In a time when many young South Africans are searching for ways to build a better future, the FNB App Academy offers a golden opportunity to learn valuable digital skills — completely for free. This initiative is not just about coding; it’s about giving people the tools they need to find jobs, start businesses, and build up their communities.
What is the FNB App Academy?
The FNB App Academy is a free, online coding programme run by First National Bank (FNB) to help young people in South Africa and other African countries learn important tech skills. Since it started, the academy has helped more than 17 000 young people get trained in digital skills like coding and software development.
These courses are practical, focused, and designed to get people ready for real jobs in the tech world.
The 2025 intake for the FNB App Academy starts on 22 April 2025 and runs for nine weeks, with classes held twice a week.
Why Join the FNB App Academy?
1. It’s Completely Free
You don’t need to pay anything to join. The academy is funded by FNB as part of their effort to uplift communities and support youth development in the digital economy.
2. Hands-On Learning
You won’t just be watching videos or reading books. You’ll actually be building real projects, writing code, and working with other learners. It’s a very practical course that gets you job-ready.
3. Nationally Recognised Certificate
Once you finish the course, you get a formal certificate that’s recognised in South Africa. This makes it easier to apply for jobs or internships in the tech industry.
4. Career Support and Mentorship
Learners are guided by professionals already working in the tech industry. These mentors help with career advice, CV writing, and even preparing for job interviews.
How to Apply to the FNB App Academy
Applying is easy and open to anyone in South Africa, no matter your background. You don’t need a degree or previous coding experience.
- Visit the website: FNB App Academy Registration
- Fill in the form
- Wait for confirmation from the academy team
Zaio Institute of Technology: A Partner in Tech Education
Another great place to learn coding is the Zaio Institute of Technology. They offer free and low-cost courses in coding, software development, and tech business skills. In just the first two months of 2025, 103 of Zaio’s students found jobs in the tech industry — many of them women.
Where Do Zaio Graduates Get Hired?
- Gauteng: 62.14%
- KwaZulu-Natal: 19.42%
- Western Cape: 11.65%
- Other provinces include Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Eastern Cape
Industries:
- Technology: 39.81%
- Education: 26.21%
- Healthcare: 6.79%
- Other fields: Construction, fashion, finance, non-profits, and more
Zaio offers mentorship, practical experience, and job support — making it a good option alongside the FNB App Academy.
The Bigger Picture: Coding for a Better Future
Both the FNB App Academy and Zaio show us something powerful — that anyone, no matter where they come from, can learn to code and find a place in the digital economy.
These programmes are doing more than teaching tech skills. They’re building confidence, community leaders, and job creators.
FNB’s Head of Business Development, Janis Robson, puts it best:
“The FNB App Academy is about empowering young people with the tools to build sustainable careers and businesses.”
Read more: Which South African Universities Require NBTs for 2026 Applications?
The FNB App Academy is more than just a free online course — it’s a life-changing opportunity. In a country where many young people struggle to access quality education or stable employment, programmes like this bring real hope. They help build skills that are needed in today’s job market, provide mentorship from industry leaders, and open up doors that once seemed shut.
Whether you’re a student, a job seeker, or someone looking for a second chance, the FNB App Academy gives you a way to break into the tech world without paying a cent. When combined with other initiatives like the Zaio Institute of Technology, it’s clear that South Africa is making real strides in digital empowerment.
These free coding programmes are not only helping individuals — they’re strengthening communities, boosting the economy, and creating the next generation of innovators and leaders. Don’t wait for opportunity to come to you.
