UCLy offers a distinctive academic model combining academic excellence, personal development and societal engagement.
Programmes designed to address the complexity of today’s world foster critical discernment and prepare graduates to act with responsibility, purpose and commitment.
A pedagogy built on 150 years of experience
Since 1875, UCLy has developed an innovative academic model, grounded in academic excellence, personal support and student success, alongside a strong commitment to serving society.
- 110 degree programmes, including 39 aligned with European standards (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate).
- Programmes that develop both academic knowledge, critical thinking and an understanding of today’s global challenges.
- Small class sizes that foster trust, interaction and personalised support.
- A flexible, career-oriented academic pathway with tailored guidance throughout the student journey.
- A wide range of personal development courses integrated into all programmes, shaping both skilled professionals and well-rounded individuals.
- A university that empowers initiative and supports students in shaping their path in service of others.
- Strong support for rapid and successful entry into the workforce.
Strong links with industry and professional partners
UCLy maintains close, long-standing ties with industry, ensuring its programmes remain aligned with real-world expectations, while preparing students to combine strong technical skills, a sense of responsibility and the interpersonal qualities sought by employers.
- Career-oriented programmes, including many work-study (apprenticeship) pathways.
- Internships integrated into all programmes.
- Regular involvement of industry professionals in teaching.
- Excellence scholarships awarded by corporate partners.
- A strong network of renowned partners such as BioMérieux, Sanofi, Danone, SEB, Michelin, Société Générale and many others.
- Dedicated support to help students build relationships with employers and facilitate their entry into the job market.
- A dynamic and engaged alumni network, bringing together tens of thousands of graduates.
A European university open to the world
UCLy positions itself as a fully European university with a strong global outlook. It prepares students to thrive in a globalised world by developing their intercultural and language skills, as well as their ability to understand international issues.
- 300 partner universities across more than 61 countries.
- 2,300 international students and participants welcomed each year.
- High-quality support recognised by the “Bienvenue en France” / "Welcome in France" label.
- Mobility opportunities available across all programmes.
- The “International Profile” label, recognising students’ intercultural skills and international experience.
- French students are paired with incoming international students to help them settle in and feel at home in Lyon from the moment they arrive.
An inclusive university committed to equal opportunities
At UCLy, inclusion is a concrete commitment. Every student is supported, regardless of background or circumstances, to succeed and find their place.
- Enhanced support for students with disabilities.
- Academic and extra-academic tutoring and support services.
- A proactive equal opportunities policy, including:
- Welcome scholarship for high school students entering their 1st year
- Continuing studies scholarships for students progressing at UCLy
- Scholarships based on social criteria (CROUS)
- International mobility grants
Research driven by societal impact
UCLy develops interdisciplinary research that engages with the major challenges of contemporary society, with a strong commitment to understanding and addressing vulnerability in all its forms — social, economic, environmental and human.
At UCLy, research and teaching go hand in hand. Faculty members bring research-informed teaching into the classroom, sharing knowledge that is constantly enriched by their academic work. Their research sheds light on key issues such as ethics, justice, ecology, health, education and technology.
This close connection between research and teaching enables students to develop curiosity, scientific rigour and critical thinking.
Bringing together scholars from a wide range of disciplines, UCLy fosters dialogue between the humanities, social sciences and scientific fields to produce knowledge that is both rigorous and relevant, and to contribute to concrete solutions in response to societal needs.
The Confluence Sciences and Humanities Research Unit is a multidisciplinary research centre that brings together faculty members, doctoral students and research support staff, with dedicated facilities within UCLy’s Research and Enterprise Hub.