Discipleship Training Schools

You were made for this

CHAMPION YOUNG PEOPLE

We all know the stats. Young adults have faced extreme isolation and chronic online comparison in recent years, and it’s tempting to feel unseen or unsure of our worth. Surely it’s wrong for young people to have to rely on peers for validation their value. Despite these challenges, this generation is incredible — over 40% of young adults globally believe that Jesus offers hope and cares about people. The heart of our mission is simple but life-changing: Know God. Live Brave. Love Your Generation.

For over 30 years, YWAM Newcastle has been providing DTS training that transforms lives. Each year YWAM globally deploys around 25,000 short-term missionaries. Global Youth DTS is a rich, five-month immersive experience designed to reveal God-given identity, ignite courage, and release young people into God’s adventure. Through lectures, intentional community, and weekly spiritual rhythms, participants from across the world encounter God in real and practical ways, grow in faith, and form spiritual habits to last a lifetime.

Global Youth DTS unites young people from every nation into a vibrant, faith-filled community. Inspired by 1 Chronicles 12, participants learn to understand the times, discern God’s work among Gen Alpha and youth globally, and bring prophetic insight to communities locally and abroad. Through teaching, discussion, community, and practical ministry experiences, this elective equips participants to step boldly into their calling.

You were made for this

UPCOMING
DATES:

DTS in Newcastle
12 July to 11 December 2026

DTS at Tahlee
22 February to 17 July 2026

You were made for this
WHAT’S INVOLVED

LECTURE PHASE
Our DTS’ are divided into two phases; lectures and outreach.

During the lecture phase, you’ll hear from a variety of speakers that teach on different topics. Learn and grow alongside fellow students as you live together in a dynamic community environment. Get hands-on experience as you serve in one of our existing ministries and be developed in weekly mentoring.

Some topics covered: Recognising God’s Voice, Character & Nature of God, Father Heart of God, Biblical Worldview, Missions, Evangelism and more!

OUTREACH
Take the Good News of Jesus into the nations!

Make God known as you experience other cultures, grow in confidence as you share your own testimonies and learn to serve as you see and listen to the practical needs of others.

Examples of this on outreach could include; ministry, sports, neighbourhood cleanups, assisting the homeless, running bible studies and youth groups, street evangelism, teaching English and more!

Discover how your passions and skills can be used for God. Gain fresh perspective as you travel cross-culturally and discover God’s heart for the nations.

COST & DATES
DTS costs may vary and are comprised of two fees to cover both the lecture phase and outreach.

All costs include accommodation and food for the duration of your course as well as the transport to your outreach location(s).

Lecture Phase: $4,990 AUD

Outreach Phase (approx) : $4,000 – $6000 AUD

________________________________

Locations:

Newcastle

12 July to 11 December 2026

Tahlee

22 February – 17 July 2026

ACCREDITATION
DTS is just the beginning.

YWAM Newcastle is affiliated with the University of The Nations (UofN), an international missionary training institute with campuses in 160 nations, in 600 locations, on all continents.

The UofN seeks to offer quality, tertiary education whilst also serving to increase workers, resources and ministries for the mission field.

Whilst the University of the Nations is not recognised within Australia, you will receive credits through the courses we offer that could go towards a degree through the UofN. For more information about degree tracks and the UofN colleges please enquire directly through the UofN website here.

The Discipleship Training School is registered with the University of the Nations (UofN). Upon completion of this course, you will receive 22 credits towards your chosen degree (DSP 211/ 212).

The DTS is accredited as a Certificate III in Discipleship (10802NAT) within the Australian qualification framework.

Our DTS’ are divided into two phases; lectures and outreach.

During the lecture phase, you’ll hear from a variety of speakers that teach on different topics. Learn and grow alongside fellow students as you live together in a dynamic community environment. Get hands-on experience as you serve in one of our existing ministries and be developed in weekly mentoring.

Some topics covered: Recognising God’s Voice, Character & Nature of God, Father Heart of God, Biblical Worldview, Missions, Evangelism and more!

Take the Good News of Jesus into the nations!

Make God known as you experience other cultures, grow in confidence as you share your own testimonies and learn to serve as you see and listen to the practical needs of others.

Examples of this on outreach could include; ministry, sports, neighbourhood cleanups, assisting the homeless, running bible studies and youth groups, street evangelism, teaching English and more!

Discover how your passions and skills can be used for God. Gain fresh perspective as you travel cross-culturally and discover God’s heart for the nations.

DTS costs may vary and are comprised of two fees to cover both the lecture phase and outreach.

All costs include accommodation and food for the duration of your course as well as the transport to your outreach location(s).

