42 Berlin | Tuition-Free Coding School in Berlin

// system_capabilities

we open doors for
future tech talent.

init::cost_zero

100% free

Education accessible to talent, not wallets. We are a non-profit fully funded by industry partners.

node::peer_review

no lectures

Learn by doing. Build real applications, solve problems, and review the work of your peers.

system = XP

gamified

Master concepts to earn experience points and level up through a system designed like a game.

status::on

always open

Code whenever inspiration strikes. Our campus is accessible day and night, 365 days a year.

// system_architecture

learn to code
from the ground up.

01

sys::init

the piscine

A 26-day immersion. No teachers, no schedule, no shortcuts. You show up, you get handed projects, and you figure it out.

Duration 26 Days

Focus C & Shell

02

sys::core

core curriculum

Build strong fundamentals by writing code from scratch, shipping projects, and learning how to debug and collaborate.

Duration 12-18 Mos

Format Projects

03

sys::deploy

work experience

Take your skills into a real software engineering team. Complete a paid internship and gain experience working on live codebases.

Duration 6 Months

Status Paid Intern

04

sys::root

specialization

Achieve mastery. Dedicate yourself to specialized fields like Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Cybersecurity, or Systems Administration.

Duration 3-5 Years

Outcome Master Level

explore_full_pipeline →

// network

our partners.

We’re proud to have some of Germany’s leading companies supporting 42 Berlin. Thanks to their donations and involvement, our education remains fully free and accessible to all aspiring coders.

These partnerships help us deliver world-class, peer-to-peer tech education while connecting students directly with the industry.

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campus life.

Software engineering is a collective craft. We built a 24/7 campus that actually supports the people doing the work— tailored to your needs, regardless of background or schedule.

Silent zones, child/dog-friendly areas, and a yoga/prayer room.
Fully equipped: lifts, standing desks, kitchens, and showers.
Regular communal events, BBQs, and board game nights to offset the screen time.

VIEW_01 computer_clusters

VIEW_02 community_hub

VIEW_03 coding_marathon

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// common_core_syllabus

technical mastery.

Administration System

Build, secure, and manage server infrastructure from scratch while mastering modern containerization and networking fundamentals.

Docker Virtualization Security

Programming

Master the C language from the ground up, gaining a deep understanding of memory management, pointers, and foundational system logic.

C Language Memory Logic

Algorithmics

Design elegant algorithms, analyze computational complexity, and implement optimization strategies for diverse technical challenges.

Complexity Optimization Graphs

System & Network

Unlock concurrent systems by learning to build robust, high-performance applications that coordinate effortlessly across networks.

Multithreading Protocols Unix

Object-Oriented

Dive deep into Python to master software design, building maintainable applications through classes, inheritance, and patterns.

Python OOP Maintenance

Web Development

Build complete full-stack applications with beautiful interfaces, robust back-end services, and secure authentication systems.

Full-Stack API Design Databases

// 42_at_work

success stories.

Alex Schenk

Software Engineer @ Bayer

Joining 42 Berlin was a defining moment for me. The learning experience is incredibly immersive. This drive gave me a versatile foundation to take my coding career in any direction. But what truly stands out is the community: an exceptional network of peers and friends I know I can rely on.

Elise Van Iterson

Software Dev Intern @ Q42

I found an internship at a software development agency in Amsterdam. They build websites and apps for other companies, like the Rijksmuseum. I'll be their backend development intern and hopefully a junior backend developer after.

Barra MacMahon

AI Innovation Engineer @ SAP

Alongside 42, I work full-time at SAP in the BTP Innovation team, developing AI features. With no prior coding experience, 42's curriculum gave me the tools to thrive. After 2 years, I'm nostalgic yet excited for new challenges. Embrace 42—it's a treasure!

Tetiana Fedorenko

Software Developer @ oparco

After experimenting with various IT roles and even venturing into the art world, nothing quite clicked until I joined 42. The hands-on peer-learning approach helped me make valuable connections and learn a lot from others.

