Discipleship Training Schools | YWAM Newcastle
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 and 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 2027

 

DTS at Tahlee

21 February to 16 July 2027

 

You were made for this

WHAT’S INVOLVED

  • LECTURE PHASE

  • The Lecture Phase runs for 12 weeks. During this time, you’ll hear from a variety of experienced speakers who teach on a range of topics. This phase is designed to be a dynamic, community-focused experience. We cook and eat meals together, spend time in fellowship, and grow together spiritually. You’ll also engage in a variety of routines such as prayer, worship and scripture meditation. These practises take willing hearts on a journey to spiritual strength.

    Some of the topics covered during the lecture phase include:

    • Hearing God’s Voice
    • Character & Nature of God
    • Father Heart of God
    • Missions & Evangelism

     

     

  • OUTREACH

  • The outreach phase will take you to places you’ve only ever dreamed about as you see the Good News of Jesus changing lives in the nations! Make God known as you give away what you’ve learned in practical ways. Grow in confidence as you share your testimony to large audiences and be willing to serve as you see the practical needs of the location you’re in.

    This could be through kids ministry, sports ministry, cleaning up neighbourhoods, assisting the homeless, running Bible studies, 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 are comprised of two fees to cover both lecture phase and outreach. Costs vary depending on outreach locations. All costs include accommodation and food for the duration of your course as well as transport to your outreach location/s.

    Lecture Phase: $4,990 AUD

    Outreach Phase ( approx ) : $4,000 – $6,000 AUD

    ________________________________

    Locations:

    Newcastle

    • 12 July to 11 December 2027

     

    Tahlee

    • 21 February – 16 July 2027

     

  • 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.

     

     

The Lecture Phase runs for 12 weeks. During this time, you’ll hear from a variety of experienced speakers who teach on a range of topics. This phase is designed to be a dynamic, community-focused experience. We cook and eat meals together, spend time in fellowship, and grow together spiritually. You’ll also engage in a variety of routines such as prayer, worship and scripture meditation. These practises take willing hearts on a journey to spiritual strength.

Some of the topics covered during the lecture phase include:

  • Hearing God’s Voice
  • Character & Nature of God
  • Father Heart of God
  • Missions & Evangelism

 

 

The outreach phase will take you to places you’ve only ever dreamed about as you see the Good News of Jesus changing lives in the nations! Make God known as you give away what you’ve learned in practical ways. Grow in confidence as you share your testimony to large audiences and be willing to serve as you see the practical needs of the location you’re in.

This could be through kids ministry, sports ministry, cleaning up neighbourhoods, assisting the homeless, running Bible studies, 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 are comprised of two fees to cover both lecture phase and outreach. Costs vary depending on outreach locations. All costs include accommodation and food for the duration of your course as well as transport to your outreach location/s.

Lecture Phase: $4,990 AUD

Outreach Phase ( approx ) : $4,000 – $6,000 AUD

________________________________

Locations:

Newcastle

  • 12 July to 11 December 2027

 

Tahlee

  • 21 February – 16 July 2027

 

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.

 

 

DTS Testimonials

Bella

“At YWAM I found my purpose, I found my people, friends that became family, being embraced
in God’s love, DTS brought me into community and pushed me out of my comfort zone, DTS
grew my love for God and a heart for the nations, in DTS I grew in heart knowledge about God,
information from head went to my heart, DTS is well worth your time.”

Becky

“During DTS God showed me who I truly was in Him. He showed me that my true identity and freedom are found in Him, whatever others may think of me and whatever may come from others my security is in Him. When trials came my way the Lord gave me the strength and the words to face it that I wouldn’t have had previous to my DTS. He gave me strength and identity in Him!”

DTS is only the
Beginning...

After your DTS, you can join YWAM Newcastle/Tahlee as a staff member on a two-year pathway designed to deepen your faith, ministry skills, and biblical knowledge.

This track includes MDS and TAE training, along with opportunities to participate in YWAM staff outreaches to Ukraine.

You’ll take on daily roles within the team, engage in regular community outreach, and grow alongside our vibrant, passionate Jesus family.

 

 

MDS

Ministry Development School (MDS) is designed to help your roots grow deeper in God. With weekly mentoring and quarterly training intensives led by leaders with over 30 years’ experience, this course will continue equipping you to Know God, Live Brave, and Love Your Generation.

TAE

Training & Assessment (TAE) equips you to teach, mentor, and assess others with confidence. Combining practical, hands-on training with essential theory, TAE empowers you to become the mentor who shapes the next generation of nation shakers.

 

 

Ukraine Outreach

Each year, the YWAM Newcastle/Tahlee team heads to Ukraine for an unforgettable outreach. We focus on reaching high school youth while partnering with local communities and churches, stepping in as the hands and feet of Jesus to bring hope, encouragement, and lasting impact.

YWAM Staff

This all begins by joining our YWAM staff team! Alongside ongoing training, you’ll be immersed in our vibrant family community—taking on daily roles, collaborating in passionate team environments, and engaging in regular ministry opportunities.

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.

 

 

GETTING READY FOR YWAM NEWCASTLE AUSTRALIA

GETTING TO AUSTRALIA

ALL THINGS MONEY

WHAT TO BRING?

TALK TO US!

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