A free program for migrants who want to [re-]enter the tech industry as a:
⏵ Full-Stack Web Developer
⏵ User Interface Designer
Applications for 2023/2024 are closed.
QUEST is a certificate program by CODE University of Applied Sciences. QUEST is co-funded by the Andreas Gerl Foundation. Learn more.
About QUEST
About QUEST
About QUEST
About QUEST
About QUEST
About QUEST
About QUEST
About QUEST
About QUEST
About QUEST
QUEST IS FOR YOU, IF:
-
You have a migration history
and
-
You are a member of a community that is underrepresented in the German tech sector
or
-
You are facing particular obstacles that are preventing you from career success in Germany
What is QUEST like? Click here and find out!
WHAT YOU GET:
-
A free, one-year certificate program in Berlin
No Bildungsgutschein needed
-
Education
Be our guest at CODE University of Applied Sciences and learn the skills to be a Full-Stack Web Developer or User Interface Designer
-
Network & Community
Join the CODE, QUEST and Factory Berlin tech tribes
-
Career support
One-on-one mentoring and complementary Workshops to perfect your job search strategy
Click here and learn more about the curriculum!
“This program gave me the confidence to get back into the workforce and to change directions to my career.
What was a dream before is now turning into reality.”
QUEST FACTS
We are on a QUEST to support migrants in their pursuit for a successful career in the German tech industry.
Safer Space
A safer space is one where people feel physically, emotionally and psychologically more secure. They feel valued and comfortable to be themselves. (Definition by Anisha Müller)
QUEST is committed to providing a safer space for all, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, abilities, race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status and religion (or lack thereof).
Read more about our commitment to creating an inclusive community in our FAQ.
One Year Program
We invite you to be our guest at CODE University of Applied Sciences for two semesters, from July 2023 until June 2024.
Onboarding, Jul 2023: Meet your fellow QUESTers. Get to know your way around CODE.
Semester 1, Aug – Dec 2023: Attend classes. design and build portfolio-ready projects.
Semester 2, Feb – June 2024: Consolidate your skills. Build your network. Find a job!
Admissions Timeline
Applications
15 March – 30 April 2023
Interviews:
May 2023
Decision:
We will inform you in early June whether you have been accepted into the program.
Program Start:
July 2023
APPLYING + ADMISSION
Who can apply?
We are on a QUEST to support migrants in their pursuit for a successful career in the German tech industry.
You are eligible if you:
- Have a migration history
AND
- Are a member of a community that is underrepresented in the German tech sector
OR
- Are facing particular obstacles* that are preventing you from career success in Germany
*Barriers and obstacles are by nature personal; therefore, we don’t define specific barriers. Instead, we invite you in the application to tell us about your challenges and why you believe that you are a great fit for QUEST.
In addition to that you must have:
- A valid residency and work permit in Berlin*
- Conversational English skills
- 30hr/week on average depending on your skill level
- Basic tech literacy and preliminary skills in your field of interest. Whether acquired through work experience, self study, university, bootcamp, etc. doesn’t matter.
*If your are in the process of applying for your residency/work permit please apply anyway. We need you to have those two papers by the beginning of the semester in September 2023.
Do I have to be in Berlin
Yes. To participate you have to be in Berlin for the duration of the program. There is no remote option.
Do I need any knowledge in tech?
Yes. Basic tech literacy is required. And any previous experience in your field of interest is a plus (the more the better)! Whether acquired through work experience, self study, university, bootcamp, etc doesn’t matter.
Do I need to speak German?
No. But you should be able to understand and communicate in English without problems.
Do you require proof of English language proficiency?
No. But you should be able to understand and communicate in English without problems.
If you are unsure about your level, we recommend just taking a chance and applying anyway. Your English doesn’t need to be perfect – we believe that you can improve your spoken and written language skills during the program. Bear in mind that the entire admissions process is in English and all communication with the QUEST team will be in English from the moment you apply to the moment to “graduate”.
Which documents do I need to apply?
During the application process we ask you to submit the following documents:
- Your CV
- A photo
- A scan/photo of your residency and work permit in Germany/Berlin
-> We do not ask for any school, university or language certificates.
Read all FAQs
Application Process
Before starting your application, make sure to learn everything you need to know about the formal requirements to participate in QUEST and our admission process on 👉 our FAQs.
1
Written application
Answer a short questionnaire about your motivation, background, and professional goals.
2
CV
+ Challenge
In the second stage we ask you to submit your CV, a photo and a proof of your work permit. You will also be asked to complete a challenge. This is your opportunity to show us that you have what it takes to make the most of your year at QUEST.
3
Interview
In the online interview we want to get to know you better, but this is also your chance to get to know us.
4
Confirmation
We will inform you in June whether you have been accepted into the program.
Our Mission
To support migrants in their quest for a successful career in tech, by equipping them with the networks, skills, and resources they need to thrive.
Support Us – Get Involved
Donate
One-time or recurring donations
Your donation helps us cover tuition fees for our participants and provide operational support so that we may continue delivering an excellent program.
Contact us to learn more about funding options and benefits for corporate partners.
Inspire
Give a talk or hold a workshop
QUEST is complemented by a series of talks, workshops and events.
Do you have relevant expertise or unique experiences? We’d love to invite you to share them with our participants!
Hire
Planning to grow your team?
Consider offering an internship, traineeship or job to the QUEST participants and alumni.
Get in touch to discuss different options to access our diverse talent pool!
QUEST is the next evolution of the Techstart course, which has called CODE home since 2021. Upgraded and rebooted for our next adventure in 2023!
If you’d like to get more of a feel for a day in the life of a QUEST participant, you can check out our flashback to Techstart onboarding week 2022, or visit the QUEST or Techstart Instagram pages.
A sneak peak inside our 2022 course.
QUEST PARTNERS
QUEST is possible thanks to our co-funder, the Andreas Gerl Foundation. But turning it into the magical experience it is would not be possible without the contributions of our many partners and friends: Whether it is workshops, outreach, mentorship, job search support, networking, or events … thank you to everyone for supporting our QUEST.
THE TEAM
We happily answer any questions about QUEST at CODE – whether you’re interested in joining yourself, supporting us, or something completely different.
Reach out, we’re looking forward to hearing from you!
