A welcoming environment
42 Luxembourg is open to everybody: regardless of background, diploma, religion or gender, we only have a single mandatory pre-requisite: you need to be at least 18 years old.
Everything else is up to you and the results of the admission process, as outlined below.
The admission process
Step 1
Online Games
The first step to entering 42 is registering on our website and playing a series of online games. These games are logic-based and will take around 2 hours to complete. Complete them on your own, as self-learning and independent thinking are one of the key ingredients to success at 42.
If completed successfully, we’ll invite you to the check-in, an orientation meeting on-site in Belval and sometimes online, together with other prospects.
Step 2
Check-in
During the check-in, you’ll be able to learn more about the program, meet the staff and other future learners, and ask any additional questions you might have.
Step 3
Piscine
The next and final step of the application process is the “Piscine”, a 4-week trial period that’s designed to help you become acquainted with 42’s pedagogical model, while simultaneously determining if you’re a good fit for 42. You’ll be swimming in code and learn how to collaborate to solve problems. The Piscine includes basic C programming exercices such as programming functions, variables, loops, conditions, and memory management. You are required to attend full-time.
Step 4
Go!
After evaluating the results of the Piscine, successful applicants will be contacted a few days later and are invited to begin their curriculum shortly after.
The Piscine: a closer look
What it is
A 4-week, on-site, full day trial period to see if you’re a good fit for 42, and 42 is a good fit for you.
Learning Modules
42’s Piscine exercises are grouped in modules. You will need one day, more or less, to complete one, but you can take your time and retry as many times as you like. These modules let you focus on one specific notion. Rather than follow a course and apply what you’ve learned, these modules let you learn practically.
Peer evaluations
In addition to an automated evaluation, all the modules must be evaluated by other candidates in the Piscine at 42. This is what we call peer evaluation. This is an opportunity to discover other ways to program and discuss topics tackled in the exercise. Even if the assessor and the assessed are not at the same level, everyone can benefit from this experience: peer evaluations are when you learn the most from your experience in the Piscine at 42.
Rushes for group work
During weekends, mandatory work groups let students collaborate on projects. We call these “rushes”. The aim is to make you surpass yourself and find a unique solution to a given problem. Rushes are evaluated by the pedagogical staff or advanced students participating in educational activities. Advice given during the evaluations is precious and offers you thorough feedback about the way you code.
Machine exams to test yourself
Once a week, a machine exam is proposed. You must solve increasingly difficult problems in a limited time in order to test your level and use what you’ve learned. You will not get any help here. This is an opportunity to observe your progression and achievement and go beyond. You will find solutions to problems you were absolutely clueless about days or weeks before.
Friendly moments
42’s Piscine is not just about work. Events are set up for candidates to meet and start bonding. No one knows one another at their arrival but more often than not, work groups turn into friend groups. To add a little competition, each candidate is randomly assigned to a school coalition so they can participate in a friendly tournament.
Coming up
Next Piscines:
- 🟢 08.07.2024 – 02.08.2024
- 🟢 02.09.2024 – 27.09.2024
Next Check-ins:
- 🟠 April 12th (EN)
- 🟢 May 2nd (EN-Online)
- 🟢 May 8th (FR)
Curriculum Kick-off
- 🟢 October 2024 (TBA)
Ready, set, go!
Do you want to find out if you’ve got what it takes to study at 42? Sign up now and complete our selection of online games at your leisure.