Berlin, a cosmopolitan city renowned for its thriving tech ecosystem, is stuffed with tech start-ups. In recent years, it’s also become a beacon for those seeking to enter the world of data science and data analytics.
The good news is, if you’re a German or non-German national living in Berlin and are unemployed or are soon to be, you’ve a unique opportunity to access free training that will equip you with essential data skills by attending a data analytics bootcamp in Berlin.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll navigate the landscape of these free educational offerings, known as Bildungsgutschein, focusing specifically on the opportunities available to non-German nationals.
We’ll also explore the possibility of in-person and remote learning, which can suit different circumstances. By tapping into these valuable resources, you can embark on an exciting journey, find your feet in Berlin and become part of a thriving data community.
We’ll cover:
- How to take a data bootcamp in Berlin for free
- Why take a data science or data analytics bootcamp in Berlin?
- Data science bootcamps in Berlin
- Data analytics bootcamp Berlin FAQs
- What’s next?
Ready to find out how to take a data bootcamp in Berlin for free? Then let’s jump in.
1. How to take a data bootcamp in Berlin for free
First, let’s explain the basics of accessing data science bootcamps and data analytics bootcamps in Berlin for free.
Introducing the Bildungsgutschein
If you want to embark on a data science or data analytics bootcamp in Berlin without a financial burden, you need to know about the Bildungsgutschein.
The Bildungsgutschein, literally meaning “education voucher”, is a program offered by the German government and supplied through the German Jobcenter (aka Agentur für Arbeit).
Putting aside the German terminology for now, the short version is that this education voucher allows you to learn new skills for free.
The Jobcenter covers the costs of your chosen course without any obligation to pay it back. Of course, there are some prerequisites for applying (which we explore below) but the thinking is that by investing in professional development when jobseekers need it most, they obtain in-demand skills to help them find work, which in turn will support the economy.
Better yet, if you’re unemployed while studying with a Bildungsgutschein, you can still access your unemployment benefits. And while going through the application process isn’t a sure thing, there isn’t a catch otherwise. So there’s no harm in applying.
Find out more: What is a Bildungsgutschein? A Comprehensive English Guide
How to apply for a Bildungsgutschein
To take advantage of the free data bootcamps in Berlin, you’ll need to apply for a Bildungsgutschein through your local Jobcenter (again, the Agentur für Arbeit). The process typically involves demonstrating your motivation, career goals, and the relevance of your chosen bootcamp to your desired field.
As mentioned, there is no guarantee that you will be granted a Bildungsgutschein so it’s important to be prepared and ready to discuss your goals and why you are applying with an agent from the Jobcenter. One thing to know is that Germany is renowned for its bureaucracy. While it’s certainly manageable, it helps to ensure that you’re prepared.
With that in mind, here is the typical process you’ll need to follow:
- Choose a data analytics bootcamp or science bootcamp in Berlin that fits your needs (more on this in section 3). Ensure that it is offered by an approved Bildungsgutschein provider—not all are.
- Make an appointment with your local Agentur für Arbeit (Jobcenter) via phone or email. You will usually need to be registered as unemployed, or soon to be unemployed.
- Before attending, compile the necessary documents for your appointment. This includes your passport/ID card, proof of residence in Germany (Aufenthaltsnachweis), German registration document (Anmeldebescheinigung), an up-to-date resume, a personalized proposal, and the vocational identification number (Berufskennzahl) and measure number (Maßnahmennummer) for your chosen course. To demonstrate that your chosen career path is viable you’ll also need to bring a list of job vacancies in the field. Some screengrabs of job vacancies from LinkedIn or another site should be sufficient.
- Be prepared to talk about your proposal. If you don’t speak great German yet, that’s OK, but you might want to consider bringing a native speaker with you to translate.
- Presuming the Jobcenter awards you a Bildungsgutschein, the final step is to complete the admissions process for your chosen course. Don’t worry though, this is usually much more straightforward and most providers speak good English.
That’s it! All going well, once you’ve ticked off these steps, you should be ready to start your course. It’s also worth noting that a Bildungsgutschein may also include financial support for living expenses during your training period, but be sure to check about this when you apply. You can read about the process in this useful guide: How to apply for a Bildungsgutschein
2. Why take a data science or data analytics bootcamp in Berlin?
While we’ve covered the process of applying for a Bildungsgutschein, the obvious first step is to decide whether or not a data science bootcamp in Berlin is the right path for you. Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider it.
Thriving tech ecosystem
Berlin is renowned for its vibrant tech scene, with numerous tech startups and established companies seeking data analysts. By joining a data bootcamp in Berlin, you can immerse yourself in this dynamic environment and tap into the city’s opportunities and networking events.
Access to future-proofed knowledge and skills
Data science and data analytics bootcamps in Berlin provide intensive training to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in the field. These bootcamps often focus on practical, hands-on learning, ensuring that you gain experience by working with real-world datasets, tools, and technologies that will serve you well—even if you transition to another career path in the future.
