School 21
Tuition free education in IT to:
Switch Careers
Find their Place in IT
Acquire Practical Skills
Want to Join
What You Get
You Can Learn
Core Skills
Mobile Development (Kotlin, Swift)
Computer Graphics and GameDev (Unity)
Frontend Development (HTML, CSS, JS, TS)
Smart Device Programming
DevOps
Data Structures and Algorithms
Databases
Web Development
Cyber Security
OS Development
Networks and System Administration
Software Architecture
Backend Development (C#, Java/Kotlin, Python, Go)
Machine Learning and Data Analysis (Python)
Project management
UX/UI design
Bioinformatics
Programming Languages
C
C++
С#
Java
GO
Swift
Python
SQL
JavaScript
Kotlin
TS
Learning Principles
No Schedules, Grades, or Mentors
You plan your day, manage your free time to submit your projects on time, and review those of other participants. We give deadlines and provide you with a computer-equipped workspace and a comfortable campus that's open 24/7. Everything else is up to you.
Peer-to-Peer
Learning
Learning
No conventional classes and lectures. Instead, we use a peer-to-peer (P2P) approach where every student learns from others. Each participant has a unique background and learns at their own pace. Leverage teamwork, share your knowledge, and gain experience from your peers. All participants are on an equal footing.
Gamification
Accomplish tasks to earn XP, level up your skills, and progress. Engage in the School 21 activities to earn rewards, and get points for reviewing other students' projects. You can benchmark your results against those of other participants to identify areas for growth and push yourself forward.
Training Stages
Entry steps
Pass the test
1 online game — experience the role of a developer solving actual tasks. Figure out the rules yourself and reach the XP target.
≈ 90 minutes
Entry steps
Meeting with the School 21 Team
We’ll explain everything about the training. Get your questions answered and your doubts cleared. Held as an online webinar.
≈ 1 hour
Entry steps
Intensive Course
Over a 14-day intensive course, you’ll dive into IT, finish 11 projects, and decide if it’s for you. It’s a tough stage requiring full focus. We strongly suggest taking time off from work, school, and other tasks
Main Training Course
Studies start a few weeks after the intensive course. Pick your focus, programming languages, and schedule. You can balance studies with work or university.
It takes 6 months to 1.5 years to complete low-code programs, and 1.5 to 3 years to complete developer programs.
State-Accredited Diploma
Participants receive a state-accredited diploma at either the basic or advanced level, certifying their practical programming skills.
Alumni Network
Graduates of School 21 keep in touch post-graduation: share experiences, update each other on IT news, and assist with work and projects. Join the community
Want to Join
State-Accredited
Diploma
Participants of School 21 receive a state-accredited diploma at either the basic or advanced level, validating their practical skills in programming and other areas of digital technology. This credential provides access to employment opportunities in top IT companies and high-tech industries, offering a significant competitive advantage in the job market.
The School 21 program is tailored for individuals at any skill level. Beginners with no prior experience can acquire a new profession from scratch, while seasoned professionals can enhance their qualifications or pivot to a new direction in the digital technology field.
Employment
During their time at School 21, every participant must complete a mandatory internship and work a real job in their field for 3 months. For School 21, an IT company internship is considered an educational project, like any other. You can choose the company for the internship and negotiate the terms. If needed, School 21 will:
- Offer career consultation and review your resume;
- Get you ready for the interview;
- Arrange events with potential employers and present job openings from partner companies.
100% of School 21 participants take internships, and 95% of them have already secured employment offers.
Employment Partners
Partners
Campus Location
Samarkand
Tashkent
The Samarkand campus spans 4,000 m² and includes four learning clusters: «Registan», «Ulugbek», «Sherdor» and «Tillya-Kari». Open 24/7, the campus provides participants with all the necessary resources to thrive in the field of digital technologies, build a community of like-minded peers, and enjoy a comfortable learning environment.
Samarkand Campus Infrastructure:
- 4 learning clusters
- 500 workstations
- A 150-seat conference hall for events, masterclasses, and seminars
- Meeting rooms for collaborative projects
- A sports hall and recreational game zones for active breaks
- Dining areas, coworking spaces, and relaxation zones
- A dormitory accommodating up to 180 residents
The School 21 campus in Tashkent covers 8,100 m² and comprises ten learning clusters: «Tashkent», «Samarkand», «Bukhara», «Khiva», «Kokand», «Shakhrisabz», «Termez», «Nukus», «Jizzakh», and «Andijan». Open 24/7, including weekends and holidays, the campus enables participants to study at their own pace and design a personalized educational journey.
Tashkent Campus Infrastructure:
- 10 learning clusters
- 700 workstations
- A 300-seat conference hall for events, masterclasses, and seminars
- A lecture hall
- Meeting rooms designed for team collaboration
- Game zones and activity areas for recreation
- Dining areas, coworking spaces, and relaxation zones
Join School 21 today
Upcoming Intensive Courses:
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FAQ
What is the learning process at School 21 like?
So, you’ve passed the intensive course and are now ready for the main one. What’s in store for you? Over the first 12–15 months, you’ll have access to projects in areas such as structural programming (C), object-oriented programming (C++), computer networks, algorithms, databases (SQL), and applied programming (Java, Python, Golang, C#). After that period, you’ll start a mandatory 3-month internship. You pick the company to have your internship at.
