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Learning

During their basic studies at 42 Belgium, students learn the fundamentals of coding. C gives this the best base: through learning the language in their basic studies students get an understanding of how to think like a coder. C as a language also demands the coder to be independent and to understand how the code works on a fundamental level. After learning the ins and outs of C, students will understand what lies beneath any coding concept and how they really work.

However, C is not the only programming language that students learn. Our students also study Python and use other languages and libraries, such as TypeScript and React.

Yes! The best way to keep students close to the real world is by organizing regular events with guest speakers and other forms of collaborations with companies and organizations, such as hackathons and workshops.

Your peers will assess the quality of your projects based on grading scales defined by the pedagogical staff.

In project-based learning, students gain a deeper knowledge of a subject through active exploration of real-world challenges and problems. They learn by doing and thinking critically, rather than by following instructions and memorizing.

Ecole 42 is a French private tuition-free coding school founded in 2013. With a disruptive peer-to-peer education model and philosophy, 42 has achieved great results with 13% of students building their own companies (of which 50% had never coded before). Due to their success, 42 even opened a campus in Silicon Valley in 2016. Other schools around the world have partnered with 42 to offer their program.

42 Belgium is a school based on peer-to-peer learning, in which students learn and discover by themselves and with peers. There is, however, a pedagogical team that makes sure the learning environment works and that students are progressing.

Peer-to-peer learning is an education model where students learn from each other instead of learning from an appointed teacher. It emphasizes critical thinking, teamwork and communication. Students also evaluate each other and learn from explaining to peers.

Curriculum

The original curriculum was created in 2013 by 42’s team, which consists of veterans in the computer science educational field in France. It has evolved since then by the educational staff in Paris and other schools, co-operation with companies and even students. At 42 Belgium, our goal is to leverage the great technology expertise that we have in Belgium and make sure we are always looking at the future.

You begin by developing a foundation in core programming concepts while programming in C. Python, and other languages introduced progressively. As you progress towards your first internship, you will learn about algorithms, artificial intelligence, graphics, network and system administration, Unix, object-oriented programming, and more! After the internship, the curriculum will include deeper projects in many fields of computer science: object oriented programming, mobile programming, functional programming, web security, reverse engineering, malicious code, kernel programming, network programming, artificial intelligence, 3D programming, and many other areas of programming and IT.

42 Belgium shares the proven curriculum of 42 in Paris. There are more than a hundred projects our students can explore. When you complete a project, you move to the next one, and discover multiple aspects of programming and IT.

It takes an average of 12 to 18 months to complete the Common Core. However, the range can vary from 6 months to 24 months, depending on the individual.

You progress in the curriculum by completing projects and gaining skills. As you complete and validate projects, you level up and unlock more projects and specializations. You can also master different skills, complete quests and achievements. Students can compare their levels to know how far they are in the curriculum.

After graduation

Yes! Once a student at 42 Belgium, our doors will always be open for you! Alumni can come back to continue their studies any time they want and we would love for them to stay a part of the 42 Belgium community and share their new-found knowledge from the real world with other students.

This educational model does not correspond to any traditional definition. However, we do not believe this to be a problem in the tech sector, given that companies tend to only care about what you can do, who you are and how you work. Moreover, we notice that companies are very interested in our students. Most of them get an offer before the end of their internship.

In tech, you never stop learning. It is constantly evolving, and so will you!

During 42 Belgium’s program, you build your own personal portfolio. Upon graduation, you’ll receive a certificate as proof that you completed the program. Other recognized certificates you can obtain through 42 are the following:

Credly
A digital competency badge validated by 42, which you can share on your CV, LinkedIn profile or other professional platforms. It offers a transparent and modern way to make your skills visible to employers.

AWS
Thanks to our unique partnership with AWS, students can obtain multiple cloud certifications to further strengthen and differentiate their profile.

RNCP (Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles — France):
The 42 curriculum is officially registered at:

  • Level 6 (equivalent to a bachelor’s degree) → at 42, this corresponds to Level 16
  • Level 7 (equivalent to a master’s degree) → at 42, this corresponds to Level 21

These are official state-recognized qualifications in France, aligned with European recognition standards through the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).