Unrivaled career opportunities
Although well-established, Berlin’s tech industry is still growing. As such, there is high demand for data scientists and data analysts. By completing a data science bootcamp in Berlin, you can enhance your job prospects and increase your chances of landing one of these sought-after roles.
Networking and community
Data analytics bootcamps in Berlin are great for fostering a sense of community among participants. Connect with like-minded individuals, other industry professionals, and potential employers, and you’ll have a community of support around you to help when you need it most.
Flexibility and adaptability
Unlike most traditional training pathways, data science and data analytics bootcamps in Berlin generally offer a variety of formats, including in-person, hybrid, and remote options. This means you can choose the format that suits your preferences and circumstances. We’ll explore this more in section 3.
Next up, let’s take a look at some of the options available.
3. Data science bootcamps in Berlin
So, you’re ready to choose a course? The first step is to research the ones that fit your unique situation and career goals. Although this is not an exhaustive list, here are some possibilities to get the ball rolling.
Remote data bootcamps in Berlin
Remote bootcamps can provide greater accessibility and convenience for individuals who have other commitments, or for those who live in another German city and are unable to relocate to Berlin. Let’s take a look.
CareerFoundry Data Analytics Bootcamp Berlin
Mode of study: Online
Duration: 8 months (15 hours per week)
Price: $6,900 USD (€8,990)
Available with Bildungsgutschein: Yes, learn more about how it works
CareerFoundry’s Data Analytics Program is a comprehensive online offering that promises to transform beginners into job-ready data analysts.
It provides flexibility in terms of scheduling while maintaining specific milestones within the overall 8-month duration. Notable features include a dual mentorship model and a job guarantee. Each student is assigned a personal tutor and a one-to-one mentor.
In terms of what you will learn, the curriculum is project-based, meaning that everything you learn will form your professional data portfolio by the time you graduate. Students who take the program also have the choice of specializing in two of the most exciting areas of data right now—Machine Learning (what’s driving the generative AI hype) and Data Visualization.
The program costs €8,990 with various payment options available, including an upfront payment and with Bildungsgutschein. For those seeking a hands-on introduction before committing to the full course, CareerFoundry also offers a free 5-day data analytics short course.
Le Wagon Data Science Bootcamp Berlin
Mode of study: Online
Duration: 8 weeks (full-time)
Price: Approximately $8,600 USD (€7,900)
Available with Bildungsgutschein: Yes, learn more
For a shorter option, Le Wagon’s Data Science Bootcamp in Berlin is a full-time, immersive program that equips students with the skills to start a career in data science in just eight weeks.
You’ll learn about data analyst tools such as Python, MySQL, and Jupyter Notebook, as well as the basics of decision science (including statistical analysis), machine learning, and deep learning (a subset of machine learning).
The program includes 40 hours of curated online tutorials with live online sessions, weekly challenges, and real-time teacher support. Le Wagon also offers a part-time option which takes place over 6 months. Both are available with the Bildungsgutschein.
Thinkful Data Science Bootcamp Berlin
Mode of study: Online
Duration: 6 months (15-20 hours per week)
Price: $9,500 (approximately €8,700)
Available with Bildungsgutschein: No
The Thinkful data science bootcamp offers a part-time, online course that promises to take you from beginner to job-ready in six months.
While this option is not available with the Bildungsgutschein, it might be a good choice for those with the money available who wish to start a course immediately—its online resources are readily available at any time, and you can be located anywhere in the world.
While you’ll need to contact Thinkful for the full curriculum, it includes topics such as Python and SQL, as well as an introduction to machine learning, where you’ll learn how to build your first supervised learning model, for example.
In-person or hybrid data bootcamps in Berlin
If you prefer either on-site learning or a blend of in-person and remote instruction, hybrid data bootcamps in Berlin can offer a unique learning experience that combines the best of both worlds. Let’s explore some of the options.
WBS Coding School Data Science Bootcamp Berlin
Mode of study: Hybrid (or entirely online)
Duration: 13 weeks online, 2 weeks on campus (or 15 weeks fully online)
Price: Pricing on request, however Course Report estimates the full-time bootcamp costs approximately $11,500 USD or €10,500
Available with Bildungsgutschein: Yes, learn more
Among other topics, WBS Coding School’s data science bootcamp will teach you how to work with databases, cloud computing, SQL, and Python for data science. The course also introduces machine learning topics.
Its specific modules include:
- Business analytics
- Python programming
- Data storytelling
- Data visualization using libraries like Pandas, Matplotlib, Seaborn, and Tableau
The bootcamp also emphasizes a hands-on approach with real-life projects that enhance practical skills in an interactive environment. You’ll have access to live seminars (where students can analyze and interpret data alongside their peers) and instructors.
The first 13 weeks focus on live and interactive online classes. For the final two weeks, you can choose to attend WBS Coding School’s Berlin Campus to meet your instructors and classmates in the flesh, which can be a real benefit if you prefer the hands-on approach.
