Lyon is a popular relocation destination for engineering, pharmaceutical and tech professionals moving to France. While the city has a smaller international school sector than Paris, the schools that exist are well established and competitively priced compared with the capital.
This 2026 cost guide breaks down international school fees in Lyon by age group, school type and the extras that families should budget for during their first year.
How International School Fees in Lyon Are Built
Fees at Lyon international schools typically include:
- Annual tuition, billed in three trimesters.
- One-off registration fee: €150 - €400 per application.
- Enrolment fee on first acceptance: €1,000 - €2,500.
- Refundable deposit: Usually one trimester of tuition, returned at the end of schooling.
- Optional capital contribution: Annual €500 - €1,500 at some schools.
2026 Tuition Ranges by Age Group
Indicative ranges for Lyon international schools in 2026 (euros, annual):
- Early years and Kindergarten: €6,500 - €10,500
- Primary: €8,500 - €13,500
- Middle years (Collège): €11,000 - €16,000
- Senior school / IB DP / French Baccalauréat International: €13,500 - €19,500
These ranges sit roughly 20-30% below Paris equivalents, particularly at the senior school level.
Where Each School Sits on the Fee Spectrum
International School of Lyon
An IB World School covering primary through Diploma Programme. Fees sit in the mid-to-upper range for the city, with most curriculum costs included.
Cité Scolaire Internationale de Lyon
A state-run international school combining the French Baccalauréat with international sections (English, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Polish, Arabic, Chinese). Tuition itself is minimal, but families pay for the international section, books and external testing.
Greenfield School
A bilingual French-English school for primary, with fees at the lower end of the international market.
International School Ombrosa
A bilingual school in the Caluire-et-Cuire suburb covering Kindergarten through high school, with a personalised approach.
L'École Montessori de Lyon
A Montessori bilingual school for early years and primary. A good choice for families starting at age 3 or 4 and looking for a child-led approach.
Extras to Budget Beyond Tuition
- School bus: €2,000 - €3,500 per year if your home is far from campus.
- Lunch programme: €1,500 - €2,500 per year.
- Uniform (where required): €300 - €700 in the first year.
- Trips and outdoor education: €600 - €2,500 per year, with ski week common in March.
- External exam fees: €1,000 - €2,500 for IB DP or AP series.
- Books and materials: €200 - €500 per year at the state Cité Scolaire option.
How to Build a Realistic Annual Budget
- Start with published tuition for the right year group.
- Add bus, lunch and uniform costs.
- Add €1,500 - €3,000 for trips and exam fees in upper years.
- Multiply by the number of children and apply sibling discounts (commonly 5-10%).
- Add a one-off enrolment fee and deposit in your first year.
For a family of two in primary at a mid-range Lyon school, expect an all-in annual cost in the €25,000 - €38,000 range, well below Paris equivalents.
Employer Allowances and French Tax
If your assignment package includes an education allowance, ensure:
- The allowance is paid directly to the school where possible, to avoid French income tax on the benefit.
- The contract covers the enrolment fee and one-off costs in addition to tuition.
- Annual increases of 2-4% are anticipated.
Compare Lyon and French schools side by side
Explore international and bilingual schools across France on our France ranking and shortlist by curriculum, language and city.
FAQ
Is the Cité Scolaire Internationale free for foreign families?
The state portion of the schooling is free, but families pay for the international section materials, exam fees and any extracurriculars. Demand is high and admissions are selective.
Are international school fees in Lyon tax deductible in France?
In general, private school tuition is not deductible from French income tax. Some narrow situations allow partial relief, but always confirm with a French tax adviser.
Are bilingual schools in Lyon cheaper than full-English IB schools?
Typically yes. Bilingual schools tend to run 15-25% below the headline tuition of full-English IB schools in Lyon.