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Université catholique de lyon crest

Université catholique de lyon

Lyon, France • Founded 1875

Updated Oct 2026 · Source: ucly.fr

Overview

English Name: Université catholique de lyon
Local Name: Catholic University of Lyon
Acronyms: UCLy
Founded: 1875
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Religious Affiliation: Christian-Catholic
Université catholique de lyon institutional facilities
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Founded in 1875, the Université Catholique de Lyon (Catholic University of Lyon) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Lyon (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes.

Officially recognized by the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, France (Ministry of Higher Education and Research of France), Université Catholique de Lyon (UCLy) is a medium-sized coeducational French higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Université Catholique de Lyon (UCLy) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 149-year-old French higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

UCLy also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Université catholique de lyon's physical location and contact details are listed below.

Address: Campus Saint-Paul 10, place des Archives
Postal Code: 69002
Other Sites: Also Campus Carnot 23, place Carnot - 69002 Lyon - Campus Alpes Europe (Annecy)
Phone: +33 (0)4 72 32 50 12
Fax: +33 (0)4 72 32 50 19
Social Media:

Academic Details

Université catholique de lyon's academic profile in numbers is listed below.

Recognition: Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, France
Accrediting Agency: Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation
Admission Requirements: First-year Licence applications go through Parcoursup. First-year Master programmes agreed with a public university use Mon Master; other Master and later-year entries are handled directly by the faculty, school or institute. Non-EU applicants follow the Etudes en France procedure where their country uses it, and some programmes require a prior admission request (DAP). Doctoral applicants apply to the relevant unit.
Total Students: 12,100
Academic Staff Range: 400-499
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU) Coimbra Group

Degrees

Licence and Master in Psychology in partnership with Université Lumière Lyon 2. Master MEEF in partnership with University Lyon 1

Bachelor's 3 programs
  • Business Administration
  • Computer Science
  • Environmental Management
Master's 10 programs
  • Canon Law
  • Environmental Management
  • European Union Law
  • Human Rights
  • International Law
  • Philosophy
  • Primary Education
  • Psychology
  • Teacher Training
  • Theology
Doctoral 2 programs
  • Philosophy
  • Theology
Other 8 programs
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Educational Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Fine Arts
  • Foreign Languages Education
  • Law
  • Philosophy
  • Psychology

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, France.

Economics and Management (Faculty) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economics
  • Management
Law, Political and Social Sciences (Faculty) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Development Studies
  • Economics
  • Family Studies
  • Human Rights
  • Law
  • Management
  • Social Sciences
Letters and Languages (Faculty) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arts and Humanities
  • French
  • Modern Languages
  • Regional Studies
  • Translation and Interpretation
Philosophy and Human Sciences (Faculty) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Education
  • Philosophy
  • Psychology
  • Teacher Training
Science (Faculty) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Health Education
  • Laboratory Techniques
  • Natural Sciences
Theology (Faculty) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Judaic Religious Studies
  • Pastoral Studies
  • Religious Studies
  • Theology
Family Studies (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Family Studies
  • Private Law
Human Rights (IDHL) (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Human Rights
Business School (ESDES) (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Management
ESTBB (School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Engineering
Languages and Communication Studies (ESTRI) (School) 9 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Chinese
  • Communication Studies
  • English
  • German
  • Italian
  • Modern Languages
  • Spanish
  • Translation and Interpretation
Quality, Security, Heath and Environment (ESQESE) (School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Environmental Management
  • Environmental Studies

Programs Offered

All active programmes at Université catholique de lyon are listed by degree level.

75 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in France

Bachelor's Degree 50 programmes

Showing 10 of 50.

Master's Degree 23 programmes

Master's Degree in Formations des écoles d'ingénieurs
General Engineering

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 23.

Doctorate 2 programmes

Scholarships in France

Scholarships and grants accessible to students attending Université catholique de lyon or other universities in France are below.

Aide à la mobilité internationale
French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (etudiant.gouv.fr) · Government funded · 400 EUR per monthly · Travel · Covers Travel
Grant of 400 EUR per month for a study or internship stay abroad of 1 to 10 consecutive months that forms part of the degree programme; no more than 10 months in total across all higher education.
Bourse sur critères sociaux
French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (etudiant.gouv.fr) · Government funded · 6,335 EUR per year · Living Stipend · Covers Living
Monthly national grant paid over 10 months by the Crous, with eight échelons from 0 bis to 7 ranging from 1,454 EUR to 6,335 EUR per year (1,745 to 7,602 EUR if kept over the summer); overseas territories receive a supplement of 300 EUR.
Erasmus+ mobility grant
French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (etudiant.gouv.fr) · Other funded · Travel · Covers Travel
Monthly grant generally between 300 and 700 EUR depending on destination and whether the stay is a study period or an internship; 786 EUR for students of overseas institutions; supplements of 250 EUR per month for students meeting inclusion criteria and a sustainable-travel supplement.
ESSEC Foundation Need-based Scholarship
ESSEC Foundation · Foundation funded · 20,000 EUR per total · Partial Tuition
Need-based tuition aid for ESSEC students facing financial difficulties: average 5,000 EUR, maximum 20,000 EUR, and 15,000 EUR over three years; 447 scholarship students were supported in 2025.
France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship
Campus France · Government funded · International students · 1,200 EUR per monthly · Living Stipend · Covers Living, Travel, Insurance
Monthly allowance of 1,200 EUR for master students (up to 12 months for M2, 24 for M1, 36 for engineering degrees) and 2,100 EUR for doctoral students (12 to 36 months), plus international transport, insurance, housing search and cultural activities; tuition fees are not covered.

How to apply to Université catholique de lyon

What applying to Université catholique de lyon involves, in five steps.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Université catholique de lyon's catalogue includes 75 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Université catholique de lyon's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Submit your completed application through Université catholique de lyon's official website at www.ucly.fr. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +33 (0)4 72 32 50 12. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Université catholique de lyon

Below are key facts about Université catholique de lyon, drawn directly from institutional records.

When was Université catholique de lyon founded?

Université catholique de lyon was established in 1875 (approximately 151 years ago).

Where can I find Université catholique de lyon?

The institution is located in Lyon, France.

What is Université catholique de lyon's control type?

It is a private higher-education institution.

How many students does Université catholique de lyon have?

The institution has a student body of 12,100.

What degrees does Université catholique de lyon offer?

Programmes at Université catholique de lyon cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.

What is Université catholique de lyon's religious tradition?

Université catholique de lyon is associated with Christian-Catholic.

Is Université catholique de lyon officially recognised?

Yes, Université catholique de lyon is recognised by Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.

How do I find Université catholique de lyon online?

The institution's website is www.ucly.fr.

Top-Ranked Universities in France

Graduate-school placement rates among France's top universities set the upper bound for that signal. Université catholique de lyon's placement rate relative to leaders is one signal of academic preparation depth.

Members of International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU)

Université catholique de lyon and the universities below are both members of International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU).

Other French Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic

Universities affiliated with Christian-Catholic in France are listed below.

Faculties at nearby universities

These universities are located near Université catholique de lyon, listed below for students comparing options by location.

Where Else to Study Law

Universities in France with Law programmes appear below, alongside Université catholique de lyon.

Universities Compared with Université catholique de lyon

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