Villa Albertine 
Centrale Lyon
Top 10 in France
Top 151-200 Worldwide in Mathematics and Mechanics (Shanghai Ranking)
Top 201-250 Worldwide in Aeronautics and Manufacturing (QS World University Rankings)
Founded in 1857, Centrale Lyon is a top-level institute for fundamental sciences and engineering that brings together brilliant minds and the most cutting-edge research platforms in Europe, and beyond addresses fundamental scientific questions and tackles major societal challenges. Centrale Lyon aspires to provide its expertise in major transitions to socio-economic stakeholders.
Graduates emerge with both the human and technical skills necessary to transform scientific knowledge into technological and social innovations, while considering their impact, applications and alignment with public policy priorities. Research in engineering sciences, information sciences and exact sciences, carried out in partnership with industrial stakeholders, major public institutions and international partners, aims to provide answers to societal challenges such as cleaner technologies, energy transition, environmental preservation and decarbonization.
Centrale Lyon boasts one of the lowest student-to-faculty ratios (12:1) in the field, with over 300 professorial faculty members offering a rigorous curriculum with diverse learning opportunities and hands-on research to approximately 750 undergraduates and 2 450 graduate students.
Eligible Programs for Lafayette Fellows
Centrale Lyon offers seven masters programs designed to welcome international students. These Master 2 programs (one-year courses), entirely taught in English, aim to provide students with a high level of scientific qualification. They also provide solid operational skills, with an emphasis on group work and integration into the industrial and research worlds.
Advanced Technologies, Aerospace Engineering, Environmental Science
Admissions Information
Applications are open between October 2026 – March 2027. Please check the website for your program’s specific dates.
Please visit Centrale Lyon’s website here.
Reminder: The awarding of the Lafayette Fellowship is conditional upon admission to one of the eligible partner institutions. Applicants must complete both the Lafayette Fellowship application and apply to one program at one of the partner institutions.
Campus Life
The International Office provides guidance and support to international students throughout their stay at Centrale Lyon. They assist students with a wide range of administrative and practical matters, including visas, residence permits, accommodation, student life, and academic issues. Centrale Lyon is recognized with the highest “Bienvenue en France” label.
The International Student Association also plays an active role in welcoming and integrating international students. In close collaboration with the International Office, the association organizes a variety of activities throughout the year, including an integration week, social and cultural events, and trips to different destinations in France and other European cities.
Learn more about student life, here.
The 2nd largest city in France, Lyon is a place of history, culture and innovation. Chosen by the «World’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination», Lyon is ranked 1st in the world in the list of destinations to discover!
The city is also full of museums and festivals. Students will be able to attend many concerts and discover the world famous « Fête des Lumières » which attracts 3-4 million visitors every year. Lyon is a pleasant city. Rich in architectural treasures, the Old Lyon district is classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site. As a gastronomic city, there are many restaurants to try! Lyon is also strategically located between the sea and the mountains.
Learn more about the campus, here.