In practical terms, this means that a 42 Belgium student can have their learning path formally recognized across Europe, with a value comparable to a bachelor’s degree (EQF Level 6) or a master’s degree (EQF Level 7).

In summary

You do not leave 42 Belgium with a traditional Belgian academic degree, but you graduate with a powerful portfolio and recognized European certifications — giving you credibility with employers and the freedom to build an international career.

Would you like to? If so, this is definitely possible. But it is more likely that you will develop new skills and interests and find other digital-related positions. Companies and organizations in all industries are affected by technology and digital transformation. More often than not, these roles are multi-disciplinary and require you to collaborate in teams.

Completing the course gives you access to many positions and jobs in the digital world, from startups to worldwide leading companies in existing roles or those yet to be invented. With the skills you acquire at 42 Belgium and peers that you’ll work with on a daily basis, you may even decide you want to build your own company.

Some examples:

  • webdeveloper
  • software engineer
  • data scientist / data engineer
  • AI / Machine Learning developer
  • mobile developer
  • system-and network administration
  • digital product manager
  • tech entrepreneur

42 Belgium won’t teach you how to solve a specific problem, or how to use a tool. Our school will teach you how to learn, and how to understand the tools you use. After 42 Belgium, you will have the ability to solve hard problems, because you’ll be used to thinking critically, seeking and sharing knowledge. We will not lock you in into a specific technology. Technology changes every year anyways. You will be able to develop and maintain relevant skills throughout your career.

Level 16 corresponds to an experienced programmer who is ready to start working immediately. It can be compared to a bachelor’s degree and is achieved by working through the Advanced Program.

Level 21 represents professionals with a high level of expertise. They are valuable to the most demanding companies and often go on to launch their own projects or start their own business. This level can be compared to a master’s degree and is reached by pursuing the Advanced Program even further.

It is key to your learning process that you find and arrange both internships required to validate the program independently. However, 42 Belgium has partnered with great companies that are committed to providing internships for our students.

Nevertheless, those are limited opportunities and will still require that students show initiative and go through the company’s selection process.

At 42 Belgium, we strongly recommend that students pursue career paths they are passionate about. We’ll support this by offering a great education and regular opportunities to meet up with companies and organizations (hackathons, speakers, workshops, etc.)

Practical information

Yes it is. We will not charge you before, during or after your studies. This school is funded by a network of different sponsors. Our mission is that everyone should have access to education, no matter their previous education, economical background or financial situation. Money should not be in the way of your passion and dreams!

It is possible to work on your projects remotely from a personal computer, but you won’t have access to the school’s servers. Because students need to work in teams, the school is still the best environment to meet and work together. This dependability that you and your peers share will naturally bring you to the school.

At 42 Belgium, you check in and check out whenever you like. We recognize students may have unique life situations or experience peak productivity at different schedules. Because the program is heavily centered on teamwork, students learn to self-organize.

It is not impossible. However, students that combine their studies with a job or another course find it quite difficult. In order to succeed at 42 Belgium, you will have to spend a large part of your time at the school. During the Piscine you’ll spend a lot of hours weekly on your study. After that, an average of thirty to forty hours per week ensures you to progress at a good pace.

We highly recommend that you don’t stop your studies, at least for the course of the basic studies. The studies require commitment, but there is always the possibility to take a short break, for a week or two. Instead of just stopping the studies altogether, we recommend that you get in touch with the educational staff to review your situation. If after this discussion pausing your studies is the right way to continue for you, it is possible. You will then be welcome to resume from where you were when you come back.

Requirements

You can apply at any given time throughout the year and create your account. The only fixed moments are the Meetings (of which you will need to attend one), and Piscines. Both are organised regularly throughout the year, you can always check the calendar for the upcoming dates https://42belgium.be/en/calendar/

You do not need a laptop during the Piscine. Both campuses are equipped with iMacs to serve all students. During your studies, it is okay to use your own laptop, but it is not required and you’ll need to submit your work on the school’s iMacs for correction.

No! Certainly, mathematical skills can be useful when coding, but the most important skill you need is logic.

42 Belgium 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, with other talented and motivated peers. You will always be challenged.

