritizes access to education for students from modest backgrounds. This triple objective shapes its outreach, partnerships, and student support initiatives. At its core, the school blends academic rigor with a clear social mission.

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Distinguished Alumni of Central School of Lyon

Infrastructure & Facilities at Central School of Lyon

École Centrale de Lyon boasts a state-of-the-art campus in Écully, covering 17 hectares of green space. The infrastructure includes modern teaching and research facilities, equipped laboratories, and a library designed to foster innovation and academic collaboration. The campus also features extensive sports facilities, student residences, and dining areas, creating a balanced environment for both learning and leisure. Specialized labs in acoustics, nanotech, and energy systems support cutting-edge research. The integration of sustainable practices is visible in the campus's design, with eco-friendly buildings and energy-efficient systems. It’s a place where students can immerse themselves in both academic excellence and vibrant campus life.

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Central School of Lyon Student Life

Student life at École Centrale de Lyon thrives on its dynamic campus culture. With over 110 student clubs and associations, including sports, arts, technology, and humanitarian groups, students have ample opportunities to explore their interests beyond academics. The Bureau des Élèves (BDE) plays a pivotal role in organizing events like Integration Week, fostering a sense of community among new and international students. The campus is equipped with relaxation areas, sports facilities, and active support for a dynamic community life, ensuring a balanced lifestyle. Additionally, the presence of a student-managed bar and various recreational spaces adds to the vibrant atmosphere. This inclusive environment encourages personal growth, cultural exchange, and lasting friendships. Whether engaging in club activities, participating in events, or enjoying campus amenities, students experience a fulfilling and enriching life at Centrale Lyon.

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Central School of Lyon Career support

Centrale Lyon's career services are designed to bridge the gap between academic training and professional success. The school mandates nine months of internships and encourages three to six months of international mobility, ensuring students gain practical experience. Through its partnership with JobTeaser, the Career Center serves as a vital platform for posting internships, first jobs, work-study programs, and theses, connecting students with potential employers. The institution also organizes recruitment events throughout the year, facilitating direct interactions between students and companies, thereby enhancing employment opportunities. With over 1,400 internships offered annually and 100 internships per year with partner companies, Centrale Lyon demonstrates a strong commitment to student employability. This comprehensive approach underscores the school's dedication to preparing students for successful careers in various industries. 

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Step-by-Step Guide to Admission Requirements at Central School of Lyon

Core documents you typically need to apply for a Bachelor’s admission at École Centrale de Lyon (especially for the General Engineering cycle or the Bachelor in Data Science for Responsible Business):

Secondary school diploma and transcripts
Official records from your high school (e.g. French baccalauréat, IB, A?levels, or equivalent), including grades in relevant subjects like mathematics, physics, or computer science 

Completed online application form
Submitted via the official application platform, with all fields accurately filled in, and any required learning?agreement if you're applying as a double?degree or exchange student 

Résumé or CV
A concise summary of your academic background, extracurricular activities, internships or projects—highlighting your strengths and motivations 

Motivation letter or personal statement
A focused, personalized explanation of why you’re applying, your interests in engineering or data science, and how you align with Centrale Lyon’s programme and values 

Proof of language proficiency

English-medium programmes → IELTS (≥?6.0), TOEFL iBT (≥?72), TOEIC, EFSET or equivalent.

French-medium programmes → DELF/DALF or TCF at least B2 level 
Copy of your passport (usually first and last pages) plus a recent passport?style photo (JPEG, under 2?MB) for identity verification and administrative processes 

 

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Campus
Recruitment By top Companies

École Centrale de Lyon has a strong campus recruitment ecosystem driven by structured internships and direct industry engagement. Students take part in multiple internships—execution, application, and final-year thesis—many of which lead to pre-placement offers. The school hosts regular career fairs, company days, and recruitment events that bring top employers face-to-face with students. Career services offer support through resume polishing, mock interviews, and access to alumni working across global firms. Recruiters include major names from sectors like aerospace, automotive, tech, and consulting. It’s a setup where academics and career building move in sync—engineered for real outcomes.

