Every year, thousands of students want a European business degree without spending a year learning French first. It's entirely possible — France has a growing number of English-taught programs, and Lyon, the country's second-largest economic hub, is one of the best places to do it.
Can you really study in France in English?
Yes. At LIBS, the Bachelor and Master's programs are taught entirely in English — lectures, coursework and exams. You don't need any French to start. What makes the difference for international students isn't only the language of instruction, though; it's whether the school helps you actually get to and settle in the country. That's the gap LIBS is built to close, through its Concierge Desk.
You also learn French as you go: free French as a Foreign Language (FLE) classes run alongside the program, so you graduate with professional French on top of your degree — a real advantage on the European job market.
The programs
| Program | Duration | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor in International Business | 3 years | Management, international marketing & trade, digital business, intercultural communication |
| Master's in International Management | 2 years | Global strategy & leadership, international marketing, entrepreneurship, cross-cultural management |
Both are taught in English and open to international and French students. Students are enrolled at École de Commerce de Lyon and receive the school's diploma, with a LIBS international specialisation. Exact terms are always confirmed in writing before you enrol.
Already in Europe? You've done the hard part.
If you already hold a student visa or residence permit in a Schengen country, you can study in France without restarting immigration from zero. Here's why students around France often find the move straightforward:
🇮🇹 From Italy
Milan and Turin are a short train ride from Lyon. If you're finishing a bachelor or feel your current program isn't in English, LIBS is an easy continental move.
🇨🇭 From Switzerland
Geneva sits on Lyon's doorstep. Continue in English, at French tuition levels and cost of living, without leaving the region you know.
🇧🇪 From Belgium
Already studying in English in Brussels or Antwerp? Bring your momentum to Lyon and add professional French to your profile.
🇱🇺 From Luxembourg
A trilingual hub next door — a French English-taught degree fits naturally and keeps you close to home.
🇩🇪 From Germany
Frankfurt and Stuttgart connect fast to Lyon. Study business in English in France while staying in the Schengen area.
🇪🇸🇳🇱 & elsewhere
From Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal, Austria — anywhere in the Schengen area on a valid permit, talk to us about joining.
Already living in Europe?
See how you can transfer or enrol, and when the next intake is.
Applying from outside Europe
Coming from India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Brazil, Vietnam or anywhere else? LIBS was built for exactly this. The path is clear from your first message: talk to an advisor, apply, get admitted in writing, then let the Concierge Desk guide you through the student-visa process and your arrival in Lyon.
Applying from abroad?
We guide you from application to arrival — visa, housing, onboarding.
Visa & the Concierge Desk
For students from outside Europe, a French student visa is normally required. Admission and visa outcomes always depend on your individual file and the French authorities — no serious school can promise a visa, and LIBS won't either. What we do promise is honest guidance and a real person walking you through it: the Concierge Desk supports you with the visa process, housing, opening a bank account, and settling into the city.
Cost of living in Lyon
Lyon offers big-city opportunities at a fraction of Paris's cost. As a rough monthly budget, most international students plan for:
| Item | Typical monthly range |
|---|---|
| Rent (student housing / shared) | €450 – €700 |
| Food | €200 – €300 |
| Transport (city pass) | €35 – €70 |
| Everyday life | €100 – €150 |
The Concierge Desk helps you find housing before you arrive, so you land with a place to stay rather than searching from a hotel.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study business in France entirely in English?
Yes. LIBS offers Bachelor and Master's degrees in international business taught entirely in English, in Lyon. No prior French is required to start, and free French classes are provided alongside your program.
Do I need a French student visa, and does LIBS help?
If you come from outside Europe, you'll normally need a French student visa. LIBS's Concierge Desk guides you through the process, along with housing, a bank account and onboarding. If you already live in the Schengen area on a valid student visa or residence permit, you don't need to restart the immigration process.
I already live in Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg or Germany. Can I join LIBS?
Yes. Students already in Europe on a valid visa or residence permit can study at LIBS in Lyon without starting immigration from zero. Contact the Concierge Desk to see how you can transfer or enrol and when the next intake is.
How much does it cost to live in Lyon as a student?
Lyon is significantly more affordable than Paris. Most international students budget roughly €800–€1,100 per month for rent, food and transport, depending on housing. The Concierge Desk helps you find housing before you arrive.
What diploma will I receive?
Students are enrolled at École de Commerce de Lyon and receive the school's diploma, with a LIBS international specialisation. Exact terms are confirmed in writing before enrolment.
When are the intakes?
LIBS recruits for the main October intake and, depending on availability, delayed (décalé) intakes. Request information and an advisor will confirm the next available start date for your program.
Ready to talk to a LIBS advisor?
Tell us where you are today — we'll tell you how and when you can start.