18 out of 190 in first batch complete SUTD's tuition-free coding school

Most in first cohort quit 42 SG programme that relies on peer learning and has no teachers

- Elisha Tushara

Completing coding school at 42 Singapore (42 SG) is proving to be a serious challenge.

Out of the 190 students in the first cohort who joined the tuition-free programme at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), 18 have graduated and 100 have quit.

The rest are still enrolled in the programme, which is modelled after the renowned Ecole 42 in France, a pioneering coding school that was founded in 2013.

42 SG offers modules in the fields of coding, computer programming, cyber security and more. There are neither teachers nor structured lessons, and no academic prerequisites are needed to enrol.

Costing nothing and open to anyone aged 18 and above, the programme relies on peer learning and offers full hands-on, project-based learning in a gamified environment.

Mr Koh Chye Soon, head of 42 SG, told The Straits Times the high attrition rate is not unexpected.

Students leave for various reasons, including job offers secured through networks formed during their time at 42 SG, caregiving duties and family responsibilities, he said.

42 SG students are completely responsible for their own learning, he said, as opposed to having teachers supplying materials and providing guidance.

"Without teachers, there's actually more work to do," he said. "It is not a small feat to complete 42 SG."

The 18 graduates completed the common core curriculum, which translates to the first nine levels out of a total of 21. This is the equivalent of a diploma certification.

SUTD said those who complete level 9 would have acquired skills for positions such as a junior-level software engineer or network engineer.