Who can apply?
Admissions to M1 level (Sciences du Vivant):
The International Master in Life Sciences program admits a maximum of 25 students annually. Admission requires proficiency in English at a minimum B2 level and a Bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS for students in Europe, or a minimum of 3 years of higher education for non-EU candidates) in Biology, Biochemistry, Physics, Chemistry, etc. For students with a Biology background, a strong knowledge of molecular and cellular biology is expected (e.g., a good understanding of “Molecular Biology of the Cell”, Alberts et al.). Non-biologists should have completed at least an introductory biology course. We seek curious students eager to advance in biology beyond disciplinary boundaries.
Admissions to M2 level (Frontiers in Biology):
Students who have successfully validated an M1 level (or equivalent) from another Master’s program may directly apply to our program at M2 level. Admissions are contingent upon spot availability. Students who successfully completed the first year of our program are admitted into M2 Frontiers in Biology
Fees
- Application fees: There are no application fees for our program. However, the Etudes en France application process (see below) may include a visa-related fee payable at the embassy.
- Tuition fees: Tuition fees at Université Lyon 1 are detailed on this page (in French). As a reference, the tuition fee was 254€ for the 2025-2026 academic year. For 2026–2027, international students are exempt from the higher non-EU tuition fees and pay the same tuition as EU students. Please note that the application of differentiated tuition fees for non-EU students is determined by the university and reviewed annually, typically at the beginning of the calendar year for the following September intake.
- Contribution to student and campus life: All students must pay the national CVEC fee before enrolling in a French higher education institution. This fee is collected by the CROUS and supports student services and activities related to social life, health, culture, and sports. As a reference, the CVEC fee was 105€ in 2025.
- For estimates and practical information regarding living expenses in Lyon, please refer to the practical guide provided by the Université Lyon 1 International Office. While intended for exchange students, it also offers useful information for all international students.
How to apply?
European applicants (nationals of European Union, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Andorra or Monaco)
M1 level:
- Apply via the Mon Master platform (between February 17 and March 16, 2026).
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a virtual interview (April-May) to assess their motivation, general knowledge of biology, and proficiency in English.
- Admission results and confirmation period: June 3-16, 2026
- Complementary phase: please refer to the Mon Master platform for details
M2 level:
- Apply via eCandidat (between April 13 and May 21, 2026).
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a virtual interview (June) to assess their motivation, general knowledge of biology, and proficiency in English.
- Admission results: June 26-30, 2026
- Confirmation deadline for admitted students: July 13, 2026.
Applicants of other nationalities residing in a country subject to the ‘Études en France’ procedure
For both M1 and M2 levels, you must follow the ‘Études en France’ procedure until you obtain a student visa. Please consult this page to check whether the Études en France procedure applies to you.
- Contact the Campus France office in your country of residence for detailed information on the enrollment procedure and their specific registration deadlines (usually occurring early in the academic year).
- Campus France will review and transmit eligible applications to our program (mid-March)
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a virtual interview (April) to assess their motivation, general knowledge of biology, and proficiency in English.
- Admission results: April 30, 2026
- Confirmation deadline for admitted students: May 31, 2026.
NB: The video below explains how to find our program on the Etude en France database.
Applicants of other nationalities residing in a country not subject to the ‘Études en France’ procedure
You may follow the same procedure as European applicants. If admitted, you must regularize your status with the French consulate in your country of residence. This includes verifying your eligibility to study in France and, if necessary, applying for a student visa.
International applicants in mobility, exchange or cooperation agreement programs
See the UCBL page describing the specific modalities of Foreign students in exchange programs.
Additional information for international students
See the UCBL page dedicated to International students