If you’re reading this, you’re probably curious about 42 Barcelona. Maybe you want to learn how to code from scratch, work in the tech industry, or you’re simply looking for an alternative to university or coding bootcamps. Whatever your situation, it’s completely normal to have questions.
42 Barcelona offers a very different way of learning from what most people are used to: no traditional classes, project-based learning, and a peer-to-peer methodology.
Before making your decision, it’s important to have all the information.
In this article, you’ll discover:
- Whether you need programming experience before joining 42 Barcelona.
- How the admission process and the Piscine work.
- What it’s like to study without teachers.
- The skills you’ll develop.
- The career opportunities that a technology education like 42 can offer.
So, here are ten things you should know before joining 42 Barcelona.
Here are 10 things you should know before joining 42 Barcelona
1. You Don't Need Previous Experience
Let’s start with the most common question.
You don’t need any previous experience in programming, computer science, or software development to join 42 Barcelona. You also don’t need a degree related to technology.
What you do need is curiosity, motivation to learn, and perseverance. The only real requirement is that you are at least 18 years old.
Many students come from completely different backgrounds, but they all have one thing in common: curiosity, determination, and a desire to grow.
2. You Won't Just Learn How to Code
Yes, you’ll learn programming and software development.
But more importantly, you’ll learn how technology is built and how to solve real-world problems.
Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data, and application development… Technology evolves constantly. What truly makes the difference is your ability to understand problems, find information, collaborate with others, and build solutions.
Programming is a tool. Learning how to solve problems is a skill that will stay with you throughout your professional career.
3. There Are No Teachers or Traditional Classes
If you’re coming from a traditional education system, this will probably be the biggest change.
At 42, there are no lectures and no teachers giving you the answers.
You’ll learn by researching, experimenting, making mistakes, and collaborating with other students.
It may feel unusual at first. But before long, you’ll realize it’s one of the most effective ways to learn.
4. How Can I Join 42 Barcelona?
To become part of 42 Barcelona, you first need to complete the admission process and successfully pass the Piscine, a 26-day immersive challenge that allows you to experience the 42 learning model firsthand.
During the Piscine, you’ll work on projects, solve real-world challenges, learn alongside other candidates, and test your ability to learn, adapt, and collaborate.
It’s a demanding experience that requires commitment, consistency, and many hours of dedication. But that’s precisely why it’s the best way to find out whether 42 is the right fit for you.
Once the Piscine is over, selected candidates can begin their journey as 42 Barcelona students.
The next Piscine starts on October 5th. Don’t miss this opportunity.
5. How Many Hours Do You Need to Dedicate to 42?
42 is flexible: the campus is open 24 hours a day, and everyone can organize their own schedule.
That doesn’t mean it’s less demanding than a traditional educational program. The students who get the most out of the experience are those who dedicate time to it, engage with the community, and take on challenges consistently.
It’s not about moving fast. It’s about committing to your own learning journey.
6. You'll Learn as Much from Others as from the Projects
Peer-to-peer learning is one of the core pillars of 42.
Everyone arrives with different experiences and backgrounds, turning the campus into a community where sharing knowledge is part of everyday life.
Teaching others is also a way of learning.
As you progress, you’ll build projects that demonstrate what you’re capable of achieving.
Every challenge you overcome is an opportunity to apply your knowledge, collaborate with others, and face situations similar to those you’ll encounter in a professional environment.
7. Technologies Will Change. Learning How to Learn Is What Really Matters
Ten years ago, hardly anyone was talking about generative artificial intelligence.
Ten years from now, we’ll probably be working with technologies that don’t even exist today.
That’s why, more than mastering a specific tool, it’s essential to develop the ability to adapt and continue learning throughout your life.
8. The Skills That Will Help You Find a Job
Technology companies aren’t only looking for people who know how to code. They’re also looking for professionals who can solve problems, work in teams, communicate effectively, adapt to change, think critically, and keep learning.
These are some of the skills you’ll develop at 42, and one of the reasons why 95% of students find employment within four years.
9. It's a 100% Free Program
Studying at 42 Barcelona is completely free. There are no hidden fees, either during the program or after you finish it.
However, you’ll need to cover your own personal expenses, such as accommodation, transportation, and living costs, especially if you’re coming from outside Barcelona.
10. The Best Way to Know Whether 42 Barcelona Is Right for You Is to Experience It
There’s one thing you’ll only discover by experiencing it yourself: whether 42 Barcelona is truly the right place for you.
Visit the campus, talk to the community, and get all your questions answered at one of our Open Days.
Would you like to find out whether the world of technology is for you? From September 14th to 18th, we’re hosting a new Women’s Piscine Discovery, a five-day experience designed to introduce you to programming and show you how learning works at 42 Barcelona.
Because the only way to truly understand what 42 is… is to experience it.
