Do you dream of spending your semester abroad at one of Europe’s most traditional yet modern business schools—in a city that uniquely combines enjoyment, culture, and quality of life? Then EMLyon Business School in Lyon is the perfect fit for you. As one of France’s oldest business schools, EMLyon combines over 150 years of experience with a radically forward-looking educational approach: Here, we don’t just train managers—we develop “early makers,” people who don’t just come up with ideas, but actually bring them to life. On our website, you’ll find everything you need to know about the school, the campus, and life in Lyon—so that your dream of studying in France can become a reality. Who knows—maybe you’ll soon be exploring the traboules of Vieux-Lyon, enjoying a dîner at the city’s oldest bouchon, and having the experience of a lifetime?
EMLyon Business School is one of the most prestigious business schools in France and Europe. Founded in 1872 by the Lyon Chamber of Commerce, it is one of the oldest business schools on the continent. What began as a regional educational institution has evolved into a globally connected university with campuses in Lyon, Paris, Shanghai, Mumbai, and Bhubaneswar—and a philosophy that is as clear as it is bold: Students here should not only understand the world, but also actively shape it.
At the heart of this approach is the concept of “early makers.” Students at EMLyon are encouraged to think like entrepreneurs from the very beginning: creatively, responsibly, and with a willingness to take risks. This guiding principle permeates every aspect of student life: from project-based learning formats to collaborations with startups and major corporations, all the way to students’ own startup ventures, which are actively supported by the school’s in-house entrepreneurship ecosystem. Students at EMLyon are not merely prepared to eventually work in the business world—they do so from day one. The teaching concept combines academic rigor with a clear practical focus. Faculty members from academia and industry work closely together, case studies are based on real-world challenges, and international partnerships with leading companies ensure that what students learn is immediately applicable. The degree programs are consistently geared toward the demands of a global economy, with a strong focus on innovation, sustainable business practices, and digital transformation.
EMLyon’s international character is not just a footnote but a way of life. More than 100 nationalities are represented on campus; the language of instruction in many programs is English; and a dense network of over 320 partner universities worldwide opens doors on every continent. Last but not least, the extensive alumni network of over 30,000 “makers” around the globe makes EMLyon a true career accelerator—even while students are still in school. No wonder, then, that EMLyon Business School regularly ranks among the top institutions for management studies in Europe in international rankings and is accredited with the Triple Crown, the highest international distinction in business education. Anyone who spends a semester here benefits not only from a prestigious name on their resume but also from an experience that has a lasting impact on their way of thinking and working.
The main campus of EMLyon Business School is located in Écully, a quiet suburb west of Lyon, which is about a 15-minute bus or car ride from the city center. What appears from the outside to be a modern university complex turns out, upon closer inspection, to be a true ecosystem for doers: The architecture is open, airy, and designed to foster interaction—there is equal space here for individual work and collaborative thinking. At the heart of the campus is the Innovation Hub, a modern creative center featuring open workspaces, design thinking rooms, makerspaces, and digital labs. This is where startups, research projects, and interdisciplinary teams take shape. The campus also features well-equipped seminar rooms, libraries, several restaurants and cafeterias, as well as sports and recreational facilities. The campus thrives on its community. Numerous student clubs and organizations—ranging from finance and marketing associations to cultural and sports groups—ensure that a sense of community extends beyond the classroom. For international exchange students, EMLyon’s buddy program is a great starting point for quickly making connections and getting to know the university from the inside.
In addition to its main campus in Écully, EMLyon has been operating its own campus in the heart of Paris for several years. While this location is generally not of primary relevance to exchange students, it clearly demonstrates the university’s strategic growth path and provides access to the French capital through events, networking, and alumni connections.
Lyon is a city you might underestimate at first—but one that never lets you go.With a population of around 500,000 (and about 2.3 million in the metropolitan area), Lyon is France’s third-largest city, but perhaps the most livable. Here, history meets modernity, indulgence meets dynamism, and the relaxed French joie de vivre meets a robust economic pulse. The heart of the city is Vieux-Lyon, Europe’s largest preserved Renaissance district and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. Narrow alleys, ochre- and pink-colored facades, hidden courtyards—and then, if you look closely: the traboules, secret passageways between rows of houses that were once used by silk weavers and are now among the city’s most fascinating spots. Perched atop the hill above them is the Fourvière Basilica—offering a view of the city that leaves you momentarily speechless. But Lyon is also the gastronomic capital of France—and, in the opinion of many, even of Europe. Paul Bocuse and the concept of the bouchons lyonnais—small, traditional bistros serving hearty cuisine—are world-renowned. For students, this means an incredible variety of restaurants, markets, and culinary experiences that offer something for every taste and budget.
