Join the waitlist for the Rise Academy Cohort 3: Get Paid to Learn Software Development and UI/UX Design

Application Deadline: Ongoing

The demand for digital talent continues to grow across Africa, creating exciting opportunities for young people to build rewarding careers in technology. If you’ve been looking for a fully-funded tech training program that combines practical learning with financial support, Rise Academy could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Applications are now open to join the Rise Academy Cohort 3 waitlist, a 12-month virtual learning program designed to equip aspiring software engineers and UI/UX designers with the practical skills employers are actively seeking. Even better, participants receive a monthly stipend, allowing them to focus on learning without worrying about tuition fees.

With technology driving innovation across industries, African youth who develop digital skills are better positioned to access global employment opportunities, remote work, entrepreneurship, and careers with leading technology companies. Rise Academy aims to bridge this gap by making quality tech education more accessible.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, career changer, or someone with little or no technical background, this program provides a structured pathway into one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.

About the Rise Academy Program

Rise Academy is a career-focused technology training initiative created by Rise, a financial technology company committed to helping Africans build wealth and create better futures.

Unlike traditional online courses that focus primarily on theory, Rise Academy emphasizes hands-on learning, real-world projects, mentorship, and practical experience throughout its 12-month curriculum.

Participants work alongside experienced software engineers and product designers while developing projects that mirror real industry challenges. The goal is not only to teach technical concepts but also to prepare learners for employment and long-term success in the technology ecosystem.

The academy combines internationally recognized learning practices with project-based education to help participants develop confidence, problem-solving abilities, and industry-ready portfolios.

Learning tracks include:

Frontend Development
Backend Development
Mobile Development
UI/UX Design

Each participant follows a structured curriculum featuring virtual live classes, guided mentorship, practical assignments, collaborative workshops, and portfolio-building projects.

The program is designed for individuals who are motivated to learn and committed to completing a full year of intensive training.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Africa has one of the world’s youngest populations, yet many young people still face barriers to accessing quality technology education.

Programs like Rise Academy help reduce these barriers by removing tuition costs and providing learners with financial support while they study. This enables participants from different backgrounds to focus on building valuable digital skills.

Technology continues to create careers that can be performed remotely from anywhere in the world. Skills in software development and product design are increasingly valuable across startups, multinational companies, nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, healthcare, education, and government.

For many young Africans, opportunities like Rise Academy can become a stepping stone toward:

Higher-paying careers
Freelance opportunities
Remote international jobs
Entrepreneurship
Building innovative digital products
Long-term financial growth

Benefits of Joining Rise Academy

Successful participants will receive several valuable benefits, including:

100% free technology training
Monthly financial stipend throughout the learning program
12 months of intensive practical learning
One-on-one mentorship from experienced software engineers and designers
Hands-on projects based on real industry challenges
Portfolio development to showcase practical skills
Live virtual classes and workshops
Access to a global-standard curriculum
Professional networking opportunities
Career readiness support
Opportunity to be considered for employment within Rise’s workforce (optional)
Potential outsourcing opportunities with partner organizations after graduation

Learning Tracks Available

Participants can specialize in one of the following career paths:

Frontend Development

Learn how to build responsive, interactive websites using modern technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React.

Backend Development

Develop secure, scalable server-side applications using tools including Python, Node.js, SQL, APIs, databases, and cloud technologies.

Mobile Development

Build Android and iOS applications using modern cross-platform and native development frameworks.

UI/UX Design

Design user-friendly digital experiences using industry-standard design tools while learning research, wireframing, prototyping, and user-centered design principles.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply, applicants should meet the following criteria:

Be an African between 18 and 28 years old
Have access to a personal laptop suitable for software development or design work
Be willing to participate in a 12-month virtual learning program
Demonstrate commitment, resilience, and a strong willingness to learn
Applicants may have little or no previous technical experience
Select one learning track before applying, as changing tracks later is not permitted

One characteristic Rise Academy particularly values is grit—the determination to keep learning even when challenges arise.

Application Process and Key Dates

How to Apply

Interested applicants should:

Visit the official Rise Academy website.
Join the Cohort 3 waitlist.
Complete the online registration form.
Choose one learning track carefully.
Submit the required information.
Monitor your email for updates regarding the next application stage.

Application Link: Visit the official Rise Academy website and join the Cohort 3 waitlist.

Application Status: Waitlist for Cohort 3 is currently open.

Applicants are encouraged to register as early as possible, as spaces are expected to be limited.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Although previous coding experience is not required, competition for fully funded technology programs can be intense. Here are a few ways to improve your chances:

Demonstrate Genuine Motivation

Explain why you want to build a career in technology and how the program aligns with your future goals.

Highlight Your Commitment

Share examples of situations where you’ve overcome challenges, learned independently, or remained consistent while pursuing a goal.

Research Your Preferred Learning Track

Take time to understand each specialization before making your selection, since changing tracks later is not allowed.

Prepare Your Laptop

Ensure your device meets the technical requirements and has a stable internet connection for virtual classes.

Apply Early

Submitting your application early helps you avoid last-minute issues and ensures you’re among the first candidates considered.

Why You Should Apply

Rise Academy stands out because it addresses several challenges aspiring tech professionals often face at once.

Many training programs charge high tuition fees, provide limited practical experience, or lack personalized mentorship. Rise Academy combines all three essential elements—free education, real-world learning, and financial support—into one comprehensive program.

Receiving a monthly stipend also allows participants to dedicate more time to learning, while the mentorship component helps bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and workplace expectations.

For young Africans hoping to enter software engineering or product design, this opportunity offers an accessible pathway into a rapidly growing industry with global career prospects.

Conclusion

Technology continues to reshape industries across Africa and around the world. Programs like Rise Academy are helping prepare the next generation of innovators, developers, designers, and digital leaders by making quality education more accessible.

If you’re between 18 and 28 years old, passionate about building a career in technology, and ready to commit to a year of intensive learning, don’t miss this opportunity. Join the Rise Academy Cohort 3 waitlist today and take an important step toward a future in tech.

For more information and to join, CLICK HERE

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