École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Lyon (ENSAL)
university
École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Lyon (ENSAL)

École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Lyon (ENSAL)

A school for transforming towns and buildings.

3 Rue Maurice Audin, 69120 Vaulx-en-Velin, France

About École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Lyon (ENSAL)

The École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Lyon (ENSAL), located in Vaulx-en-Velin, France, is a distinguished architecture school deeply integrated into the metropolitan and academic landscape of Lyon. As a "grande école" jointly supervised by the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, ENSAL is dedicated to transforming architectural practices and professions. It educates architects, architect-engineers, and architect-urbanists, equipping them to address contemporary environmental, societal, ecological, and digital challenges. The institution places a strong emphasis on research, with key activities supported by laboratories such as Modèles pour l'Architecture et le Patrimoine - Applications et de recherches en informatique pour l'architecture (MAP Aria) and Environnements, Ville et Société - Lyon Architecture Urbanisme Recherche UMR 5600 CNRS (EVS-LAURe). ENSAL is committed to fostering strong links with its alumni and providing a vibrant campus life within a unique architectural setting designed by Françoise-Hélène Jourda and Gilles Perraudin, offering a comprehensive educational experience focused on innovation and societal impact.
Program NameDetails
Bachelor's degree in architecture - Initial training
Bachelor

The first cycle leads to a Diploma in Architectural Studies (DEEA), which confers the degree of Licence. It allows students to acquire the basics of architectural culture, understanding, and practice of architectural projects.

2 years
French
Information not available.
Deadline: Check Parcoursup for 2026-2027
Bachelor's degree in architecture - Professional training
Bachelor

ENSAL offers a continuing education diploma course open to professionals wishing to become state-qualified architects. The curriculum requires a strong capacity for work and maintains the same level of requirement and structure as initial training.

2 years
French
Information not available.
Deadline: Information not available.
Master's degree in architecture - Initial training
Master

The second cycle leads to the Diplôme d'État d'architecte (DEA), conferring the grade of master. The master's cycle prepares students for access to the doctoral cycle.

2 years
French
Information not available.
Deadline: Information not available.
Master's degree in architecture - Professional training
Master

Professional training master's degree in architecture. This program is designed for individuals already working in architecture or related fields who want to advance their knowledge and skills.

2 years
French
Information not available.
Deadline: Information not available.
Master's degree Cities and urban environments
Master

The master's degree Ville Environnements urbains - VEU is a state-controlled national Master's degree. The dual architecture-urban planning curriculum enables students enrolled in architecture to obtain two diplomas: the State Diploma in Architecture and a Master's degree.

2 years
French
Information not available.
Deadline: Information not available.
Double degree in architecture and engineering
Double Degree

The combination of architecture and engineering, two complementary cultures, makes it possible to design a project in its entirety. ENSAL has developed pedagogical partnerships of excellence with three major engineering schools in the Lyon metropolis.

Not specified
French
Information not available.
Deadline: Check Parcoursup for 2026-2027
Double degree in engineering and architecture
Double Degree

The combination of architecture and engineering, two complementary cultures, enables you to design a project in its entirety and combine different skills. ENSAL has developed pedagogical partnerships of excellence with three major engineering schools in the Lyon metropolis.

Not specified
French
Information not available.
Deadline: Information not available.
Habilitation à la maîtrise d'œuvre en son nom propre
Post-Master

Additional professional training leading to the Habilitation à l'exercice de la Maîtrise d'œuvre en son nom propre. To operate as an architect under one’s own name in France requires the completion of a sixth year of postsecondary study and the acquisition of a credential known as HMONP.

1 year
French
Information not available.
Deadline: Information not available.
PhD
Doctorate

The third cycle leads to the award of the state-controlled national doctorate diploma. ENS de Lyon welcomes every year French and international PhD students, including for an international joint PhD (Double Degree) or a jointly supervised PhD.

3 years
French
~ $1,500 / year for international and domestic students
Deadline: Prepare application during the last year of Master's degree

Performance & Metrics

Institutional Stats
0
Students
0
Faculty
0
Alumni
9
Programs
Accreditations & Affiliations
Jointly supervised by the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. Recognized as a 'grande école'.
Admissions
Less than 6% (based on general ENSA selectivity, and ENSAL is among the most selective with 100 places for a large number of applicants).
Acceptance Rate
Deadlines
Managed through Parcoursup for initial training (specific dates for 2026-2027 to be confirmed on the Admissions page and during Open Days).
Requirements
Selection based on 50% academic record (notes from first and final year of high school) and 50% individual interview (on interpersonal skills, motivations, interests). Two distinct programs offered for Parcoursup: Architecture and Double Cursus Architecte-Ingénieur (DCAI).

École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Lyon (ENSAL) Academic FAQ

École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Lyon (ENSAL) is A school for transforming towns and buildings.

The acceptance rate for École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Lyon (ENSAL) is Less than 6% (based on general ENSA selectivity, and ENSAL is among the most selective with 100 places for a large number of applicants)., reflecting the selectivity of its academic programs.

Applicants are typically required to submit: Selection based on 50% academic record (notes from first and final year of high school) and 50% individual interview (on interpersonal skills, motivations, interests). Two distinct programs offered fo....

École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Lyon (ENSAL) provides a comprehensive curriculum including: Bachelor's degree in architecture - Initial training, Bachelor's degree in architecture - Professional training, Master's degree in architecture - Initial training, Master's degree in architecture - Professional training, Master's degree Cities and urban environments.

The institution maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of Approximately 19.05:1 (800 students / 42 permanent teachers)., ensuring personalized mentorship and studio culture.

École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Lyon (ENSAL) is situated in Vaulx-en-Velin, France, offering a vibrant context for architectural study.

Yes, École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Lyon (ENSAL) holds accreditations from: Jointly supervised by the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. Recognized as a 'grande école'..