ECU city will be home to WA's first Apple Foundation Program.
Edith Cowan University (ECU) has today announced its new campus in Perth's CBD will be home to Western Australia's first Apple Foundation Program in 2026. The global program is designed to produce the next generation of app developers, entrepreneurs, and digital innovators.
Located in the technology-enabled learning spaces in ECU City overlooking the heart of Perth, the program will offer a collaborative environment for hands-on learning and creative problem-solving.
"ECU is thrilled to collaborate with Apple, not only are we bringing one of the world's most recognisable brands to a Western Australian university, but together we are providing new opportunities for aspiring app developers and entrepreneurs to take part in the world-class Apple Foundation Program right here in Perth," ECU Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock said.
"ECU City is a prime location for the Apple Foundation Program, with its dynamic combination of business, creative industries and technology providing a ripe environment for out-of-the-box thinking, innovation and exploration. By providing opportunities for all people to experience the creative process of problem-solving using technology, including app design and development skills, we are producing the creative technology leaders of tomorrow," Professor Pollock said.
Professor Pollock said the program opens doors for the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.
The Apple Foundation Program at ECU City will introduce participants to the fundamentals of app development, including Apple's programming language, Swift. The program provides students with the future skillset required to design and create their own original apps, as well as develop solutions to real-world challenges. No prior experience is required, making the Apple Foundation Program at ECU City ideal for anyone passionate about technology, entrepreneurship, and creative design.
The program has already empowered students around the world, with many launching successful businesses. The four-week, free course will follow Apple's world-class curriculum, with hands-on learning led by academics and guided by expert mentors from ECU. The initiative aligns with ECU and Apple's shared commitment to expanding access to educational and workforce opportunities across communities.
"We're thrilled to expand the Apple Foundation Program in Australia through a partnership with Edith Cowan University, helping deepen the skills of aspiring developers and future app designers. In a country known for its creativity, we're looking forward to seeing how students use Swift to create their best ideas and develop the next generation of apps," Susan Prescott, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations and Enterprise and Education Marketing said.
Apple equipment including Macs and iPhones, will be provided to participants for the duration of the course, which is expected to see more than 100 students graduate from the program in the first year.
Key Learning Outcomes
Swift & iOS Development – Gain foundational skills in Swift and SwiftUI-Xcode, Apple's powerful and intuitive programming tools.
Challenge-Based Learning – Solve real-world problems while enhancing coding and design abilities.
Industry-Ready Expertise – Develop skills in design thinking, user research, prototyping, and conceptual design.
Career Preparation – Build future-ready skills for careers in app development, UX/UI design, and digital innovation.
Meeting 'app-economy' demand
Projections show 1.8 million new tech skilled workers will be needed in Australia by 2030, with skills including scripting languages and software development principles in high demand.
Coding has remained one of the most in-demand tech skills across the country, now with Generative AI introducing English as a coding language, the landscape is continually evolving.
"In an era of transformative digital change, no aspect of business is immune — technology upskilling is essential across every function," Professor Pollock said. "By equipping students with cutting-edge technology and problem-solving skills, we are shaping the future of digital innovation one technopreneur at a time."
ECU City opens to students in semester one, 2026. Learn more about the Apple Foundation Program at ECU City.