Applications are always open. Click ‘Apply’ in the main navigation and create an account on our admissions portal .

1. Create your online account
Go to the 42 Belgium admissions portal https://admission.42belgium.be/en/users/sign_in.
Enter your basic information and set up your profile.

2. Complete the online test
This is a logic-based game designed to assess your analytical thinking. Set aside around 30 minutes and choose a quiet place where you can focus. The game cannot be paused or restarted.

3. Attend a Meeting
If you pass the test, you’re obligated to attend a Meeting, either on campus or online. This is your opportunity to explore the learning environment, ask questions, and decide if you want to continue. The Meeting is also your first real introduction to the 42 community.

4. Take part in the Piscine
This is the final and most important step: four intense and immersive weeks of coding. You work on real projects, in teams, and with a high degree of autonomy. The Piscine is both a selection and preparation phase -it shows whether you are ready to begin the program.

👉 If you successfully complete the Piscine, you become an official 42 Belgium student and can start the Core Program.

The number of available check-ins and Piscine spots is limited. Applicants who register early have the best chance of securing a place.

During the Piscine, the applicant will be mainly evaluated based on their progress and team-work.

Instead of having a certain background, education or degree, we expect applicants to be visionaries who are motivated and committed to the program. Having said that, we request that applicants are at least 18 by the time they start in the Piscine or that at least, they can prove they obtained a high school diploma (in case <18y).

The online test can be done from anywhere in the world. The Meeting you’re required to attend, can be done online or on campus. Afterwards, a couple of weeks before the Piscine starts, you’re required to confirm your spot in the Piscine. The Piscine itself is on campus.

The Piscine must be completed on the campus where you enrolled. Once you start the program, you can freely move between the Brussels and Antwerp campuses.

This number varies each year and depends on how well applicants do in the Piscines. We accept everyone who succeeds.

You need logical thinking and a problem-solving attitude. You need to be able to adapt and overcome difficulties, be proactive, curious, creative, thorough, and be able to collaborate.

Not at all! There’s no evidence that those who coded prior to the Selection Piscine do significantly better than those who didn’t.

Piscine

The Piscine, or just Piscine, is a four week long trial period. During the Piscine, you will discover the basics of coding from scratch. No prerequisites of any kind are needed: no previous degrees, no coding experience.
This period will be very intensive and requires commitment. Don’t expect laid-back weekends…

There is no fixed amount of applicants to be selected. This means that there is no competition between applicants and anyone can be selected – as long as they can swim.

See our calendar for the next dates https://42belgium.be/en/calendar/

That is totally okay! Applicants are free to leave the admissions process at any point. You can just walk out, with no strings attached. Although, the educational staff would really appreciate learning the reasons why. Who knows, maybe talking it through with someone can change your mind!

Yes. The beginning of your studies are a continuation of the Piscine, so it would disrupt the learning process. Also, if you know you might not be able to enroll in the school right after the Piscine, it would be fair to leave that spot for someone who is eager to start.

Contract with Bruxelles-formation

To find an internship, you have several choices:
– a mini-internship at the Bocal.
– after the Transcendence project, an internship at Le Bocal.
– finding an internship by yourself.

Please note that when you look for an internship, it must follow the following standard: 

[https://www.bruxellesformation.brussels/je-renforce-mon-equipe/proposer-un-stage/convention-immersion-professionnelle/]

No, in the case of an internship organized during the contract period, this has the effect of breaking the said contract. Internships must be done outside the contract period.

You must do 120 hours per month on site. These are counted when you are logged in on one of the school’s stations. This will determine the money you will receive for your training. 

Forem : 1 euro / hour

Actiris : 2 euros / hour

Yes, you have the possibility to renew this contract but it requires you to participate in a 4 to 6 month internship. This gives you access to a new 1-year contract.

You must be registered at Actiris if you are in the Brussels-Capital region, or at Forem if you are in the Walloon region. During your first year, you will continue to receive your family allowances, and then after your integration course, you will be entitled to your unemployment benefits.

The contract with Bruxelles Formation lasts 1 year, 10 months plus a possible extension of 2 months. This contract is established with Lauriel in Le Bocal.