Study at EM Lyon Business School

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Why Study at EM Lyon Business School?

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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.

For more detail, see also: ESSEC Business School: fees, admission (2026).

EM Lyon Programmes and Degrees

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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.

On the same topic, see our article: emlyon business school: Admissions, Requirements & Fees.

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.

Related reading: EDHEC BBA Score Requirements 2026: Grades & IELTS.

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.

On the same topic, see our article: Best Business Schools in France for International Students.

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.

Related reading: Coaching admission Master 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.

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I wanted to express my immense gratitude to My Dream School for their support throughout Grégoire's university application process in England and Spain. From the very beginning, they were present, available, and remarkably professional. Thanks to their guidance, expertise, and support, Grégoire was delighted to receive offers of admission from prestigious universities such as UCL, King's College London, and IE University. We would especially like to thank Adam for his support during the release of the Baccalaureate results. Grégoire's score on the Grand Oral exam, well below our expectations, jeopardized several of his admissions, particularly that of IE, which requires a minimum Baccalaureate level. This was a particularly stressful time for our entire family. During this difficult period, My Dream School provided invaluable support. They guided us calmly and efficiently, prepared the necessary letters, advised us on the steps to take, and helped us present the situation in the best possible light. Their responsiveness, experience, and commitment made all the difference. Today, Grégoire is preparing to join IE University, after considering King's College London, where he had also been accepted. This is a fantastic opportunity for him, and we know that your support greatly contributed to this success. Thank you, Adam and Laurence, for your availability and dedication. We are very grateful. Grégoire is thrilled to begin this new adventure, and we share his joy completely.

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I highly recommend Your Dream School to help your children/teenagers succeed in their exams. My son was accepted to Sciences Po Paris. Adam is not only very responsive and available, but he also immediately understands your needs. He will connect you with various tutors who are Sciences Po students themselves and will perfectly optimize your oral exam preparation. This is essential preparation because the oral exam is very specific. You will benefit from a great deal of flexibility in choosing the students, scheduling, and frequency, for example. It's a tailor-made approach that allows you to feel confident for the oral exam. My son was fortunate to be able to train in the best possible conditions with Emma and then Jeanne. Their dedication was crucial. My son was accepted to Sciences Po on his preferred campus. I can only thank Adam and his entire team!

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We are absolutely delighted with the support our daughter received. Thanks to their professionalism, expertise, and dedication, she was able to take top-quality English lessons and successfully prepare for her IELTS exam. Beyond English, the team also coached her for her business school entrance interviews. Their advice was invaluable, relevant, and perfectly tailored to her goals. They helped her build confidence, structure her presentations, and highlight her strengths. The results far exceeded our expectations: our daughter performed exceptionally well in her interviews and gained remarkable confidence. We particularly appreciated their availability, attentiveness, kindness, and ability to personalize their support. They are a passionate team truly committed to their students' success. A huge thank you for your help and support. We wholeheartedly recommend their services to all families who want to give their children the best possible chance of academic and professional success.

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I had the opportunity to be primarily guided by Adam for the academic guidance and Lawrence for building my application. Like my brother a few years ago, I am delighted with the results we achieved, particularly SOAS for my brother and King's College London for me. YDS adapts to each individual's profile and was very responsive whenever I needed help. I also greatly appreciated the teaching methods and support of my coach during my GRE preparation. I highly recommend them!

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I am so glad I chose to work with Your Dream School. Thanks to their support, I was able to gain admission to universities like IE University and ESCP Business School, as well as other programs through UCAS. I received exceptional support from Adam and Lawrence, who played a vital role throughout the entire process. They were always available, incredibly dedicated, and encouraged me to give my best. I highly recommend Your Dream School to anyone wishing to gain admission to selective international universities. Their dedication and expertise truly make a difference.

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