The city is compact, well-connected by tram, metro, and bus, and much of it can be easily explored on foot or by bike. At the same time, Lyon is ideally located for short trips: Geneva is just a 2-hour journey away, Paris is about 2 hours away by TGV, the Alps can be reached in 90 minutes in winter, and the Côte d’Azur beckons in less than 3 hours. Hardly any other student city in Europe offers such a favorable geographical location. Student life in Lyon is vibrant and diverse: cultural events, concerts, the famous Fête des Lumières in December, and a strong network of universities and students make Lyon a true student city with genuine charm.
Compared to Paris, the cost of living in Lyon is significantly lower. For a furnished room in a shared apartment or a small studio in the popular 7th arrondissement, in Croix-Rousse, or in the Guillotière, you can expect to pay around 450 to 650 euros per month. More affordable alternatives are available at the CROUS dormitories (French Student Services). For exchange students, it’s also worth checking directly with EMLyon about their housing options, as the university partners with various residences.
Munich Business School (MBS) offers you the chance to combine your studies in Munich with an Erasmus semester at EMLyon Business School in Lyon—all within a single program! You can complete your semester abroad at EMLyon as part of either a bachelor’s degree in International Business or a master’s degree in International Business, Finance, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, or International Marketing and Brand Management at MBS. Learn more about our degree programs now and find the one that’s the best fit for you.
Note: Despite careful maintenance of our content, individual details regarding the semester abroad may occasionally change. For binding and up-to-date information, we recommend checking our partner university database.
Have you found a degree program that interests you? If so, you can easily apply through the MBS application portal. Provided you meet the necessary academic and language requirements, you will then be invited to a selection interview. We recommend applying early to give yourself the best chance of being accepted to study at both Munich Business School and EMLyon Business School in Lyon!
Once your application to Munich Business School has been accepted and you have successfully enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s program, your time as a student in Munich begins. During your first semesters at Munich Business School, you’ll acquire important business fundamentals, choose your areas of concentration and electives based on your degree program and interests, and collaborate with your fellow students on exciting projects.
Your first semesters at Munich Business School are also the ideal time to plan your Erasmus semester at EMLyon Business School. When you’ll study abroad in Lyon depends on your degree program and when you started your studies. If you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Munich Business School and began your studies in the fall, your semester abroad will take place during your fourth semester. However, if you started your bachelor’s program in February, you’ll go abroad in the sixth semester. For master’s students, the semester abroad is scheduled for the third semester. The MBS International Center is here to help you plan your semester abroad at EMLyon and answer all your questions about course selection, housing, and student life.
Now that you’ve successfully completed your first semesters at Munich Business School and finalized your plans for your semester abroad at EMLyon, it’s finally time to get started. Yay, your Erasmus semester in Lyon is about to begin! Immerse yourself in the new university culture, make new friends, discover France’s most delightful city for food and wine, and create memories that will last a lifetime! One thing is certain: the experience of studying abroad at EMLyon Business School will stay with you forever—and you’ll return a changed person.
After your semester abroad, you’ll either return to Munich Business School for one to three more semesters (Bachelor’s program) or complete your degree with your thesis (Master’s program).
To qualify for a business degree program at Munich Business School—and thus also at EMLyon Business School in Lyon—you must meet certain academic and language requirements. MBS offers several application rounds. We recommend applying early, as the number of available spots is limited.
An Erasmus semester at EMLyon Business School in Lyon (École de Management de Lyon) is an extraordinary experience—both academically and personally. At the same time, studying in France, the cost of living, and the logistics of an Erasmus semester raise many questions. To help you start your adventure well-prepared, here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about studying at EMLyon.
EMLyon Business School is one of the leading business schools in Europe and France. It is one of fewer than 100 institutions worldwide to hold the so-called “Triple Crown”—that is, to be accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA simultaneously. In international rankings such as the Financial Times European Business School Ranking and the QS World University Rankings by Subject, EMLyon consistently ranks among the top institutions for management studies in Europe. For exchange students, EMLyon offers an internationally oriented learning environment of high academic caliber—combined with the distinctive entrepreneurial educational concept of the “early makers.”
Yes—exchange students can complete their studies at EMLyon entirely in English. The university offers a wide selection of English-language courses in management, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and more. Knowledge of French is not a requirement for the Erasmus semester, but it can certainly enrich your daily life in Lyon and your interactions with local students. If you’d like to use this time to acquire basic language skills, you’ll find numerous courses and opportunities at EMLyon and throughout the city.
As an Erasmus exchange student through Munich Business School, you won’t have to pay any additional tuition fees at EMLyon Business School—you’ll continue to pay only your regular tuition fees at MBS. For living expenses in Lyon, you should expect monthly costs of approximately 900 to 1,300 euros, depending on your housing situation and personal lifestyle. Compared to other major cities in Western Europe, Lyon is quite affordable. In addition, as an Erasmus student, you’ll generally benefit from Erasmus funding provided by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) or directly through the EU’s Erasmus program, which can cover part of the additional costs.
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