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    Notable Achievements of Central School of Lyon

    École Centrale de Lyon ranks among the top French engineering schools for academic excellence and research. It’s globally recognized in mechanics and mathematics, with high-impact publications and strong industry collaboration. The school holds hundreds of patents, earns millions in research funding, and produces nearly a thousand papers yearly. It’s also ranked among the top five globally for industry-linked research output. Beyond academics, it’s a leader in sustainability, earning top marks for its CSR and ecological commitments. Simply put, this is a school that delivers—on innovation, impact, and influence.

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    Achievements

    01.
    Research Output Milestone: €15.5M and 247 Patents

    Centrale Lyon reports about €15.5 million in annual research contract revenue, over 200 industrial contracts per year, 900+ publications, and a portfolio of 247 patents. These figures reflect its deep industrial integration and capacity for applied innovation across acoustics, nanotechnology, fluid mechanics, and energy — evidence of its sustained research excellence

    Year
    ongoing
    02.
    National Recognition in Engineering and Sustainability

    In 2023, L’Étudiant ranked Centrale Lyon 11ᵗʰ among engineering schools in France, while Le Figaro Étudiant placed it 7ᵗʰ. In broader rankings focused on ecological and social transition (ChangeNOW & Les Echos START), Centrale Lyon ranked 2ⁿᵈ in France. That reflects its dual strengths in program quality and social responsibility

    Year
    2023
    03.
    Shanghai Subject Ranking: Top 151–200 in Mechanics & Mathematics

    In the Shanghai Academic Rankings by Subject 2022, École Centrale de Lyon placed in the 151–200 band worldwide for both mechanics and mathematics. This recognition stems from high-impact research and strong publication rates in these core fields—underscoring ECL’s status as a global player in engineering sciences

    Year
    2022

    Notable Innovation, Research & Development Central School of Lyon

    École Centrale de Lyon is deeply rooted in innovation, with research driving much of its academic energy. The school hosts several top-tier labs in collaboration with CNRS, focusing on areas like acoustics, nanotechnology, fluid mechanics, and energy systems. Its interdisciplinary approach connects engineering theory with real-world industrial challenges. Students and faculty work closely with industry partners on cutting-edge projects and prototypes. Research here isn’t siloed—it’s integrated into the curriculum, pushing students to think beyond textbooks. The result is a culture where breakthroughs are expected, not exceptional.

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    Notable Innovation

    01.
    Optical Particle Detector

    Researchers from Centrale Lyon, CNRS, Université Grenoble Alpes, and associated institutions patented an optical particle detector that uses a light‑scattering channel and photodetectors. It features an integrated optical waveguide to redirect unscattered light back into the channel, enhancing detection sensitivity for fluid‑borne particles. This design improves signal quality in flow cytometry, environmental monitoring, and microfluidic systems. It reflects how Centrale Lyon collaborates on cutting‑edge instrumentation, translating academic research into precision sensing tools capable of tracking airborne or suspended particulates

    Year
    2024
    02.
    Non‑Invasive Elasticity Measurement Method

    This invention captures elastic properties of materials by analyzing surface shear-wave phase velocities. It records dispersion curves—frequency vs. velocity—and uses these to map elasticity as a function of depth beneath the surface. It’s non‑destructive, requiring only surface wave excitation and signal analysis, ideal for skin diagnostics or biomechanical evaluation. This tool showcases how Centrale Lyon’s research pushes beyond fundamental mechanics into biomedical engineering and non‑invasive diagnostics

    Year
    2024
    03.
    Aqueous MoS₂ Nanosheet Lubricant Composition

    Developed in partnership with TotalEnergies and CNRS, this lubricating fluid uses exfoliated molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) nanosheets dispersed in water and glycerol. The nanosheets are formed in-situ in the fluid by liquid-phase exfoliation. This eco-friendly lubrication reduces friction and wear in moving systems, aiming to replace traditional oil-based lubricants. The clean chemistry and high-performance lubrication illustrate sustainable innovation—tied to energy, transport, and industrial engineering priorities

    Year
    2024

    University Ranking of Central School of Lyon

    601

    Region: Europe

    35
    24
    510
    286
    Mathematics
    301-350
    225
    -
    101-150
    Mechanical Engineering
    151-200
    -
    -
    101-150
    Engineering
    -
    747
    401-500
    -
    Engineering Related Technology
    214
    -
    401-500
    -

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