Lecture Phase: $4,990 AUD

Outreach Phase (approx) : $4,000 – $6000 AUD

________________________________

Locations:

Newcastle

12 July to 11 December 2026

Tahlee

22 February – 17 July 2026

DTS is just the beginning.

YWAM Newcastle is affiliated with the University of The Nations (UofN), an international missionary training institute with campuses in 160 nations, in 600 locations, on all continents.

The UofN seeks to offer quality, tertiary education whilst also serving to increase workers, resources and ministries for the mission field.

Whilst the University of the Nations is not recognised within Australia, you will receive credits through the courses we offer that could go towards a degree through the UofN. For more information about degree tracks and the UofN colleges please enquire directly through the UofN website here.

The Discipleship Training School is registered with the University of the Nations (UofN). Upon completion of this course, you will receive 22 credits towards your chosen degree (DSP 211/ 212).

The DTS is accredited as a Certificate III in Discipleship (10802NAT) within the Australian qualification framework.

YOU WERE MADE TO GO.

You were made for this
FAQ’S

Have further questions?

Get in touch with us now!
+61 2 4960 0777 or info@ywamnow.com

Where do your students come from?
Our students and staff come from all around the world, we are a multicultural campus and are always looking to meet friends from new nations.

What's the average age of your students?
Most of our students are aged between 18-30 but we often have people join us who are outside that age range. If you feel like joining us don’t hesitate to get in contact with our communications team.

Where do you go on outreach?
Each outreach is unique. Here are a few places we have been recently: Fiji , Malaysia , Thailand , Ukraine , poland

Are there any prerequisites for your courses?
Successful completion of the Australian Year 10 Certificate (or equivalent) and a sufficient standard of oral and written English proficiency is needed in order to benefit from our training.

There are no prerequisites for DTS. However, we ask that you are over the age of 18 by the time you leave for outreach.

Can I come for only lecture phase or only outreach phase?
The DTS program is 6-months long and the lecture phase and outreach phase are designed to compliment each other. We highly value the equipping and training of students, as well as giving them practical experience in missions.

If you are considering this course it would be beneficial for you to find a time in your schedule where you can commit to the full program.

Do you offer scholarships?
YWAM Newcastle is a non-profit organisation and as such all of our staff and students rely upon the financial support of others in order to be here. Due to this, we are unable to offer scholarships.

Can I get Centrelink while doing DTS?
DTS is a Centrelink approved course. If you are an Australian you may be eligible for financial assistance from Centrelink. Information about Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY and other payments are available on their website. Please talk to our communication team for further assistance.

Can I get a job while on DTS?
The course schedule does not allow time for outside work. In addition to this, we want you to get the most out of your course and advise against anything that would distract you from being fully involved.

Where will I be living?
We provide accommodation for all students at our residence, Bulkirra House. Check out the “Life at YWAM Newcastle” page for details on our facilities.

What will my schedule be like?
We start our week on a Tuesday and end with our Youth Street Teams program on Saturday afternoon. For more info on a typical day and campus schedule please see the “Life at YWAM Newcastle” page.

What are work duties?
Work Duties are a chance for our students to interact with the wider YWAM Newcastle community. Students are allocated into teams to serve in our kitchen, hospitality department, media team, building team, cafe and more.

What can I do with my spare time?
Your weekends are your own and there is always something to do in Newcastle. Catch some waves at the beach, visit one of the many local cafes nearby, see a movie at the cinema or visit the farmer’s markets.

Sydney is only a two and a half hour train ride away, which is ideal for a day trip to the city. During the week Wednesday and Friday nights are also free.

What can I do after DTS?
Once you’ve completed DTS you are able to join staff with YWAM Newcastle or another YWAM campus around the world. Be part of our growing team in one of our many departments and ministries.

Many students return home and go to university or get a job in their hometown. Our hope is that DTS would equip you to be a part of what you want to do next, no matter what it is, inspiring missional-minded people in all walks of life.

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

Further Study

“I never imagined I would complete a university degree, however, I’ve never regretted taking the time to pursue further training. YWAM’s university has allowed me to complete a degree whilst being actively involved in ministry in many cross cultural settings.”
– Kelcie Rausch

Ministry

“Sports DTS helped me realise sports are not only a passion of mine but a platform to reach out with the Gospel in both word and actions. DTS gave me a great kick-off for my future work with building and spreading wellness to body, soul and spirit.”
– Emmy Leander

Personal Calling

“YWAM laid a firm foundation for my future. Transitioning into business and communications, the skills I developed in YWAM were not only relevant but also desired. YWAM equipped me for a lifetime of impact through my character, career and relationships.”
– Robert Willingham