The piscine
The Piscine is the ultimate test before admission. Over four intensive weeks, you’ll dive into the fundamentals of programming. No matter your starting level, this immersive trial is your gateway to 42 Zürich.
Designed to stretch your capabilities, this selection phase tests your grit & teamwork to see if you can thrive in our peer-driven model. Expect to write code daily, collaborate relentlessly, and live the true 42 experience.
Next Piscines:
👉14th September – 9th October
👉19th October – 13th November
Study start: January 2027
Teamwork instead of Competition
The Piscine is not a competition. It’s a 26-day immersive sprint where you’ll discover the unique pedagogy of 42: no teachers, no lectures, only projects.
You’ll learn by doing, solving real-world challenges in the C language and mastering the Unix environment. The goal isn’t to beat others, but to become better than you were yesterday. It’s an intense, rewarding experience that will show you if this way of learning is right for you.
The Piscines take place from 14th September – 9th October and 19th October – 13 November 2026. You then start studying in January 2027.
The name comes from the French word for ‘swimming pool’ – you’re thrown in at the deep end and find out whether 42 Zurich’s learning method suits you. No prior knowledge is required. The school is open 24/7, including at weekends. You decide when and how much you work.
Immersion & Intensity
For four weeks, you’re invited to go all in. Seven days a week, fully immersed in learning to code and working through real challenges with your peers. By the end, you’ll know if this way of learning is right for you.
You’ll work on our campus, surrounded by like-minded candidates and an ecosystem of startups.
You should have an availability of minimum 20 hours. If possible, do not work during the piscine to give it your all.
Peer-to-Peer Learning
This is the heart of 42. You will learn from your peers, evaluate their work, and receive feedback from them.
You will work in groups, solve problems together, and build a network of future colleagues.
There are no teachers: You are responsible for your own learning path.
Peer Evaluation: You must evaluate others to earn the right to have your own projects evaluated.
Exams & Evaluations
Every Friday, you’ll face a timed, machine-graded exam to test your understanding of the week’s concepts.
You’ll complete a series of projects, from simple exercises to complex challenges.
At the end of each week, you’ll be randomly assigned to a group of 3-4 people to complete a challenging project under time pressure. This tests your adaptability and teamwork. (Rush)
Beginner Friendly
No experience?
That’s not a problem. The Piscine starts from scratch but doesn’t slow down. It’s built to stretch your limits and teach you fast, regardless of your background. If you can use a mouse and keyboard, you’re ready to start.
Culture & Community
You won’t just learn to code—you’ll learn about yourself. You’ll face both technical and interpersonal challenges. Events are set up for candidates to meet and decompress. Nobody knows one another in the beginning, but more often than not, work groups turn into tight-knit friend groups.
We encourage you to take breaks, find your rhythm, and take care of your mental health.
From movie nights to team-building activities, the Piscine is as much about building a community as it is about coding.
How to Join 42 Zürich
01. Online Registration
Create your profile on our application platform. It takes less than 2 minutes to register and start your journey.
02. Check-In
Attend an Introduction Session. Meet the team, explore the lab, and get a grasp of our peer-to-peer methodology.
03. The Piscine
The final selection. A 26-day immersive coding sprint. This is where you prove you belong in the next generation of tech leaders.
What happens after the Piscine?
- If you’re selected: You’ll be invited to join the main curriculum, starting with the Common Core. You’ll have the opportunity to travel to other 42 campuses around the world.
- If you’re not selected: It’s not a failure. It simply means this pedagogical model might not be the right fit for you at this time. You can try again next year or explore other 42 campuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior coding experience?
No. The Piscine is designed for beginners. We start from zero and build up.
Is it a competition?
Absolutely not. The Piscine is about collaboration, not competition. If everyone meets the criteria, everyone gets in.
Can I work during the Piscine?
We recomment not to work if possible. The intensity of the program requires a significant time commitment (minimum of 20-30 hours/week).
What will I learn?
You’ll master the C programming language, the Unix environment, Git, and essential soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and self-management.
Is the Piscine free?
Yes, the Piscine and the entire 42 curriculum are free of charge. The school is funded by partners & donations.
Ready to start?
Want to know more about the piscine experience? Check out some of these Youtube videos:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5pX7EomHvI
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWSogGLoTws
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF_GUNrusso
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lg2ZWn6GUlE