The LILLE European Summer Program (ESP) is a Summer School composed of two month-long program sessions in June and July, where students can choose from a large variety of electives. The ESP offers a wide range of courses in the following areas: Liberal Arts, Business & Communication, Health, European Studies, Sustainability & the Sciences, and French Language.
What is ESP?
Created in 2001, the LILLE European Summer Program (ESP) is a four-week academic course offering to students (and instructors) from around the world the opportunity to experience French culture firsthand at the heart of Europe and be part of an international, multicultural student community.
LILLE ESP is tailored to suit your objectives and challenges, while balancing educational and social activities. Students can choose from a large variety of electives to fulfil their interests and expand their horizons.
Diversity is what makes our programs and our community so rich: students from all over the world, from different types of institutions, with different backgrounds and perspectives share a common experience on a French campus, at the heart of Europe.
LILLE ESP has become more and more successful over the years. From 27 students in 2001, it now welcomes 200+ students from 20+ countries each summer. We are proud to offer a high-standard academic and social experience: more than 96% of students and staff say the LILLE ESP met or exceeded their expectations.
LILLE ESP offers student-centered programs developed in collaboration with our partner universities, with exciting new electives. It has been designed as a full package including a large variety of academic courses, accommodation, meal and transportation passes, extra-curricular activities, and 24/7 personalized assistance.
Promotional materials
Discover our promotional materials for the LILLE European Summer Program 2027.
European Summer Program 2027
ESP1 – 19 May to 18 June 2027
ESP2 – 22 June to 21 July 2027
Online application will open on 1 February 2027.
A registration link will be available on this page.
Academic program
Joining ESP, students create their own program by choosing from a wide range of courses taught in English and French, validating at least 12 ECTS (6 American credits) by the end of their stay.
We also offer two summer programs, developed in partnership between ESP and our university’s faculties and schools, each with a pre-defined academic track:
- LiDD Design Summer Program focused on hands-on design practices and cultural immersion.
- FGES Summer Program focused on the environmental challenges and sustainability transitions.
Included & optional packages
During the LILLE Programs, the University offers international students numerous visits in France and Belgium so they can discover more of the region. Some visits are included in the program fees, while others are optional.
Cost
The program cost includes administration, tuition, and hospitality fees. Discover the fee details and how to proceed with the payment by clicking the button below.
Discover the student experience!
Curious about what it feels like to be a student in our summer program? Watch our video and discover the student testimonials below and on our social media.
If you have any questions about the program, feel free to reach out!
FAQ
In case of questions, feel free to take a look at our FAQ. It answers numerous questions related to participation conditions, trip preparation, arrival and departure information, daily life in Lille, as well as courses and credits.
Application process
All participants must apply through our online application platform.
Registration opens on 1 February 2027. Deadlines:
- ESP1: Applications due 1 April 2027 | Payments due 10 April 2027.
- ESP2, LiDD & FGES: Applications due 1 May 2027 | Payments due 10 May 2027.
We strongly advise you to contact the International Relations or Study Abroad Office at your home university as soon as you decide to participate in the program, in order to confirm whether any additional internal application procedures are required. Failure to complete your home university’s procedures may result in issues related to credit transfer, visa issuance, and, in some cases, cancellation of participation.
Waiting list
The number of places in the program and in the optional field trips is limited.
Given this limited capacity, applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, determined by the full completion of the program application, including full or partial payment if agreed. We therefore recommend completing your registration as soon as the application period opens in order to secure your place.
Priority is given to students from partner universities. You can check whether your home university is a partner of Université Catholique de Lille on this webpage. Please note that the map is not exhaustive, and some partnerships may not yet be listed. If you cannot find your university on the map, please contact us at lilleprograms@univ-catholille.fr so we can verify this for you.
Students from non-partner universities are welcome to apply; however, as places are expected to be filled primarily by partner university students, their applications may be placed on a waiting list. Should places become available, they will be notified and invited to complete their payment.