Code Academy Berlin Data Science Bootcamp
Mode of study: On campus
Duration: 5 months
Price: Pricing on request, however, coursereport.com estimates the full-time bootcamp costs approximately $11,000 USD or €10,000
Available with Bildungsgutschein: Yes, learn more
Code Academy Berlin’s comprehensive data science curriculum focuses on building a strong foundation in Python, statistics, and data visualization techniques (using the Python libraries Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, and Seaborn).
It also covers various analytical models such as time series analysis, forecast models, and—like the other courses on our list—an introduction to machine learning concepts.
In the second module, students receive training in business skills, database design, and tools like Tableau/Google Studio and SQL, which are widely used in the industry.
The final specialization module (part of the full course) allows students to delve into either data science or data engineering, with topics including deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), web development, and data pipelines. Code Academy Berlin’s agile structure, including daily meetings, sprints, workshops, and presentations, mirrors real-world scenarios.
Spiced Academy Data Analytics Bootcamp Berlin
Mode of study: On campus (with remote learning available if you prefer)
Duration: 12 weeks
Price: Approximately $9,250 USD (€8,500)
Available with Bildungsgutschein: Yes, learn more
Unlike most of the other providers on our list, Spiced Academy focuses on two specific bootcamps only: data analytics and web development.
Their data analytics course begins with an online assessment to ensure you have the necessary skills before transitioning to classroom-based instruction. In the classroom, you’ll learn Python for data collection, analysis, and visualization, as well as explore data analytics libraries like Pandas and NumPy, machine learning, data infrastructure, SQL databases, and more.
This on-site bootcamp prioritizes real-world expertise and offers interview coaching sessions and personalized support to assist with career transition. It’s an excellent option for individuals who prefer personalized, face-to-face training. And again, it is available with Bildungsgutschein.
While there are many other data bootcamps available in Berlin, these should provide a taster of some of the options.
4. Data analytics bootcamp Berlin FAQs
So we’ve covered the Bildungsgutschein, and we’ve explored some possible bootcamp options to consider. Of course, you might have more questions. Here are answers to some of the most common ones.
Are data analytics bootcamps worth it?
The value of any data analytics bootcamp depends on your personal career goals. What we can say for sure is that bootcamps provide a fast-paced learning experience, equipping you with practical skills in a shorter time than a traditional college degree. This makes them great for career changers and professionals seeking to grow their skillset. It’s important, though, to research and choose reputable bootcamps that align with your specific needs.
Is Germany good for data analysts?
Berlin, and Germany more generally, has a thriving tech and data science industry, making it a bit of a hub for data analysts. The country’s strong economy, advanced tech infrastructure, and growing demand for data-driven insights (across various sectors) are all contributing factors. Plus, German cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt offer numerous job opportunities for those looking to get started in the field.
Is data science in demand in Germany?
Absolutely! The increasing digitization of all industries, as well as advancements in AI and the need for data-driven decision-making are fuelling the demand for skilled data scientists in Germany.
German companies in sectors ranging from finance to manufacturing, healthcare, and e-commerce are actively seeking data professionals to drive business growth. Every company these days is a tech company, meaning that talented data professionals are likely to remain in demand for years to come.
Is data analytics high-paying?
Yes, qualified data analytics typically command competitive salaries. It should be said, though, your earning potential will naturally vary depending on your experience, industry, and the size of the company that employs you, not to mention location.
Data analysts with strong skills and experience can expect above-average salaries, though. Researching industry standards and job market trends in Berlin will offer some clarification but you can get a feel for it in this post: Data Analyst vs Data Scientist Salary in Germany: Which is Higher?
5. What’s next?
So there we have it, a full introduction to data science and data analytics bootcamps in Berlin, and how to access them for free. We realize there is a lot of information to digest here, so what should your next step be? We’d recommend doing the following:
Research reputable bootcamps
First up, explore the various data science bootcamps available in Berlin, exploring remote, hybrid, and in-person options. Look for bootcamps that align with your goals, and provide valuable data science knowledge and skills. And be sure to look out for a Bildungsgutschein-eligible provider.
Apply for a Bildungsgutschein
If you’re unemployed in Germany and are looking to transition into a data career, the next step is to apply for a Bildungsgutschein. To increase your chances of success, aim to demonstrate your motivation, career goals, and the relevance of the chosen bootcamp to the field. This hopefully means you’ll be able to access excellent training in Berlin without worrying about the cost.
Consider networking and career advancement opportunities
In addition to applying for a course and a voucher, think about the different networking opportunities and job prospects in Berlin. Actively seek out bootcamps that provide support and connections within Berlin’s tech industry.
Leverage Berlin’s demand for data scientists and data analysts
Professionals in data science and analytics are in high demand in Berlin’s tech industry. Turn the favorable job market to your advantage by pursuing these types of careers in the city (or elsewhere in Germany).
Remember, the Bildungsgutschein program opens doors to free education, but getting into the right course is important. So always make sure to choose an option that feels like a good fit for you.
Not quite ready to apply and want to learn more about data analytics first? Sign up for CareerFoundry’s free 5-day data analytics short course, or read the following introductory guides: