Apple opens applications for 400 spots at 2018 Developer Academy in Italy

Apple on Thursday announced that it's taking applications for its 2018 Developer Academy in Naples, Italy, accepting people not just from Italy but around the world.

People who win one of 400 spots will get a free iPhone and Mac, as well as aid with living expenses. The Academy is being run in partnership with the University of Naples Federico II.

Applications are open from now until June 8, and include a new "Enterprise Track" for 36 people wanting "more in-depth training" covering topics like cloud deployment, security, and data storage. While knowledge of computer science is required, applicants must not only fill out a form but pass an assessment exam in Naples, Paris, Munich, or London.

Winning applicants should be notified by mid-August.

The first class at the Academy graduated in June 2017. Apple expects roughly 1,000 people to have gone through the institution by summer of next year.

Apple is currently pushing hard to get its platforms into education, for instance establishing Swift courses in the U.S. and abroad. Selling iPads to schools has been a priority, and indeed the company recently released a refreshed budget iPad in order to better compete with Google and Microsoft platforms, which are often more affordable.