Why Study at EM Lyon Business School?
EM Lyon Business School, founded in 1872, is one of France’s oldest and most prestigious business schools. Located in the vibrant city of Lyon, France’s second-largest metropolitan area, EM Lyon holds the prestigious triple accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA), a distinction shared by fewer than 1% of business schools worldwide. The school is renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit, with over 30,000 alumni driving innovation across the globe.
EM Lyon stands out for its “early makers” philosophy, encouraging students to think creatively, experiment, and develop an entrepreneurial mindset regardless of their career aspirations. The school has been a pioneer in blending business education with technology and design thinking, offering students a forward-looking curriculum that prepares them for the evolving demands of the global economy.
In 2024, EM Lyon inaugurated its stunning new campus in the heart of Lyon’s Gerland district, a state-of-the-art facility designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. This move reinforces the school’s position as a leading institution in European business education.
EM Lyon Programmes and Degrees
Programme Grande Ecole (Master in Management)
The flagship Programme Grande Ecole is a two to three-year Master in Management designed for students seeking a comprehensive business education with strong international exposure. The programme includes mandatory international exchanges with over 190 partner universities worldwide, as well as professional internships. Students can customize their studies through a wide range of specializations and elective courses.
Specialized MSc Programmes
EM Lyon offers several specialized MSc programmes taught in English, including MSc in Management, MSc in Finance, MSc in Digital Marketing and Data Science, and MSc in Strategy and International Business. These programmes attract a highly international cohort and provide focused expertise in key business domains.
Global BBA
The Global BBA is a four-year undergraduate programme that offers students the opportunity to study across multiple campuses and gain international work experience through internships. The programme is ideal for students who want to start their business education immediately after high school with a global perspective.
Campus Life at EM Lyon
Lyon is consistently ranked as one of France’s best cities for students, offering an exceptional quality of life at a more affordable cost than Paris. Known as the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon boasts a rich cultural scene, excellent public transport, and a thriving startup ecosystem. The city’s central location provides easy access to the French Alps for skiing, the Mediterranean coast, and major European cities.
EM Lyon’s new Gerland campus features cutting-edge facilities including a makers’ lab, collaborative workspaces, a media studio, and innovative learning environments. With over 50 student associations covering everything from finance and consulting to sports, arts, and social impact, student life is dynamic and engaging.
EM Lyon Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements vary by programme. For the Programme Grande Ecole (international track):
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution
- Competitive GMAT, GRE, or TAGE MAGE score
- English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge)
- Strong academic record and extracurricular involvement
- Motivation letter and professional references
- Interview (in-person or virtual)
For the MSc programmes, applicants typically need a four-year bachelor’s degree, strong English proficiency, and relevant academic or professional background in their chosen field of study.
EM Lyon Acceptance Rate and Selectivity
EM Lyon is selective across its programmes. The Programme Grande Ecole has an acceptance rate of approximately 20-25% for international candidates. The school receives thousands of applications each year and carefully selects students based on academic excellence, professional potential, and alignment with the school’s entrepreneurial values.
Cost of Studying at EM Lyon
Tuition fees for the Programme Grande Ecole are approximately EUR 19,500 per year for EU students and EUR 24,000 per year for non-EU students (2025-2026). MSc programme fees range from EUR 22,000 to EUR 30,000 depending on the specialization. Living costs in Lyon are significantly more affordable than Paris, with students typically spending EUR 800-1,200 per month on accommodation, food, and transportation. EM Lyon offers merit-based and need-based scholarships to help offset tuition costs.
Career Outcomes and Employment After EM Lyon
EM Lyon graduates benefit from strong career support and an active alumni network. Within six months of graduation, approximately 90% of Programme Grande Ecole graduates secure employment. Key recruiting sectors include consulting (25%), finance and banking (20%), technology and digital (18%), luxury and consumer goods (12%), and industry (10%). The average starting salary for graduates ranges from EUR 42,000 to EUR 55,000 depending on the programme and sector.
Major recruiters include L’Oreal, LVMH, EY, Deloitte, Capgemini, Sanofi, Amazon, and numerous French and international companies. Lyon’s growing tech and startup ecosystem also provides ample opportunities for entrepreneurially minded graduates.
How EM Lyon Compares to Other Top French Business Schools
EM Lyon is typically ranked among the top 5 business schools in France, alongside HEC Paris, ESSEC, ESCP, and EDHEC. While HEC Paris commands the top spot in most French rankings, EM Lyon distinguishes itself through its strong entrepreneurial focus, innovative pedagogy, and excellent location in France’s second city. The school offers an outstanding balance of academic rigor, practical experience, and international exposure at a more accessible tuition compared to some Parisian institutions.
Visa and Work Permits for International Students
International students accepted at EM Lyon will need to apply for a French student visa (VLS-TS). EM Lyon’s international office provides comprehensive support throughout the visa process. After graduation, non-EU students can apply for a temporary residence permit to search for employment in France. Lyon’s strong economy and growing international business community make it an attractive destination for graduates seeking to begin their careers in France.
Frequently Asked Questions About EM Lyon
Is EM Lyon a good school?
Absolutely. EM Lyon holds the prestigious triple accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA), places consistently in the top 5 French business schools, and is well-regarded internationally. Its strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation makes it particularly attractive for students with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Is Lyon a good city for international students?
Lyon is regularly rated one of the best student cities in France. It offers excellent quality of life, a rich cultural scene, world-famous gastronomy, and a lower cost of living than Paris. The city has a large student population and a vibrant international community.
Can I study in English at EM Lyon?
Yes. All MSc programmes are taught entirely in English, and the Programme Grande Ecole offers an English track. While learning French is encouraged and will enhance your experience in Lyon, it is not a requirement for admission to English-taught programmes.
How YourDreamSchool Can Help You Get Into EM Lyon
At YourDreamSchool, our admissions experts have extensive experience guiding international students through the EM Lyon application process. Whether you need help choosing the right programme, crafting compelling application essays, preparing for interviews, or navigating the French visa process, we provide personalized support every step of the way. Contact us today to explore your path to EM Lyon Business School.