Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1
Villeurbanne, France • Founded 1970 • QS 2027 #613 =
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Established in 1971, the Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (Claude Bernard University Lyon 1) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Villeurbanne (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes.
This institution also has a branch campus in Bourg-en-Bresse and Saint-Étienne. Officially recognized by the Ministère de lEnseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, France (Ministry of Higher Education and Research of France), Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (UCBL) is a large-sized coeducational French higher education institution.
Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (UCBL) 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 53-year-old French higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
UCBL also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1's coordinates, postal address, and the contact channels admissions teams respond on. Campus tour bookings often have their own page distinct from general contact channels.
Academic Details
The academic indicators below give context on how Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 operates at scale. A lower staff-to-student ratio generally signals more faculty access, though research-heavy institutions skew the read.
Degrees
Also various professional qualifications for health personnel
Master's 34 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Applied Mathematics
- Atomic and Molecular Physics
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Documentation Techniques
- Earth Sciences
- Economics
- Electronic Engineering
- Electronics and Automation
- Environmental Studies
- Finance
- Genetics
- Health Education
- Health Sciences
- Information Sciences
- Library Science
- Management
- Mathematics
- Mechanics
- Medical Technology
- Microbiology
- Neurosciences
- Pharmacology
- Philosophy
- Physical Chemistry
- Physics
- Physiology
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sports Medicine
- Teacher Training
Doctoral 30 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Anthropology
- Astrophysics
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Cognitive Sciences
- Economics
- Educational Sciences
- Electronic Engineering
- Electronics and Automation
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Information Sciences
- Management
- Marketing
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Neurosciences
- Nutrition
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
- Physics
- Physiology
- Social Psychology
- Sociology
- Sports
Other 25 programs
- Biochemistry
- Bioengineering
- Biology
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Dentistry
- Earth Sciences
- Electrical Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Industrial Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Social Sciences
- Sports
- Thermal Engineering
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministère de lEnseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, France.
Astronomy (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Astrophysics
Research in Human Biology (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
Common Career Paths
- Biologist
- Lab Technician
- Research Scientist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Bioscience (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Biology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Statistician
- Actuary
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Dentistry (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
Common Career Paths
- Dentist
- Oral Surgeon
- Dental Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (Lyon Est) (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine and Maïeutics Lyon Sud – Charles Mérieux) (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Physical Education and Sports (STAPS) (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Physical Education
- Sports
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Polytech Lyon (Graduate School) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
Finance and Insurance (ISFA) (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Finance
- Insurance
Common Career Paths
- Financial Analyst
- Investment Banker
- Risk Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Pharmacy and Biology (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Readaptation Techniques (ISTR) (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medical Technology
- Rehabilitation and Therapy
Teacher Training (ESPE) (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Teacher Trainers Education
- Teacher Training
Technology (IUT Lyon 1) (Institute) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biotechnology
- Computer Engineering
- Technology
- Thermal Engineering
Observatory of the Sciences of the Universe (OSU) (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Astrophysics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1's programme list, with search and degree-level grouping. Search matches programme names; if you don't see your subject, check the divisions section to locate the relevant faculty.
232 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in France
Bachelor's Degree 10 programmes
Master's Degree 219 programmes
Showing 10 of 219.
How to apply to Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1
Below is a five-step path through the application process at Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 offers 232 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Each programme at Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Get your documents ready
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Apply directly via Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1's online portal at www.univ-lyon1.fr. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Reach out and track your application
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +33 (0)4 72 44 80 00. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1
Common questions about Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 answered concisely, with each answer grounded in the institution's published data.
In what year was Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 established?
Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 was founded in 1970 (approximately 56 years ago).
In which city is Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1?
Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 is based in Villeurbanne, France.
Is Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 public or private?
Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 is a public institution.
How many students study at Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1?
Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 has approximately 45,000 students.
What is Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1's ranking?
Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 is ranked QS 2027 #613 =.
What degrees does Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 offer?
Programmes at Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 cover master's and doctoral programmes.
Who recognises Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1?
Yes, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 is recognised by Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.
Where can I learn more about Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1?
You can find Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 online at www.univ-lyon1.fr.
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