Finding your way

A short or a long course of studies? Multidisciplinary or specialized training? In a university or a private school? Build your post-baccalaureate pathway by choosing training that corresponds to your professional project, your personality, your scholastic ability, etc.

The different types of establishments of higher education

There are several types of establishments of higher education in Lyon Metropole, including universities, grandes écoles and preparatory classes, specialized schools (engineering, business, healthcare, etc.) and technical universities.

On LyonCampus, you’ll find the list of all establishments (french only) and a map of the campuses (french only) in Lyon Metropole.

A public or private establishment?

There are both public and private establishments in France, with a differences in enrollment fees:

• Enrollment fees are established by law for public establishments, which are government-supervised and funded and accept scholarship students. These are, most notably, the universities.

• Enrollment fees are set individually by private establishments with or without a contract and consular establishments (attached to the CCIs). For this type of establishment, check to see whether your diploma is recognized by the State and whether your training gives you access to CROUS scholarships. This will not necessarily be the case.

There are several types of training that correspond to your choice of profession. In Lyon Metropole there is over 1,000 training courses of all types over the area.

• Initial training: this is the traditional type of training, where you study “full time”. With this type of training, you have the possibility of doing an internship.

• Work-study training: this allows you to be in contact with the world of business, alternating theory and practice. The company you work for also pays your school fees. If you attend a private school, your training will be less expensive.

• Remote training: you follow a full program and receive your courses by email or postal mail. You must turn in homework and be physically present at year-end exams.

• Online training: dedicated online platforms propose courses to work on for training. You do not receive a diploma, but your skill is recognized. There are also free online courses for gaining greater in-depth knowledge.

• Professional training: if you are already working, you can ask your employer for short training courses to develop your skills.

• Continuing education: for individuals who are already working and training through their company.

Aids from your establishments

If you are still in high school

You have several resources to help you find an orientation:

• Among your school’s staff members, your head teacher is the person most familiar with your school activity and results. Feel free to ask him or her for advice on your orientation with respect to the subjects you are best-equipped to handle.

• Your school’s CDI (documentation center) can propose a number of brochures to help you make a choice, along with information on various professions, ONISEP information, etc.

• The orientation psychologists from your academic area (formerly known as “orientation counselors”) can help you decide on an orientation. You can ask for one or more appointments with the psychologist by contacting the CPE in your establishment.

If you are already a student in higher education

Universities throughout the metropolitan area propose orientation services for their students, with an individualized reception, workshops and support from an orientation psychologist. You can contact them if you have questions about your orientation or if you want to change your course of study:

• SOIE at Lyon 1

• SCUIO-IP at Lyon 2 Porte des Alpes campus (Bron)

• CIDO at Lyon 3

• Ucly reorientation mission: mission.orientation(a)univ-catholyon.fr 

• Orientation Center on the HEP René Cassin campus: orientation(a)campushep-lyon.com

If the school or university you want to attend has an alumnae network, feel free to contact former graduates to get feedback on the training programs you’re interested in.

The Centres d’information et d’orientation (CIOs, or information and orientation centers) are services that are part of the Ministry of National Education. They are open to the public and free of charge. They allow you to consult with orientation professionals on any questions you might have about your higher educational pathway.

Click here for the list of CIOs in the Lyon academic area.

Among the Lyon Métropole welcome, information and orientation entities, the following are also free of charge:

• Your nearest local mission and the Maison Lyon pour l’Emploi job center let you meet with counselors, in particular as concerns professionally recognized training, school dropout, etc.

• The Centre Régional d’Information Jeunesse (CRIJ), and the youth information offices in the various municipalities of Lyon Métropole.

• At the International Information Center – Euroguidance in Lyon for all questions concerning orientation in Europe.

The list of orientation entities in Lyon and the surrounding area

Directory of counsellors for support

Private entities specialized in orientation also propose support services and coaching for a fee: compare rates and opinions on the internet before opting for paid coaching.

Orientation by the Rhône-Alpes Region: All regional training programs and assistance for finding an internship or employment.

Infos-Jeunes: Lots of advice on how to choose your orientation.

Les Promeneurs du Net: Counselors for the young are available through the social networks for answering all your questions.

Onisep: Complete information on trades and professions and assistance for finding a profession.

Mon Orientation en Ligne: To contact a counselor directly and free of charge.

Etudiant.gouv: Complete information and guidance for students.

Orientation pour Tous: Advice on training and a list of available training programs.

Info Jeunesse: To learn more about various professions according to your centers of interest.

L’étudiant: A site that is fully devoted to orientation. Be careful, however, some articles may have been sponsored by private schools.

Pôle Emploi: If you have dropped out of school but want to find training or if you want to speak to a counselor about taking up your studies again.

Jobs IRL: A network for direct contact with thousands of professionals and students to have concrete information on professions and job possibilities.