Why 42?
42 offers one of the most innovative approaches to learning IT available today. With a teaching approach based on practical experience, projects and collaboration, the 42 programme is open to everyone, helping them to realise their potential and prepare for careers in the digital sector.
A teaching approach of the highest standard, based on practical experience, collaboration and a personalised learning pathway.
Our learning system
Peer-to-peer
Collaborative learning enables everyone to progress by sharing ideas, challenging them and bringing out the best in each other through collective intelligence. There is no teacher, but rather a teaching team that supports students as they seek their own solutions.
Project-based learning
Project-based learning at 42 is based on 100% hands-on learning, with no lectures, where students progress by working on real-world projects and learning from their mistakes, which are seen as essential steps towards greater success.
Gamification
The gamified learning approach at 42 is based on a system of levels and experience points, offering everyone a personalised and motivating learning journey inspired by video game mechanics.
For a better future
Our values
Beyond technical skills, 42 fosters a spirit of mutual support, curiosity and the personal qualities that shape the talents of tomorrow.
Opening
A course open to everyone, with no entry requirements or prerequisites, designed to bring out the best in everyone. The 42 course is based solely on merit, regardless of your background.
Free of charge
A 100% free model that removes financial barriers and gives everyone a fair chance.
Collaboration
Learning together through peer-to-peer collaboration, by sharing, helping one another and making progress through collective intelligence.
Excellence
To develop self-reliant professionals capable of solving complex problems and addressing the challenges of the digital age.
Range
Every student takes an active role in shaping their own educational journey and develops their ability to learn, research and innovate independently.
Resilience
Making mistakes is part of the learning process: trying things out, failing and trying again is the key to long-term progress.
International
Joining 42 means becoming part of a global network renowned for the quality of its talent and the opportunities it offers.
Employability
A training programme focused on digital professions, designed to help you build a long-term career in a sector where demand is high.
Christophe Wagnière – CEO of 42 Lausanne
42 Lausanne is much more than just a school
It is a place where everyone can realise their potential, learn how to learn, and develop the skills that will shape the digital world of tomorrow. If you have the motivation and the drive to push yourself, then this is the place for you.
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Explore the campus
The Campus 42 Lausanne
42 Lausanne is the French-speaking Swiss campus of the global 42 network.
Based in Renens, in the heart of the technology park in western Lausanne, it opened its doors in 2021 as Switzerland’s first 42 campus. Since then, more than 12,000 applicants have tried their luck at joining this exceptional programme.
42 Network
The 42 network worldwide
Founded in Paris in 2013, the 42 network is now the world’s largest community of free, inclusive and disruptive coding schools.
Founded in 2013 by Xavier Niel, a successful French entrepreneur, 42 has become an international benchmark for students and businesses. Since its inception, the world’s best computer programming school* has trained thousands of professionals, helping to address the shortage of digital talent and adapt to economic and technological changes, thanks to the universally recognised quality of its teaching.
Students talk about 42 Lausanne
« It’s more dynamic than university. After completing my Master’s in architecture at university, I wasn’t sure I wanted to do that job for the rest of my life. I’d learnt a bit of coding, so I thought, why not? What I particularly like about 42 is that we’re all different and we respect one another. I meet people there I would never have come across otherwise, and that makes me stronger, more open-minded and more adaptable too. I’m looking forward to starting my work placement so I can put my new skills into practice. »
Luke .
student, 42 Lausanne
« An incredible experience! Being both a student and a teacher is quite amazing. 42 Lausanne provides us with such a positive working environment, where we can learn and teach others. It’s something that, for me personally, is helping me progress at a pace I could never have imagined. On top of that, 42 Lausanne indirectly instils self-discipline in us. If we manage ourselves properly, the pace of life we can adopt is tailored to what we enjoy, and that’s priceless. Being able to get up without the stress of being on time, etc. It’s very pleasant on a day-to-day basis. »
Tanguy .
Student, 42 Lausanne
« I’ve discovered a real passion When I arrived, I knew very little, and I thought the way we all helped each other right from the start was brilliant. The atmosphere in the pool is incredible; it’s an experience I’d really recommend. For me, it’s the best way to learn programming. I pushed myself beyond my limits and did things I didn’t think I was capable of; I discovered a real passion. »
Gabriela .
Student, 42 Lausanne
« After just one month at La Piscine, I already knew how to do the front roll La Piscine at 42 Paris was a real eye-opener for me. I gave it a go just to tease my brother, but I got hooked. After four weeks, I felt like I could do all sorts of things, and that was just the start of my learning journey. Today, I’m a developer at a video game company and I’m having a blast! »
Susie .
Student, 42 Lausanne
« It’s important to help one another so we can move forward and make progress more quickly. The complete freedom and the self-directed learning aspect are what I like most about how this school works. We’re free to work at our own pace, take a break when we need to, leave the school, come back, arrive early or late… I’ve also really enjoyed the social aspect, the fact that we move forward together and learn as a group. When someone understands something that others haven’t yet grasped, they explain it. We don’t leave anyone behind, and that’s what makes École 42 Lausanne special. »
Robin .
Student, 42 Lausanne
« Without 42, I don’t know where I’d be! I was never much of a student. I didn’t even finish school. Nothing interested me apart from spending hours in front of my games console. My mum was going mad. When she saw a report about 42 on the telly, she called me over to watch and told me it might be just the thing for me. Today, she’s proud of me, and that’s what matters most. I’ve got a job and new mates who are better company than my old ones. »
Juan .
Student, 42 Lausanne
Geek culture
But why 42?
In Douglas Adams’ book *The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy* (often abbreviated to H2G2), an advanced race of aliens decides to build a supercomputer. Its mission: to find the answer to the big question about life, the universe and everything. After more than seven million years of calculation, the computer delivers its answer: 42. In geek culture, the number 42 is often used as the ultimate answer to a problem that seems insurmountable. That is why 42 is called 42: it is our answer to what computer science education should be today and tomorrow.
