Progamming for the PS3 has been a bit of a hassle for many developers. In an effort to teach’em while they’re young, Sony is rolling out a new PS3 Academic Development Programme.

Currently in a closed beta, the academic PS3 dev kits, referred to as mini-devs, include a consumer sized PS3 with a low power function, two USB ports, and a full SDK.

As part of the program, participants will also have access to the PhyreEngine. Games such as Burn Zombie Burn! and the upcoming Shatter all have used this engine.

The aim is to give universities a better teaching tool for development on the PS3. Currently, they can use Linux to program for the system but having access to a mini-dev kit will be an incredible experience.