The Optiver Trading Academy returns to TU Delft. Led by Optiver industry expert Robbert Pullen, the program introduces students to the foundations of financial markets and options theory, progressing to hands-on algorithm development and testing in Python. Participants will work on Optiver's simulated exchange, Optibook, combining academic concepts with practical industry application.

You'll walk away with:

• A deep understanding of financial markets, options theory and algorithmic trading - no financial background required!
• Direct experience on a simulated market exchange, offering a glimpse into what it's like to work as a trader at a leading global market maker.
• The skill to design and optimise a Python trading algorithm based on real financial market data.
• A certificate from Optiver, awarded upon successfully finishing the Trading Academy and participating in the final algorithmic trading competition.

Course overview

• Market making theory: Foundations of market making, including options theory, evolving to practical data analysis and Python algorithm design.
• Hands-on practice: Build and optimise Python-based trading algorithms in Optibook, our real-time simulated exchange.
• Competitive challenges: The course concludes in a competitive event where you'll deploy your Optibook algorithms against those of your peers. This event replicates the high stakes and rewards of real trading, giving you insights into the day-to-day life of a trader. An exciting prize awaits the winning team!

Eligibility criteria

• A registered student at TU Delft
• A strong aptitude in mathematics
• Basic coding proficiency - participants will use Python for this challenge
• No prior background in financial markets is required

Application procedure

1. Complete the online application form (linked below) by end of day Sunday 22 November. Should any issues arise, please reach out to our recruitment team at recruitment@optiver.com for assistance and include 'TU Delft Optiver Trading Academy' in the subject line to help us quickly identify the matter.
2. You will hear back about your application decision by Monday 23 November. Selected participants will be asked to confirm their attendance by Tuesday 24 November.

Key dates

• Course duration: 26 November - 10 December 2026
• Schedule: Thursdays 13:45 - 15:45 and Fridays 08:45 - 10:45
  Thursday 26 November 13:45 - 15:45
  Friday 27 November 08:45 - 10:45
  Thursday 3 December 13:45 - 15:45
  Friday 4 December 08:45 - 10:45
  Thursday 10 December 13:45 - 15:45
• Location: TU Delft campus, rooms TBC

Application deadline: Sunday 22 November, end of day (23:59 CET)

Apply below for this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and get practical skills in the world of algorithmic trading.