INSA Lyon is a leader in science education, as well as a pioneer in terms of its policies concerning accessibility and diversity. INSA Lyon stands out from the crowd. For example, it is one of the few engineering schools that houses a High Level Sports Section (SSHN) recognised by the Ministry for Sport.

Outstanding on the sports field, the establishment is equally so on the cultural scene. No other Grande Ecole (Elite School) can rival its departments dedicated to Plastic Arts Studies , Dance Studies , Music Studies, Theatre Studies.
Finally, it has a genuine international orientation, as illustrated through the opening of several specific sections: ASINSA , EURINSA , AMERINSA, et SCAN.