School 21
Programming from scratch for those who want 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
Robotics (ROS) and Electronics
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)
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
Memory and Logic Test
Two online mini-games: learn the rules and score as many points as possible
~30 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
Uninterrupted at-campus training. Better clear your schedule or take a leave from your job. Features 22 projects to get to know School 21.
26 days
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
~1.5–3 years
School 21Certification
Participants are awarded a basic or advanced-level certificate, affirming 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
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.
Campus Location
Samarkand
The campus will be situated in the University building, serving as a hub for all those aspiring to get a career in IT. The campus platform enables participants to collaborate with the city's top companies and world-class labs to solve the challenges of the digital economy. The campus infrastructure empowers students to pursue their initiatives, enabling such educational activities as hackathons, open lectures, and interest clubs, effectively facilitating personal development paths.
- 500 workspaces
- Conference hall
- Meeting rooms
- Rooms for tabletop games and active sports
- Football field and a basketball court
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 evaluate your skills based on school or university grades, so we won’t ask for your high school diploma or a degree. Instead, we suggest you take online games, which are more effective at revealing the skills needed for a programmer.
After the games, you’re required to attend an online meeting with the school team in a webinar format. During this meeting, you’ll learn everything about the admission and the training itself. Once you’ve applied, you’ll join a 26-day intensive course – the trial training period. After successfully completing the intensive, the most talented and well-motivated participants will join School 21.
Why is School 21 tuition-free?
Not all talented individuals have the financial means to get a quality education. As a socially responsible company, Sber provides 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 dedicate 4 weeks entirely to the intensive, we recommend deferring your admission to the next year.
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?
Your PM skills will evolve as you work on team projects during your studies. If your sole aim is to acquire project management skills, we suggest using other educational programs, as the primary focus of School 21 is programming.
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?
Our graduates receive a non-state-certified certificate upon the completion of School 21.
Do you provide accommodation for participants?
Yes, we provide dormitory accommodation for participants from other cities or countries. You can learn more about the accommodation conditions during the webinar session 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?
As the schedule is customizable, it can take between 1.5 to 3 years, depending on the number of hours you put into your studies and your desired proficiency level (Junior or Middle).
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 have one attempt - make it count!
Are there step by step instructions on how to obtain