Students who choose to spend a semester at Université Lumière Lyon 2 join an international student body dedicated to intellectual exploration. Students register for 12 to 15 US credits per semester across a range of diverse disciplines, including Liberal Arts, Political Science, Economics, Management & Business, Linguistics, Education and more. Courses are offered in English and students have the opportunity to study French at all levels.
Application open until: October 1, 2026
Apps accepted on a rolling basis
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Official transcript
Passport scan (photo page)
Digital photo (passport style)
EU privacy consent form
Highlights
- Live in a famously student-friendly city, located in France’s third largest metropolitan region.
- Select from a wide range of classes in English.
- Lyon 2 supports a wide range of student clubs and organizations. Get involved!
Program Dates
Mid January 2027 – Late May 2027
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 18+
Academic Year: Freshman (1st year) or above.
* contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
Cumulative GPA:* 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
English Language:* Non-native English language speakers must submit TOEFL: 88+ or IELTS: 6.5+, or proof of attending school in English for 3+ years.
Academic information coming soon!
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| October 1 2026 |
Application Closes Applications accepted after closing as space permits. |
| Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
| October 1 2026 |
50% of Total Program Fee Due Students who are accepted and submit SAI deposits after this date will have an amended pay schedule. 50% of the Program Fee will be due within 5 business days, based on the deposit payment date. |
| October 15 2026 |
Financial Aid Agreement & Financial Aid Program Deposit Deadline Students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment must complete the Financial Aid Agreement form and submit the Financial Aid Program Deposit by this date. Students whose deposit payment date is on or after this date will have a deadline of 5 days after the deposit. |
| October 15 2026 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| October 15 2026 |
SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Students wishing to apply for an SAI scholarship must have all application items submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time on this date. |
| November 15 2026 |
SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Students wishing to defer payment until financial aid disbursement must submit the financial aid verification form to SAI by this date. |
| December 1 2026 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due (For students utilizing SAI financial aid payment deferment, any balance not covered by aid is due) |
| On-Site Calendar | |
|---|---|
| Coming soon |
Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive at Lyon Aéroport Saint Exupéry (LYS). SAI airport pickup is provided between 9:00am and 12:00 noon, and students are transferred to SAI housing. |
| Coming soon |
SAI Orientation Mandatory SAI orientation introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
| Coming soon |
Academic Orientation |
| Coming soon |
Classes Begin |
| Coming soon |
Spring Break (no class) |
| Coming soon |
Classes End |
| Coming soon |
Program End & Housing Check-out Students must move out of SAI housing by 10:00am to return home or pursue independent travel. |
| SAI Program Fees* | USD |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $120 |
| Security Deposit Refundable at the end of the term. |
$300 |
| Program Fee Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
| Optional / Additional Fees: | |
| Optional Private Room Housing Supplement Private room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
Coming soon |
| International Mailing Supplement When applicable, students are charged an international mailing supplement to ensure visa paperwork arrives in a timely manner. |
$90 |
*prices are subject to change
Please see SAI Policies for SAI cancellation & withdrawal deadlines.
Note: certain SAI-affiliated US universities require specific payment arrangements. These may require that some fees are paid by the student directly to SAI, and other fees are paid to SAI by the affiliated university on behalf of the student. If you attend a SAI-affiliated university please contact your study abroad office or speak with your SAI Admissions Counselor for details.
| Budget | Low Est. | High Est. |
|---|---|---|
| Airfare to/from Lyon |
$900 | $1,800 |
| Visa |
$350 | $450 |
| Books, Supplies & Course Fees Course fees may be imposed to cover field trips and/or materials. |
$150/ course | $450/ course |
| Meals Includes groceries and eating out. |
$650 / month | $1,000 / month |
| Personal Expenses | $350 / month | $450 / month |
| Transportation within Lyon Public transportation with some taxi rides. |
$125 / month | $150 / month |
| Weekend Travel Cost varies greatly by student. |
$300 / month | $1,000 / month |
This is a SAI 360° Services Program; it includes our full services!
- Program tuition and U.S. academic credit
- Accommodation in carefully selected student housing
- Airport pickup on arrival day
- Welcome reception and events
- Orientation to the host city and school
- On-site staff who foster a welcoming community and provide assistance when needed
- SAI Viva Experience: cultural engagement, excursions & wellness activities
- Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
- 24-hour on-site emergency support
- Farewell event
Pre-departure and Re-entry services
- Knowledgeable Admissions Counselor dedicated to you, providing friendly assistance
- Helpful pre-departure tools and resources
- Parent & family resources
- Online student groups to acquaint you with other SAI students
- Student visa advising
- Assistance with financial aid processing
- Need-based SAI scholarships
- Alumni Ambassador Program, with paid internship opportunities
- SAI alumni network
SAI Viva Experience details coming soon!
Standard Housing: Student apartment
SAI student apartments are convenient and well equipped, with shared occupancy bedrooms (option to upgrade to private bedroom, if available). Typical residences house 2 – 8 students and contain a combination of private and shared bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and living areas. Furnishings, a washing machine, basic kitchen supplies, bed linens and towels are provided. All apartments are equipped with wireless Internet. Housing configurations are designated as female, male, and in some locations, gender-inclusive. SAI on-site staff is available to respond to any maintenance needs that may arise.
Passports
Passports should be valid for at least 3 months after planned departure from Europe.
Student Visas
In accordance with French law, students studying in France for 91 or more days are required to obtain a student visa. Those with French/EU citizenship are exempted. Non-US nationals should consult their local consulate for information on student visa requirements.
Students must appear in person at a TLS Contact Center to present their student visa application. Visa applicants living in the United States are able to set up their appointment at one of the ten visa centers regardless of their location. TLS Contact Centers are located in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington D.C. In some cases the nearest processing center may be in a neighboring state, which might necessitate air travel. Please plan and budget accordingly. Our Student Visa Office is available to assist students in getting ready for their appointment; SAI provides student visa consulting for all students at no cost.