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.
European Summer Program 2026
ESP1 – 20 May to 19 June 2026
ESP2 – 23 June to 22 July 2026
The application deadlines:
- 1 April 2026 for ESP1
- 1 May 2026 for ESP2
Academic program
When joining the ESP, students can create their own program: they can choose their courses from the list of available classes taught in English and in French. At the end of their stay in Lille, they will validate at least 12 European credits, which is equivalent to 6 American credits.
When joining the LiDD Design Summer Camp, students follow a pre-defined academic track focused on design.
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.
FAQ
In case of questions, feel free to take a look at our FAQ. Indeed, 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 interested in joining the program must apply through our online application platform.
Registration opens on 1 February 2026. The deadlines:
- ESP1: All applications must be completed by 1 April 2026, with payments due by 10 April 2026.
- ESP2 & LiDD Design Summer Camp: All applications must be completed by 1 May 2026, with payments due by 10 May 2026.
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/or, in some cases, cancellation of participation.
To determine your eligibility for the ESP program, please refer to the FAQ page.
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 may still apply; however, their applications will be placed on a waiting list until closer to the application deadline. If places remain available, they will be notified accordingly and will be able to complete the payment by the respective deadline.
Stay connected
Follow us on social media for a glimpse into the LILLE Programs experience and international life on campus. If you have any questions about the program, feel free to contact our team via email.