You have until Wednesday to apply for Apple’s Developer Academy

Wilfred Collins May 26, 2017

Applications for Apple’s Developer Academy are set to close next week, so if you’ve ever wanted to learn how to build an iOS app directly from the company that brought us the iPhone, now is your chance.

You have until Wednesday to apply for Apple’s Developer Academy

The course will take place at the University of Federico II in Naples, Italy, officially starting in October 2017. Applicants can be of any nationality, with last year’s programme including students from Mexico, Turkey and Latvia.

It is the first time Apple has brought this programme to Europe, with the tech giant wanting 1,000 students to attend their courses over the next three years. Apple is already doubling its intake from 2016 – it’s up from 200 to 400. Though, to provide some perspective, there were about 4,000 applications last year.

The programme is designed for budding entrepreneurs and those looking to become software developers, although the course will converge with other fields. You don’t need a background in coding, a general interest in business will suffice. Those with design skills are also welcome, with the course touching on marketing elements as well.

Apple aims to make the programme as inclusive as possible and, as such, they’ll supply an iPhone and Mac to every student who attends the academy.

It might sound like Apple just wants to be seen doing their bit for youth development, but they’re putting in several million euros to keep this free for all students. The curriculum has been designed by Apple’s technical experts and engineers, so you’ll be learning how to build iOS apps right from those who built the system.

If building software in Italy sounds good to you, the application form can be found here.