FAQ

Q. Who is eligible?

A. The Apple Developer Academy @ POSTECH welcomes all applicants 19+ from any background; coding skills are not required. Applicants from tech, design or other expertise are welcome to apply.

Q. Are non-majors also eligible?

A. Yes, the Academy welcomes applicants from all fields. We nurture versatile T-shaped professionals with deep expertise in one area and broad knowledge across disciplines. Our interactive learning environment encourages collaboration and multidisciplinary learning. For example, non-IT backgrounds like economics or piano can become junior developers, and developers can explore design and app business. We promote continuous learning and diverse skill development at the Academy.

Q. Is it possible to reapply?

A. Non-finalists from the previous year can reapply the following year. However, re-application within the same year is not allowed. For example, Cohort 2024 applicants can apply for Cohort 2025, but Cohort 2025 batch 1 applicants are not allowed to reapply for Cohort 2025 batch 2.

Q. Is it possible to join the academy as a full-time employee/student?

A. Applicants aged 19 or above, without travel restrictions, can apply for the Academy program regardless of affiliation. However, combining it with full-time work or education without a gap year may be challenging.

Q. Are foreigners also eligible?

A. Applicants aged 19 or above, regardless of nationality, can apply. However, proficiency in Korean is essential because most sessions are conducted in Korean, and visa support is unavailable.

Q. What is the recruitment process?

A. The recruitment process consists of 1) application submission 2) online test 3) online interview. All applicants aged 19 and above, without any disqualifications for travelling abroad, who complete the application submission within the deadline, will be invited to take the online test. Online test details will be emailed to you within one week after the application deadline. Subsequently, only shortlisted candidates will be invited to the online interview, based on a comprehensive assessment of their application and online test scores.

Q. What are the selection criteria?

A. Successful applicants should be able to demonstrate, in both their applications and interviews, high quality of delivery, motivation to learn, and ability to collaborate. Highly motivated candidates are preferable.

Q. How many people are accepted in each cohort?

A. A total of approximately 200 people will be selected for each cohort, 100 for each batch.

Q. How do I fill out the application?

A. Please refer to the application guide on Academy’s official blog.

Go to Guide

Q. What is expertise?

A. Expertise refers to the applicant's strengths tied to education, career, or extracurriculars at the time of application, categorized as tech, design, and domain (non-tech/non-design fields such as humanities, social studies, etc.).

Applicants are urged to showcase current strengths, not future interests. The selection is not limited to majors or work experience; applicants can freely express unique insights and experiences in a specific field.

Q. Is it possible to update my application after the deadline?

A. Any changes are not allowed after the submission deadline for fairness. Please submit and update your application in advance to avoid last-minute rushes.

Q. What is the pedagogical methodology?

A. We believe that fostering motivation is the most successful way to learn. You will complete a series of group and individual challenges to identify and solve real-world problems. Which problem to solve will be entirely up to you and your team, and our mentors will be guiding you through the process. Under the challenge-based learning (CBL) framework, you will achieve competencies in coding, design, app marketing, and other professional skills.

Learn more

Q. What is the curriculum?

A. The Apple Developer Academy @ POSTECH pioneers the exploration of new technologies and industrial trends presented by Apple, considering their integration into real-world industries. As a result, the curriculum is not fixed or uniform each year; rather, it is redesigned annually based on Apple's guidance and the specific needs of each cohort of learners. Aligned with Apple's vision, the academy primarily utilizes the Swift language. Additionally, learners have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in developing apps for diverse operating systems such as iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS.

Q. Is the program conducted in Korean?

A. The program is mainly in Korean, but some sessions or workshops with Apple's Pedagogy team or the global Apple Developer Academy can be in English. Plus, all Apple-provided learning materials are in English.

Q. Can I work or study full-time while participating in the program?

A. The academy program demands full-time commitment, including team activities and 4-hour regular sessions. All learners are expected to participate full-time, making it challenging to balance with other full-time commitments at institutions such as school or work.

Q. Is online participation possible outside of Pohang, Korea?

A. In principle, the program is conducted face-to-face, and during the program period, all learners must attend on-site in Pohang, Republic of Korea.

Q. What is an online test?

A. The online test evaluates hard and soft skills (Logical Thinking) across all fields (tech/design/business) with random questions, ensuring fairness for all applicants regardless of their expertise.

Q. When can I take the test?

A. Applicants who submit their applications by the deadline can choose a convenient date and time within the testing period. Please complete the test within this timeframe, as additional tests cannot be taken after the specified period.

Q. Are dual monitors and web browsing permitted to take the test?

A. The test involves webcam proctoring, and using dual monitors or web browsing is considered cheating. All candidates must familiarize themselves with the online test regulations. Please refer to the test instructions sent to your email before taking the test.

Q. Can I share the questions with others after the test period?

A. Intellectual property rights and ownership of the testing platform and related materials, including test questions, belong to the Academy and the test-making agency. Any unauthorized use, such as copying or sharing the test content, is strictly prohibited. Violation may result in disqualification from academy application for the next three years, as well as legal consequences.

Q. How much does the program cost?

A. This program operates on a 100% full scholarship system.

Q. What are the beneficiaries of the stipend and the amount?

A. All selected learners will receive a monthly stipend worth 1 million won after tax during the 9-month program.

Q. Do I need to prepare an invdividual Apple device?

A. The required Apple devices e.g. MacBook, iPhone, etc. will be loaned to all learners during the program period. Therefore, there is no need to purchase them individually.

Q. Can anyone apply for POSTECH accommodation?

A. Any Academy learners can apply for on-campus accommodation at POSTECH, but spaces are limited to 150. If demand exceeds availability, allocation will be random. *Accommodation costs are individual responsibility.

Q. How much does POSTECH accommodation cost?

A. It's around 200,000 won per month and is a personal responsibility.

Q. What type of accommodation is available at POSTECH?

A. In principle, the accommodation is double occupancy, with each resident sharing a bedroom with a roommate; however, a different type of accommodation may be provided according to the internal circumstances of POSTECH.

Q. Are there any disadvantages if I drop out during the program?

A. If you drop out of the program due to employment or personal reasons, your stipend will be discontinued, and future participation opportunities may be limited.

Q. Can I receive the stipend and state benefits simultaneously?

A. Participation in the academy program does not depend on state benefits. For simultaneous benefits, please inquire directly with the relevant institution.

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