Apple Foundation Program at RMIT

Apple Foundation Program at RMIT

A group of people standing togther
Duration

4 weeks,
Mon-Fri - 10am-2pm

Mode

In-person mentoring

Location

City Campus: 

B14-04-114

Cost

Free to all
learners

Requirements

No coding experience required

Unlock your future with the Apple Foundation Program at RMIT

Join us in a dynamic, challenge-based learning environment where you’ll get to immerse yourself in the creative process of solving real-world problems. Collaborate in diverse teams and design innovative app prototypes using the Apple iOS ecosystem.

The Apple Foundation Program at RMIT empowers learners with future-ready skills at the intersection of technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship. 

A closeup of a loaned Macbook at the Apple Foundation Program.

Building essential skills

Innovative businesses are searching for problem solvers, collaborators, creators and conceptual thinkers - people driven by a passion for making a positive impact in the world.

This world-class learning and design program offers an overview of the skills to become an iOS developer, while simultaneously introducing you to highly sought-after transferable skills, including: 

  • Design Thinking
  • User Research
  • Prototyping apps and conceptual design
  • User Interface and User Experience design
  • Introduction to Swift coding
  • Introduction to Xcode
  • Storytelling
  • Presentation and pitching of ideas

Program details

The Apple Foundation Program at RMIT is open to a broad range of cohort groups, including existing RMIT students who may be interested in further study in this field, retraining professionals looking for a change in career and women who are interested in exploring career options in STEM. 

2024 Cohort intake dates

Group Program dates Applications close
2024 Group 4: Women in Tech

4 weeks

10 am - 2 pm - Mon-Fri

26 August - 20 September

Closed

2025 Cohort intakes dates

Group Program dates Applications close

2025 Group 1: RMIT Students
past and present

3 weeks 

10 am - 3 pm - Mon-Fri

10 - 28 February

29 November - 6 pm

Free to all learners

Fully funded by RMIT and open to anyone 16 years old and above.

Hands-on learning

Learn in person: four weeks, Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm.

No experience? No problem

No prior coding knowledge, skills or experience required.

Learn on the latest tech

A MacBook and iPhone are loaned to participants during the program.

How to apply

Entry to the Apple Foundation Program at RMIT is highly competitive as we can only accept up to 30 learners per cohort. Your task submission plays a crucial role in the application success.

To be considered for a place in the program, you must complete the following steps:

Step 1: Prepare your online application

To complete your online application you will need to submit your details.

Step 2: Complete the selection task

In addition to your online application you will need to answer the following selection task in order to be considered for a place in the program:

  • Tell us about something you learnt recently
  • Why and how you learnt it
  • Prepare a personal reflection on what you took out of your learning experience. 

You have the freedom to complete the selection task on any topic. It doesn’t have to be code or technology related. You can share your story however you wish, whether a collage, illustration, short video (no more than 30 seconds) or written response – the sky is the limit!

Please upload your response as a PDF attachment. If your submission is a video, please include a URL link within the PDF attachment to your application. 

Tips for completing the selection task

Things to think about:

  1. Start with describing what you have learnt and why.
  2. Share with us how you learned - what were the steps involved?
  3. Reflect on this journey. What challenged you, what surprised you and what would you have done differently?

Hint: Your submission will be assessed based on the quality of your reflection ability, storytelling approach, and communication skills, as well as the effort and creativity put in. 

 

Step 3: Submit your application

Before submitting your application, please confirm your commitment that you can attend each session in person at RMIT University City Campus. 

Be creative, have fun and we look forward to seeing your application! 

Please note: If you are aged under 18 years old you will be required to get your parent/guardian's signed consent in order to apply for this program.

 

The RMIT Apple Foundation Program is an immersive, challenge-based learning opportunity for learners to experience what it really means to design and develop an app, learn Design Thinking principles and gain hands-on practice with the intuitive Swift programming environment. By targeting learners from underrepresented groups, we hope to both broaden the pool of talent in the tech sector and increase the diversity of that talent pool.

Karin Verspoor

Executive Dean, School of Computing Technologies, STEM College.


photographic portrait of karin verspoor

Meet our mentors

Portrait of Professor Tuck Wah Leong, he has tanned skin, black hair, brown eyes, and is wearing a white button-up shirt with a black suit jacket.

Professor Tuck Wah Leong

Deputy Dean Learning and Teaching, Director of Apple Foundation Program, RMIT

Tuck played a key role in supporting the establishment of the Apple Foundation Program in Australia. As both the Director and Mentor, he possesses an in-depth understanding of its ethos and pedagogy. Tuck is driven by a passion for utilising the Apple Foundation Program as an effective pathway to educate and empower future generations to create, design, and deliver effective digital solutions.

Tuck’s expertise is in Human-Computer Interaction and has a wealth of experience working in multidisciplinary teams across Europe and Australia. Tuck's specialty is in the design of digital solutions that are not only user-friendly, but meaningful and desirable to people. Tuck is particularly dedicated to working with underserved and marginalised communities, such as Indigenous Australians, ageing Australians, people living with dementia and queer youths. His commitment with these communities is a testament to his belief in the power of inclusive technology.

Portrait of Steph Worladge, a woman with light skin, dark blonde, wearing a light blue shirt and rimless glasses.

Steph Worladge

Apple Foundation Program Mentor

Steph is an experienced education and training professional with a passion for technology and instructional design. With over seven years at Apple perfecting her craft in the Apple Ecosystem, devices, and software, Steph has a strong focus on user experience. She believes that technology has the power to enrich lives and create an inclusive environment that empowers individuals to achieve their full potential, and is committed to inspiring students to think creatively, leveraging Apple technology to make a difference.

Portrait of Shekhar Kalra, he has tanned skin, black hair, brown eyes, and is wearing a grey t-shirt.

Shekhar Kalra

Apple Foundation Program Pedagogy Support

Shekhar is an iOS enthusiast and expert at the school, having taught Swift since its inception in 2014. Shekhar collaborates closely with Apple, providing pedagogical support for the Apple Foundation Program and delivering advanced iOS electives to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. His teaching areas include Security (Cryptography), Enterprise Web Development, Mobile Application Programming, Internet of Things (IoT), and DevOps.

Shekhar's research focuses on educational methodologies that enhance graduate employability, 21st-century teaching techniques, IoT, and Security. This expertise allows him to work closely with industry counterparts, ensuring that graduate students receive industry-relevant training.

Portrait of Harry Porter, he has light skin, brown hair, brown eyes, and is wearing a black t-shirt.

Harry Porter

Apple Foundation Program Mentor

Harry is an Honours student in Computer Science at RMIT University, currently studying optimisation techniques for complex, computational problem-solving. Through extensive student mentoring experience alongside his studies, Harry has applied programming and application design expertise to develop strong technical communication skills, especially in clarifying intersections of complex concepts with user experience design. As part of the Apple Foundation Program, Harry leverages his background to support the realisation of design by guiding the acquisition, development, and application of foundational programming and software architecture skills. Harry believes technology is a powerful creative medium—he is passionate about helping individuals learn new technical and design skills to create and innovate using the Apple ecosystem.

A group of students listen attentively at the Apple Foundation Program at RMIT.

Contact us

For any queries about the program please email us. 

Follow us on LinkedIn

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.