Villa Albertine 
Institut Lyfe
#1 – Master’s in Hospitality Management (Eduniversal 2026)
#1 – Master’s in Culinary Management (Eduniversal 2026)
#1- Innovative International Program (World Hospitality Award)
#2 – French School (QS World University Rankings 2026, Leisure & Hospitality Management Category)
Institut Lyfe trains committed, responsible decision-makers in Hospitality, Restaurant Management, Culinary Arts, and Pastry. Over 30 years, it has built a unique ecosystem spanning higher education, research, and executive education. Institut Lyfe was awarded the highest distinction in the Eduniversal 2026 ranking in the fields of gastronomy, hospitality, and luxury arts, receiving 5 Palms of Excellence.
Today, it welcomes 1,200 students from 75 nationalities. Its approach relies on experiential learning focused on project management, talent development, entrepreneurship, and creativity. Its international strategy relies on an educational hub created with top global universities and a network of 6,000 alumni across 90 countries.
As the first private higher education institution in Hospitality recognized by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research—with state-approved Bachelor’s degrees in International Management and MSc labelled by CGE (conférence des grandes écoles)—it is the only school in France featuring a Michelin-starred training restaurant, a restaurant co-created with Chef Yannick Alléno (Pavyllon Lyon), a 5-star hotel-school, and a Research Center whose scientific work directly enhances its academic programs.
Eligible Programs for Lafayette Fellows
Gastronomy, Leadership, and Innovation
Admissions Information
Applications must be submitted online before the closing date of January 15, 2027.
Complete applications (both administrative and financial) are reviewed within 7 days (excluding Institut Lyfe’s closure periods). Applicants are then informed whether they are eligible to take the admission tests or whether their application has been rejected. Institut Lyfe is not required to provide reasons for its decision.
Eligibility check requirements:
- 3 most recent academic transcripts
- Most recent certified diploma*
- Statement of purpose (300 words)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Identity document (both sides)
A mandatory 7-week Intensive Culinary Preparatory Program may be required to acquire fundamental culinary technical skills
Methods of selection: Eligibility based on 45-min written test and individual interview
Apply 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 Institut Lyfe is dedicated to ensuring every international student feels supported at any time and provide a seamless onboarding process to make their transition to France as smooth as possible.
On their arrival, students will take part in a pre-Freshers’ seminar specifically designed for international students. This will help them get to know the campus, Lyon city center, and the various staff teams. Cultural workshops, conferences, and team building activities will help them build relationships and explore the many facets of French culture.
From April onwards, Institut Lyfe organizes “Webinars of Welcome” (WoW Seminars, online), to answer questions (visas, start dates, schedule for the academic year, finding accommodation, and more).
Students can participate in food festivals, such as the Lyon Street Food Festival and the Sirha exhibition to encourage intercultural exchange and allow them to explore the rich French heritage.
Institut Lyfe offer courses in partnership with the Alliance Française Lyon and Inflexyon to give students confidence with the French language.
Institut Lyfe has been awarded the “Bienvenue en France” label, recognizing its ability to accommodate international students, and actively participates in the Campus France network to offer the best possible welcome to all its students.
The Student Affairs team offers help and support for all the administrative procedures related to the student’s studies abroad, such as: obtaining visa or residence permit (for non-European students), procedures with the OFII (French Office of Immigration and Integration) and the Rhone Prefecture, securing suitable medical coverage and membership of a mutual medical insurance program, support with opening a French bank account, applications for housing assistance (CAF), CVEC (Contribution to Student and Campus Life), and support for accommodation.
Contact: student.affairs@institutlyfe.com
Recognized as the world capital of gastronomy, take advantage of this vibrant, international city when enrolling at the Écully campus, just minutes from the center of Lyon. A city on a manageable scale and more affordable than Paris, Lyon hosts more than 190,000 students, 15% of whom are international. Ideally located at the heart of France’s great wine-growing regions and less than two hours from Paris, Marseille and Geneva, students will enjoy an exceptional quality of life, surrounded by lakes and mountains.