After the internship, your personalized study plan will feature several specialization options:
- Mobile (Android/ iOS, Kotlin/ Swift),
- Frontend Development (HTML, CSS, JS, TypeScript, SPA, PWA),
- Backend Development (C#, Python, Go, Java, Designing Backend for Monolithic and SOA Applications, HighLoad Systems, Distributed Transactions, Parallel Programming, Web Servers, etc.),
- Machine Learning and Data Science (Big Data, Neural Networks, Python, TensorFlow, Computer Vision, Computational Linguistics, etc.).
- Software Architecture (UML, Business Process Design, Prototyping, SOA, Microservice Architecture, Design of Distributed Applications, Development Process Management, etc.)
- DevOps (Ansible, Docker, Kubernetes, Advanced Nginx Configuration, Cloud Infrastructures, etc.)
- Databases (SQL, Relational and Non-Relational Databases, including Document and Graph Databases)
- Algorithms (Complex Data Structures, Graph Algorithms, Compression Algorithms, Greedy Algorithms, Continuous and Discrete Optimization, Multithreaded Algorithms, Approximate Algorithms, etc.)
- Robotics and Electronics (ROS), Smart Device Programming (Microcontroller Programming (AVR and ARM), Single-Board Computer Programming, etc.)
- Computer Graphics and GameDev (Computer Graphics Algorithms (C/C++), Computer Physics Algorithms, Unity, Unreal Engine, Game AI Concepts, etc.)
- Cyber Security (Cryptography, Network Security, Virus and Anti-virus Principles, Vulnerability Analysis);
- Operating Systems and Networks (Driver and Kernel Module Development, Linux Kernel Programming and Compilation, File System Development, Assembler in System Programming, Network Setup, etc.)
Why return from an internship? To expand and deepen your knowledge by exploring new languages and fields through more complex and interesting projects. What’s at the end? You receive a basic-level certificate after completing projects in your chosen study specialization. To obtain an advanced-level certificate, you need to complete projects in three specializations. Upon graduation, you become a graduate and member of the Alumni School 21 community.
What are the prerequisites for admission?
We don’t measure your potential by school or university grades, so we won’t ask for your diploma or transcripts. Instead, you’ll take an online game that helps us see whether you have the abilities needed to become an IT specialist.
After the game, you’ll need to join a session with the School 21 team — either as an online webinar or on campus, it’s up to you. You can find the schedule of these sessions in your personal account, where we’ll walk you through how admission and learning at the school work. Once you submit your documents, you start a 14-day intensive — a trial study period. After this selection intensive, the most motivated and talented participants are admitted to School 21.
Why is School 21 tuition-free?
Not all talented individuals have the financial means to get a quality education. We provide this opportunity to every talented individual.
We are proud to have had the privilege of shaping our future by helping foster the next generation of professionals.
What tips can you give to help me successfully pass the intensive?
You cannot prepare for the intensive. The most important thing is to get well-rested before it begins. During the intensive, manage your time wisely, distribute your workload evenly, and work diligently. Remember to balance your workload with healthy sleep and proper nutrition. Enjoy and good luck!
Are there age limits?
Anyone from 18 years and older can enroll in the school, there are no upper age restrictions. With the written permission of the parents and after approval from the school, anyone from the age of 17 can take part in the qualifying intensive courses.
Can I join the intensive while studying or working?
If you can’t fully commit to the 14-day selection intensive, we recommend applying in the next bootcamp instead.
Do I need to know computer technologies well before I go to School 21?
Your programming skills level isn’t a deciding factor. Everyone starts on an equal footing.
Our experience and that of our graduates working with this methodology in other countries shows that capable participants without software development experience quickly catch up with those who have prior programming experience. Naturally, if you’ve never used a computer before, studying will be quite challenging for you. But even in this case, nothing is out of reach.
Can I become a Project Manager (PM) while studying at School 21?
Yes, the Project Manager program is available on the main training course and lasts 8–9 months.
Is remote learning an option?
Throughout the main course, you can submit projects and check other people’s projects. However, you must be physically present at School 21 for the exams, as most of the learning process involves direct interaction with other participants.
What certification do participants receive upon completing School 21?
Graduates of our program receive a state-recognized diploma.
Do you provide accommodation for participants?
Participants from other cities or countries attending the Samarkand campus may be offered dormitory accommodations. The cost is 100,000 sum per month. You can learn more about the accommodation details during our webinars with the team.
How much time should I dedicate to studying at the school?
That’s entirely up to you. School 21 operates 24/7, allowing everyone to work at their most productive hour. Regardless, to successfully advance through the program, you’ll need to dedicate at least 20 hours every week to your studies.
How long does the training last?
Since your study schedule is individual, completing the developer tracks can take from 1.5 to 3 years, depending on how many hours you invest and whether you’re aiming for a Junior or Middle level. Programs in other areas usually take from 6 months to 1.5 years to complete.
Can I work while studying?
One-third of our participants study at School 21 alongside getting a university education, while another third balance School 21 with their work. To be frank, it’s challenging but achievable. Ideally, one should have a single freelance or part-time job to ensure the work/study balance.
During your studies, you will also have to undertake a three-month internship at an IT company.
Where will the School 21 team meetings take place?
The meetings are conducted online.
Do I get a military service waiver?
School 21 offers no waivers, but we do certainly wait for our students to return from their military service.
What language is the instruction in?
The School 21 platform interface and tasks are in English, providing participants with language practice and the valuable skill of reading technical English. However, for those unable to read and understand English, all tasks are also available in Russian.
Can foreign nationals enroll?
Absolutely, yes. We don’t restrict enrollment based on nationality. However, participants must tackle travel visa issues on their own.
How many times can I apply?
You can only take the game once per account, but you can try to get into the bootcamp as many times as you want.
Are there step by step instructions on how to obtain