Apple created Swift and Xcode so anyone with an idea can create something incredible. Our developer tools and platforms help higher education institutions empower the next generation of innovators with skills to solve real‑world challenges and code a brighter world.
Apple provides everything faculty members and students need to dive into designing and coding. With Mac — plus Swift, Xcode and developer tools that Apple offers for free — they have everything they need to build incredible apps.
Swift. A robust, open-source programming language that’s both easy to learn and powerful to use. Developers can write safe, reliable code for richer app experiences.
Xcode. An integrated development environment that gives developers at any level a single workflow for UI design, coding, debugging, testing and performance analysis.
MacBook Pro. Superfast processors, next-level graphics and secure storage make MacBook Pro the ideal tool for new and experienced developers alike.
“We use Apple developer tools and platforms to support experiential learning for both coders and designers — Xcode and Swift Playgrounds provide the perfect space to reflect, learn and grow.”
Students are integrating app development with Swift into their work, gaining cutting edge skills to apply in their future careers — while supporting their passions and solving problems they care about today.
Learn how José Manuel Vega Hernández uses engineering and coding skills, powered by Apple technology, to launch the next generation into aerospace.
José Manuel develops his own iOS app with Xcode and Swift on his MacBook Pro.
Mechatronics Engineering major, studying Operations Management, class of 2024
“I believe technology is here to help us solve any problem. I want to develop apps that make a positive change here on earth and beyond.”
Ever since he saw the reverse landing of a SpaceX shuttle as a teenager, Vega has been fascinated by rockets and space. As an undergrad, this propelled him to join Misión Colibrí, a space program at the Universidad Panamericana, which aims to launch a nano-satellite into orbit to collect data and take on the space debris problem.
Getting a satellite off the ground requires funding, so Vega developed a native iOS app, also called Misión Colibrí, to attract sponsors and drive public interest. “We want to encourage Mexicans to create more space technology, and inspire kids to study these topics and pursue these careers,” he says.
Using Xcode and Swift with ARKit on Mac, Vega built an iOS experience that allows users to get a detailed and holistic view of the nano-satellite on iPhone and iPad. Plus, with augmented reality and real-time telemetry, the satellite can be “blown apart” to reveal its inner workings along with the data it has collected.
“Swift and Xcode help you create something incredible in minutes. They are very powerful and intuitive,” Vega says. He began coding in high school but didn’t discover the Develop in Swift curriculum and get certified until he landed in an iOS Development Lab in university — a space on campus where students from any major can learn how to code with Swift.
Vega’s passion for Mexican aerospace exploration doesn’t stop there. He’s committed to designing apps that help communities and inspiring youth to do the same. He started an internship at S2G Energy that focuses on renewable energy solutions and reducing carbon emissions, and hopes to pursue an MBA at Universidad Panamerica.
“I want to leave a mark, help people and make the world — and beyond — a better place.”
“Swift is such a natural language — I can create a great app in an afternoon!”
See how Gam Preenapun, a second-year medical student, combines research, creativity and Apple technology to discover solutions that improve public health and safety.
Gam uses Swift and Xcode on her MacBook to design apps that support safety and community wellness.
Studying Medicine and Data Science
Chiang Mai University, class of 2026
“Technology today is part of every field, so understanding the fundamentals of app development is quite important.”
With a passion for research, data science and apps, Chiang Mai University medical student Gam Preenapun is determined to make a positive impact in her community by discovering innovative solutions that improve public health.
Gam was first introduced to the world of coding and Swift at a high-school camp. Hooked on a new way to solve problems, she watched YouTube tutorials to teach herself the basics of app development with Xcode on Mac.
“MacBook is my favourite Apple device. I use it for all my coding, and it’s easy to use with Xcode. It’s stable, reliable and can run all day.”
Today, Gam applies her coding skills to develop app prototypes focused on health and wellness. One example is Girl Guard, a project she created using playgrounds in Xcode on Mac for women to help combat sexual harassment.
“I was inspired to develop this app concept based on hearing my friends’ stories, as well as my own personal experience and knowing how scary it can feel to travel alone.” Girl Guard includes features called ‘Fight Like a Girl’, which sounds a siren to call for help, and ‘Trustworthy Friend’, which simulates a conversation with others to help deter potential harassment.
Girl Guard has received positive recognition from Gam’s community, and was also recognised as one of Apple’s 2021 Swift Student Challenge winners. This feedback has reinforced Gam’s desire to focus her studies and passions on creating tools that promote wellbeing in society.
For med school, Gam loves using iPad for drawing and sketching her next inventions. She uses Apple Pencil with GoodNotes on iPad to bring anatomy and biochemistry notes to life, and Keynote to create compelling presentations that showcase her data research — which is focused on improving access to healthcare in rural communities across Thailand and beyond.
“My goal is to find solutions that help people at scale — to support a brighter future for today and future generations.”
“MacBook is my favourite Apple device. I use it for all my coding, and it’s easy to use with Xcode. It’s stable, reliable and can run all day.”
Whether students are new to coding or already developing like pros, the free Develop in Swift curriculum provides faculty with the flexibility to support all kinds of learners — even those who want to study on their own.
Download the curriculum guide (PDF)
Showcase your passion for coding by creating an incredible app playground on the topic of your choice. Winners will receive exclusive WWDC23 outerwear, AirPods Pro, a customised pin set and a one-year membership in the Apple Developer Program.
Apple provides free resources and programs for aspiring developers in your community to take their app development skills to the next level.
Help students earn recognition for their knowledge of Swift and Xcode. The App Development with Swift certifications are based on Develop in Swift Explorations and Develop in Swift Fundamentals courses to help students stand out for high-demand jobs in iOS app development.
Everything you need to start your own coding clubs. Including tips for recruiting members, inspiration for app ideas and guides to create prototypes using Apple design principles. And the App Showcase Guide helps you host an event to celebrate your creations.
Download the Swift Coding Club for Xcode
It’s never been easier to prepare students for a career in the app economy. Join the Apple Developer program to help students build amazing apps for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV. Membership is free through a fee waiver for accredited educational institutions.