A free programming academy that requires no university degree, charges no tuition and has no teachers is coming to Paraguay. School 42, founded in France in 2013, will open its Paraguayan campus during the first trimester of 2027, bringing an educational model that has already disrupted tech training across more than 50 campuses in over 30 countries.
The announcement came after Paraguayan President Santiago Peña met French entrepreneur Xavier Niel in Asunción, alongside executives from Tigo Paraguay and national technology authorities. The campus will operate through a public-private partnership between the government and Millicom/Tigo.
A different approach to learning
There are no lectures, no teachers and no traditional exams inside School 42. Students learn entirely through experimentation, collaboration and practical coding exercises designed to reflect real situations in the software industry. Peer evaluation replaces conventional grading, with students reviewing each other’s work through a dedicated correction platform.
Progress is tracked through gamification, with students earning points as challenges grow harder.
The admission process focuses on logic and analytical ability rather than academic background. Applicants first complete online reasoning exercises. Those who pass enter ‘La Piscine’, a gruelling four-week C programming course. It is the academy’s final selection stage, testing resilience and teamwork under pressure.
What students actually learn
Those who pass move into the “Common Core”, developing skills in algorithms, networking, memory management and web development through practical solutions built in Linux and Unix-based environments. After completing the core programme, participants move into professional placements connected to the technology sector.
One of the academy’s most distinctive characteristics is its accessibility. School 42 does not require previous programming experience, allowing students from entirely different educational backgrounds to access advanced technological training at no cost.
Paraguay’s digital ambitions
The institution recently ranked among the world’s most innovative educational organisations in the 2026 WURI rankings, placing ahead of several internationally recognised universities. Its arrival reflects growing international interest in Paraguay’s digital potential and expanding technology infrastructure.
Both government and business see the academy as a stepping stone for Paraguay’s digital ambitions. Discussions surrounding the agreement also include future investment opportunities linked to telecommunications, connectivity and data services. For many young Paraguayans interested in technology careers, School 42 could open access to international level education without the financial barriers often associated with specialised training.
Also read: Dreamers Together: School Art Call Takes Paraguayan Children’s Creativity To Space.
