INNOVATING IN THE PRESENT
What is 42?
Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software development, data, the cloud and quantum computing are transforming the way we live and work. At 42, you don’t just come to learn how to code: you come to discover how the technology that will shape the future works, how it is designed, how it is trained and how it is developed.
Here, you don’t just memorise theory or sit through traditional lessons. You learn by doing, solving real-world challenges and working as part of a team with other students, through an innovative model based on peer learning that develops both technical skills and key abilities for any professional career: independence, creativity, resilience, adaptability to change and collaboration.
What’s more, the course is 100 per cent free, thanks to the support of the Telefónica Foundation, Barcelona City Council (through Barcelona Activa) and the Government of Catalonia, and is open to anyone of legal age, with no prior experience in programming or computing required.
It’s not just us saying so. In 2026, 42 was recognised as Europe’s most innovative university by the WURI ranking, an international accolade for an educational model that breaks with convention to train the professionals needed by the digital economy.
If you’re looking for a different kind of education, connected to cutting-edge technologies and designed to prepare those who will build the future, 42 Barcelona is the place for you.
Fancy finding out more about the campus before making a decision? There are various ways to do so…
- Barcelona
- #42BarcelonaFTef
LIMITLESS LEARNING EXPERIENCE
A unique concept
Frequent Asked Questions
Yes, you can. However, 42 does not offer distance learning. You must attend in person for the selection process and throughout the entire course.
42 doesn’t deliver any visas. You should check with your embassy. International candidates can contact the staff through the admissions platform for an invitation to the Piscine when they are registered to one.
Mainly Catalonian and Spanish, although a basic level of English is recommended to facilitate learning.
Training at 42 is completely free of charge. There are no hidden fees, now or after 42.
You’ll need a place to sleep in and cover your daily costs (transport, allowances, etc.) if you don’t live in Madrid, which will be at your own expense, except for your studies at 42 which, as we mentioned, are 100% free of charge for students.
Any person of legal age can submit an application to the campus. There’s no age limit.
Everyone is welcome at 42, but we don’t recommend training to students before they’re of legal age to prevent them from dropping out of secondary school.
As we mentioned above, the only requirement is to be of legal age. No previous knowledge of computing or programming is required, you’ll just need motivation and commitment to the learning programme.
Three years on average, with the first part (the core study plan) lasting no more than 18 months.
The training at 42 is intensive. It isn’t advisable to have a full-time job. Part-time work is more reasonable, but it requires a large degree of personal discipline.