Jean Isserstedt

Founder @ ExamPal Education

42 fundamentally changed how I approach problem-solving. As a game designer, I'm not usually required to dive into code — but learning to think like a programmer has helped me break down complex systems and challenges more logically and analytically.

Mariia Paraskun

Software Engineer @ Deutsche Bank

School 42, with its schedule and supportive community, helped me realize that it's actually impossible to ever be 100% prepared for what might be required of me. The best and most valuable knowledge is truly acquired during the process of working on a project.

Daniil Tolmacov

Software Developer @ Tieto

Before joining 42 I was on the crossroad choosing between university computer science degree and small independent school in Berlin. Choosing 42 definitely paid me back. I found a full-time job after only 9 months of studying. It gave me a solid foundation that helps to easily learn any language.

Joseph Albers

SAP Backend Software Developer

Above all 42 ingrained a desire to learn within me. After all, at my job I am constantly forced to learn new languages, frameworks and tools. I believe that appreciating this journey will make the difference in the long run.

Théo Zanchi

Software Engineer @ Deutsche Bahn

When moving to Germany, working for Deutsche Bahn was my objective because I am passionate about this industry and I had the chance to meet DB executives on campus to discuss our pedagogy, and this is how I managed to have an internship at DB Cargo.

Fedir Staryk

Dev-Ops Backend Dev @ T-Systems

42 helped me getting into the job, thanks to hard and soft skills I earned during my studies. But the most helpful skill during the job, was to quickly learn and adapt to new topics and challenges, as you need to be able to work with stuff you never even heard of before.

// initiate_onboarding

how to join us.

01

online registration

Create your profile on our application platform. It takes less than 2 minutes to register and start your journey into the system.

02

introduction

Attend an Introduction Session (Online or On-Campus). Meet the team, explore the campus, and get a grasp of our unique learning methodology.

03

the piscine

The final selection. A 26-day immersive coding sprint. This is where you prove you belong in the next generation of tech leaders.

initiate_application →

// media_stream

inside 42 berlin.

// global_infrastructure

about the 42 network.

42 began in Paris and has grown into a global network focused on one goal: making software engineering education accessible at scale through peer learning and project-based training.

NETWORK_STATUS: ACTIVE

// terminal_help

frequently asked questions.

[q] do i need coding experience?

No experience is required. Our selection process is designed to assess your logic, grit, and problem-solving potential rather than what you already know. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

[q] how do i learn without teachers?

At 42, we use a peer-to-peer model that shifts the focus from traditional lectures to active, autonomous learning. You master technical and soft skills by building real applications and reviewing the work of your peers.

[q] how long does the program take?

The Common Core curriculum is an intensive journey that typically lasts between 6 and 24 months. Learners advance at their own pace, unlocking new challenges as they demonstrate mastery through peer-validated projects.

[q] what happens after the common core?

Once you reach Level 10+, you unlock access to the Advanced Curriculum and specialized tracks. Graduates emerge as confident developers prepared to innovate and lead in the tech world.

we open doors for future tech talent.

100% free

no lectures

gamified

always open

learn to code from the ground up.

the piscine

core curriculum

work experience

specialization

our partners.

campus life.

technical mastery.

Administration System

Programming

Algorithmics

System & Network

Object-Oriented

Web Development

success stories.

Alex Schenk

Elise Van Iterson

Barra MacMahon

Tetiana Fedorenko

Jean Isserstedt

Mariia Paraskun

Daniil Tolmacov

Joseph Albers

Théo Zanchi

Fedir Staryk

how to join us.

online registration

introduction

the piscine

inside 42 berlin.

Why 42 Berlin Beats Traditional Universities

A Day in the Life of a Student (No Teachers)

Everything You Need to Know Before Joining

The Future of Free Coding Education

Advice from a 42 Berlin Student

about the 42 network.

frequently asked questions.

we open doors for
future tech talent.

learn to code
from the ground up.