Free mover

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:

• Coursework immersion: Join our regular curriculum through two distinct tracks:

  • 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).

• 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.

• Students from non-partner universities

• 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.

• Priority is given to undergraduate students but some of our Industrial Design programs can also welcome free movers.

1. Document submission: portfolio, academic records, motivation letter and introduction video

2. Interview: for the research track, this also confirms supervisor availability and project feasibility

3. Acceptance: successful applicants receive an acceptance letter with enrolment details

Application deadline:

Semester 1 (Fall-Winter): June 1st
Semester 2 (Spring-Summer): November 1st