42

42 Berlin is a tuition-free, peer-to-peer software engineering school based in Berlin — part of the global 42 Network founded in Paris. Its distinctive model requires no prior coding experience, no teachers, and no formal classes: students learn by doing, solving increasingly complex programming projects and reviewing each other’s work in a collaborative, self-directed environment.

The school is fully funded, meaning there are no tuition fees and no income share agreements. The only requirements are that applicants pass an online game-based selection process and complete a four-week intensive on-campus bootcamp called ‘Piscine’. Successful candidates join a core curriculum that covers C, C++, algorithms, Unix, web development, and more.

For expats in Germany looking to break into the tech industry, 42 Berlin offers a compelling alternative to expensive coding bootcamps: a rigorous, internationally recognised programme that leads to real software engineering roles. The international community of students makes it a welcoming environment for newcomers, and the peer-learning model bridges language barriers more naturally than lecture-based programmes.

42 Berlin is located in Neukölln and is open to applicants from all backgrounds and nationalities. The school regularly hosts events, hackathons, and networking opportunities connecting students with Berlin’s vibrant tech scene.