This program is perfect for students seeking to enhance their skills at one of France's leading design schools, ranked 1st private Design school and 4th for Art & Design in France, QS World University Rankings 2026, gain international experience, and immerse themselves in the creative environments of Lyon or Paris.
Two formats are available:
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Coursework immersion: Join our regular curriculum through two distinct tracks:
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Design Prototyping Track (Year 2, semester 1 only):
Hands-on, workshop-oriented focus on advanced 3D modeling (Fusion 360, Rhino 3D) and AI workflows (taught in French). -
General Curriculum Track (Year 2: semester 1, semester 2 or full year - Year 3: semester 1 only):
Build core design skills in Year 2 (60 ECTS) or choose a major in Year 3 (120 ECTS) across Product, Space, Brand Identity, Interaction, or Mobility (taught in French or English, depending on the track).
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Supervised research (1 semester or full year):
Conduct applied design research within Strate Research lab across 3 core themes (AI in education, socio-technological transitions, or assistive tech), supplemented by up to 3 Master-level courses taught in English.
Free Mover Program Eligibility
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Students from non-partner universities
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Applicants must be officially enrolled in a degree program at their home university. The research track is generally more suited to advanced undergraduate or Master’s-level students, given the level of autonomy it requires.
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Priority is given to undergraduate students but some of our Industrial Design programs can also welcome free movers.
Admission Requirements
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Portfolio (coursework track) or research project proposal (research track), to be validated by a Strate supervisor before acceptance
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Academic transcripts and any university diplomas obtained
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Language proficiency: English (B2) or French (B2), depending on instruction language, courses are taught in French in Lyon; in English and French in Paris, depending on the program
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Motivation letter explaining your interest and goals
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One-minute introduction video (English or French)
Application process
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Document submission: portfolio, academic records, motivation letter and introduction video
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Interview: for the research track, this also confirms supervisor availability and project feasibility
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Acceptance: successful applicants receive an acceptance letter with enrolment details
Application deadline:
Semester 1 (Fall-Winter): June 1st
Semester 2 (Spring-Summer): November 1st
Practical Information
At the end of their studies at Strate, free movers receive a certificate indicating the ECTS credits they have earned. It is their responsibility to verify whether their home university accepts these ECTS credits.
Coursework immersion: €6,590 per semester (€12,590 for the full academic year)
Research internship: €5,000 per semester
Application fees are charged once per academic year.
Paris Admissions : contact Costanza Marinelli
Lyon Admissions : contact Mégane Martins