Bootcamp or University? We compare them for you:

Fields like data science, AI, web-development often scare us, as if they contained unatainable knowledge. Maybe that's why many people still think that the only way to get into tech is by studying many years, or in other words: going to uni. If you ever asked yourself: should I enroll in a traditional university program or opt for an intensive coding bootcamp? On this article we compare University and Bootcamps, and we show you how both paths offer unique advantages, trying to help you find the right method for you.

Curriculum: based on practical skills vs. theoretical depth

Probably the key difference between universities and bootcamps is their approach to curriculum. University programs emphasize a theoretical foundation, designed to give you a broad and deep understanding of underlying principles and theories.

“At university, the end goal was more about completing the coursework than actually learning a new skill”. – Meagan, Le Wagon Alumni

However, university curriculums often lack a strong practical component, which is what bootcamps are known for doing better. Bootcamps offer project-based, hands-on learning, which in other words is: learning by doing. This approach focuses on equipping students with the skills needed for specific roles in today’s job market. From day one, bootcamp students work on coding challenges, develop portfolios, and collaborate on projects that simulate real-world job experiences. The goal is to prepare students to enter the workforce immediately, ready to handle common tasks and real-world applications.

For example, Le Wagon bootcamp graduates like Nicolas, Francisco, and Manuel, found that their university programs provided them with a valuable theoretical foundation but lacked the practical skills necessary to transition into tech roles. At Le Wagon, they worked on real-world projects, gaining the hands-on experience and confidence they needed to land developer positions.

“The university classes are very theoretical, and I wanted something more practical, more modern, more applicable.” — Francisco Azevedo, Le Wagon Alumni

“Le Wagon is different from university because the courses are more practical and more focused. I wanted to learn more concrete web development skills, rather than the history of technology.” – Nawel, Web Development Alumni

Curriculum Aspect	University	Bootcamp
Primary Focus	Theoretical depth in computer science principles and underlying frameworks	Practical skills directly applicable to industry roles
Learning Method	Lecture-based, focusing on theories, methodologies, and academic research	Project-based, emphasizing hands-on coding, real-world applications, and teamwork
Assessment Style	Exams, essays, and theoretical assignments that test understanding of foundational concepts	Portfolio projects, coding challenges, and group work that mirror workplace environments
Skill Emphasis	Analytical and research skills, critical thinking, and foundational knowledge	Technical proficiency, real-world problem solving, and role-specific tools
Project Types	Theoretical or research-based projects with a focus on analysis and innovation	Real-world applications, e.g., building websites, data models, or UX prototypes
Curriculum Structure	Broad and diverse, covering a range of core and elective subjects to build a well-rounded base	Streamlined, focused on role-specific skills for immediate career application
Time Investment	3-4 years	3-9 months

Cost and Time

Let’s be honest, when it comes to learning something new, one of the first things we want to know is how much is it going to cost us, both in terms of time and money. University degrees often require three to four years of full-time study, with tuition fees that can exceed 50,000€ in some countries if you decide to study in a private University.

Bootcamps also require an investment, but because they are shorter, they are also more affordable, ranging from €6,000 – €9,000. The return on investment is faster—graduates often land jobs within months of completing the program.

Aspect	Bootcamp (Le Wagon)	University (Europe)
Average Duration	9 weeks (full-time) / 24 weeks (part-time)	3-4 years
Average Total Cost of Program	€6,500 – €8,500*	€30,000 – €60,000**

**Average cost for Le Wagon in Europe; may vary by location. **Average cost for a European 3-4 year degree, varies by country and university type (public vs. private). ****Estimated average debt for European university graduates, based on private tuition and living expenses.

The longer duration of a university degree allows for exploration, but this can also feel limiting for students eager to enter the workforce. Manuel, another web development alumni, pointed out, “In university, they’re teaching 700 people the exact same thing.” At Le Wagon, he found the bootcamp’s smaller, more collaborative environment far more engaging.

Community and networking

Universities typically have At University you normally find both a huge community and at the same time a great feeling of loneliness. If you are in a class like Manuel with 700 students

Universities you can find a huge opportunity to meet new people and great feeling of loneliness. On one hand, there are numerous student associations, clubs, and events designed to help students connect, explore interests, and build networks. These associations frequently organize activities, workshops, and socials, creating a rich ecosystem for personal and professional development. Yet, especially in larger universities, students can find themselves in massive lecture halls, like the one Manuel described, with 700 other classmates. In these settings, it’s easy to feel like just a face in the crowd: “We weren’t getting that community feeling at university.”

On the other hand, one of the key aspects of a bootcamp is collaboration, which doesn’t exist without community. At Le Wagon for example, students work in small groups, sharing experiences and helping each other through challenges. With a global network of over 28,000 alumni and mentors just a Slack message away, students have access to instant support and guidance.

Both try to connect students with the job market. University typically organize job fairs and bootcamps offer career services. The career services that we offer at Le Wagon include many events that allow students to meet potential employers and showcase their projects. Gideon, who transitioned from studying history to tech, found these networking events invaluable in landing his first job.

Aspect	University	Bootcamp (Le Wagon)
Alumni Network Size	Large, but often impersonal	28,000+ active members worldwide, easily accessible via Slack
Networking Opportunities	Alumni networks, general career fairs	Events, global Slack community
Networking Focus	Primarily connects with employers	Connects with a diverse range of professionals—designers, marketers, developers, etc.

Which path is right for you then?

Choosing between a bootcamp and a university degree ultimately depends on your career goals, learning style, and timeline. A university degree offers a deep, theoretical foundation and time for exploration across disciplines, making it ideal for those interested in research or long-term academic growth. However, it requires a significant time and financial investment.

Bootcamps like Le Wagon provide an intensive, hands-on approach that focuses on practical, job-ready skills and industry connections, ideal for those eager to enter the workforce quickly. With their shorter duration, lower cost, and strong community support, bootcamps are a powerful option for anyone looking to jumpstart a career in tech.

Here’s a final summary to help you decide:

Aspect	University	Bootcamp (Le Wagon)
Duration	3-4 years	9 weeks (full-time) / 24 weeks (part-time)
Cost	€30,000 – €60,000 (Europe)	€6,500 – €8,500
Learning Focus	Theoretical depth, broad academic foundation	Practical, job-specific skills
Curriculum Style	Lecture-based, exams, theoretical projects	Project-based, portfolio development, real-world applications
Community	Large but often impersonal alumni network	28,000+ global alumni, accessible via Slack
Networking Opportunities	Primarily with employers	Diverse network: developers, designers, marketers, direct industry events
Best For	Those seeking deep foundational knowledge	Those seeking hands-on skills and a fast track into tech roles

Whether you choose a bootcamp or a university, both paths offer unique advantages. Consider your priorities, and you’ll find the right path to help you thrive in the tech industry. And again, remember that employers don’t mind where you got your skills – what matters is that you have the relevant skills that the market is demanding.