Who are we?
At 42, we believe in open standards and radical inclusion. Our educational model focuses on project-based peer-to-peer learning, rather than theoretical instruction. As we integrate the latest educational innovations, our goal is to empower the next leading generation of IT talent.
Our Vision
Since its creation in 2013, 42 has always been committed to providing the best possible tech education for individuals from all possible backgrounds. Our unique position in the world of higher education is based on strong values: inclusivity, open culture, tuition-free, and always striving towards excellence.
Our Values
INCLUSIVE
Everyone can code and work in IT. We reject gender stereotypes and welcome atypical profiles and people looking to branch out from a former path, especially those coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. We fight discrimination on a daily basis. Diversity is a strength that allows us to face ever-growing challenges together.
NO COURSES. NO TEACHERS. NO CLASSES.
Thanks to its innovative teaching methods, 42 offers high-quality training without having to resort to lectures. Different from traditional methods, students learn programming through a peer-to-peer learning approach. This means that students learn programming from and with each other. The pedagogical staff is ever present to support and motivate the students, but it’s not there to teach. In order to progress at 42, teamwork is required. You have to rely on the community to learn things that you then have to share with others. You don’t learn programming by copying algorithms on paper!
TUITION-FREE
We believe that you should not have to pay for sustainable professional integration. At 42, there are no hidden application, registration, or hardware fees before, during, or after the end of the program. Money is not a selection factor. This commitment allows us to attract various profiles from diverse backgrounds.
NO DEGREE REQUIRED
Selection for entry at 42 is a positioning test that is not based on an academic record, standardized test scores, or a degree. We invite candidates who pass the first registration steps to spend a month with us in order to discover the way we work. This period offers them an opportunity to decide for themselves if 42’s methods suit them.
A GLOBAL NETWORK
To seize opportunities wherever they may be, 42 is opening up globally through its network of partner campuses all around the world. All the campuses are connected to mutualize their programs, knowledge and paths. After the core curriculum, you may continue your studies at one of the Network’s campuses to benefit from International experience. The diversity of profiles, nationalities and cultures allows you to broaden your perspectives.
NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE IN CODING REQUIRED
The 42 training is complete. It starts from scratch for every student. You can apply to 42 even if you have never coded in your life. Although it is challenging, our program allows anyone willing to put in the effort to kickstart a successful career in IT.
STUDY AT YOUR OWN PACE
We believe that laying the foundations of programming should happen at the pace and rhythm that matches the students. Some students might move faster than others through the curriculum but, on average, our students reach the final level of their studies in 3 years.
NOT JUST A JOB. A CAREER
The training at 42 will not only grant you a job, it will train you for the jobs of tomorrow. At 42, you learn to learn so that you can keep growing professionally. Rather than offering a series of short training courses about specific technologies and languages that will quickly become obsolete, at 42 you learn how to learn throughout your life in order to adapt to new technologies yet to be developed. With this skill in your pocket, you remain up-to-date for the challenges of tomorrow.
A HUMAN FORMATION
42 understands that each person is unique. Diversity is a strength both during training and in the job market. Our training supports exchange, sharing, and encourages concern for others. The school adapts to the pace of each individual. Through their training at 42, students develop the necessary social skills to become more not only experts in their fields, but also well-rounded, thoughtful, and caring individuals.
42 Code of Honor
Radical inclusion.
We sail under all colors, genders, and ages. We build for everyone and care for eachother.
Participation at heart.
Build larger, not smaller tables, encourage participation, help others be their best selves, and be liberal with giving and receiving feedback.
Use tech for good.
Continuously assess and discuss the whys and hows of our projects to maximize positive impact. Always check-in with your ethical compass in anything you build.
Sharing and gifting.
Always give constructive feedback. Feedback is also a muscle to train. Open source is a great catalyst for learning these principles.
Embrace freedom of expression.
Speak your mind and respect others. Assume good intentions. Be aware of your own bias and other perspectives.
Be strict but fair.
Rules aren’t here to limit you, but to help yourself and others grow.
Take ownership.
Own and take responsibility for what you do. Be proud of what you build. Leave things tidier than how you found them. We all share the same spaces.
Live harmoniously.
Learn hard, play hard. It’s all about the “joie de vivre” in the end. Learn to be free and choose the life you want to live.
Lead by example.
Values for us are not empty buzzwords. Rather, we wish to lead by example and inspire our peers to live, practice and embody our values on a day-to-day basis.
