frequently asked
questions

After registering, you will be invited to an introduction meeting. Following that, you will need to complete the "Piscine" - our one-month-long coding programme, which is the final step of the selection process.

The only fixed requirement is that students must be 18 years old or over; there is no maximum age and no further requirements. Rather than having a specific background, education, or degree, we only ask for your motivation and commitment to the three-year study program.

Not at all! You do not need any prior coding experience, degrees, or specific grades to join. Our curriculum is designed to take you from absolute beginner to software engineer, as long as you have the motivation and dedication to learn.

42 Berlin offers a program with a world-class curriculum that challenges students with projects of increased complexity. Every problem is unique, and it requires you to think outside of the box along with motivated peers. At 42, you will not just build on your hard skills of coding, but learn the soft skills necessary to thrive as a software programmer. Everyone, coder or not, can find a rewarding path.

Your presence is preferred a couple of weeks before the Piscine starts to confirm your spot. However, if this is not possible, you can arrange for someone else to confirm on your behalf. You need to live in Berlin throughout most of your studies period.

Yes, non-EU citizens are welcome to apply to 42 Berlin. However, we do not provide visa support - requirements vary by country, and applicants are responsible for informing themselves about the relevant visa and residency regulations before applying.

The entire program is taught in English.

Yes, developing soft skills, peer learning, and peer evaluation are central to our learning philosophy, so students need to be at the campus in person.

The core curriculum typically takes 12–18 months. Students can stay longer if they want to reach a higher level, or leave earlier once they land a job.

The curriculum starts with C and C++, then expands into web development, algorithms, system programming, and more - building a broad, industry-applicable foundation.

42 Berlin strongly advises against working full-time alongside your studies, as the program requires full dedication. However, some students take on part-time or freelance work, especially in later stages of the curriculum.

Unfortunately, we do not provide students with accommodation. However, there are a variety of housing websites free and accessible to those moving to Berlin, and we have put together useful resources to help. The campus is open 24/7, offering a comfortable space to study, rest, shower, and collaborate at any time of day or night.

Yes, the campus is accessible. There is an elevator, and our computers and desks can be adapted to individual needs. If you have any specific requirements, please reach out to us by email and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Tuition at 42 Berlin is completely free. You will not be charged before, during, or after your studies. As a non-profit organization, our goal is to make high-quality tech education accessible to anyone with motivation and potential, regardless of financial background.

During your studies at 42 Berlin, you will have to cover the cost of living (e.g., accommodation, food, and anything else you might need). We strongly recommend putting all your energy and time into studying, so saving money before starting or seeking financial support from those close to you is advisable.

The Bildungsgutschein is currently not available at 42 Berlin. If this changes, we will announce it through our official communication channels. In the meantime, reach out to us at our contact email to stay informed.

At 42 Berlin, we focus on building real, hands-on skills - not issuing certificates or degrees. But here's the thing: the tech industry hires based on what you can do, not what's on a piece of paper. The skills you gain at 42 make you highly employable — don't just take our word for it, check out our alumni stories.

We are working with a number of universities on credit transfer collaborations. Send us an email to find out whether there is an existing partnership with your university.

42 Berlin has strong industry partnerships and regularly hosts company visits and career-related sessions on campus. Many of our alumni connect directly with employers through on-campus events and go on to work at companies such as SAP, Deutsche Bank, Volkswagen, Porsche, Ubisoft, Google, Capgemini, T-Systems and many, many more.