discipleship training school
Discipleship Training School (DTS)
Where faith meets action. Where you come alive.
At its core, the YWAM DTS is more than a course – it’s a launchpad. For five months you’ll live, learn, and serve in a vibrant community, stepping out of the ordinary and into a life of faith-filled adventure. Whether you’re unsure of your next step or hungry for something deeper, YWAM DTS gives you space to hear God’s voice, explore your purpose, and be part of something bigger—bringing hope to communities near and far.
This is your invitation
Grow in your faith
Spend 3 months diving into Scripture, learning how to hear God’s voice, and uncovering who you were created to be. Through worship, teaching, and mentoring, you’ll build a strong foundation in your relationship with Jesus.
Live the mission
For 9 weeks, you’ll go beyond the classroom – traveling by sea or land to remote regions in Australia, Papua New Guinea, the Pacific, and beyond. You’ll serve in hands-on outreach, whether on a medical ship, in youth ministry, or through Bible engagement.
Live the mission
For 9 weeks, you’ll go beyond the classroom – traveling by sea or land to remote regions in Australia, Papua New Guinea, the Pacific, and beyond. You’ll serve in hands-on outreach, whether on a medical ship, in youth ministry, or through Bible engagement.
Find your people
This journey isn’t solo. YWAM DTS is a community of fellow adventurers, compassionate doers, and emerging leaders. You’ll build lifelong friendships, receive one-on-one mentoring, and walk out your calling – together.
Dates & Cost
july
Electives:
13 July – 12 December 2025
19 July – 18 December 2026
october
Electives:
Worship & Music
19 October 2025 – 20 March 2026
18 October 2026 – 19 March 2027
Cost
$6,490AUD* course fee
$1000 – $1800AUD outreach travel expenses
Training Phase (13 weeks)
All meals Accommodation Wi-Fi Laundry facilities Airport transfers Access to campus spaces: library, lecture rooms, courtyard, café, gym & more Wildlife experience: meet a koala + feed kangaroos! 
Outreach Phase (9 weeks) All meals Accommodation Visa (if required) Field supplies
*Note:
The course fee does not include your travel to/from Townsville, student visa, health insurance, or immunisations.
What you’ll gain
- A deeper connection with God and confidence in hearing His voice
- Clarity around your purpose and gifts
- Experience in real-world missions and ministry
- A tribe of like-hearted friends from around the globe
- The courage to live a missional life – wherever God calls you next
Watch a day in the life of a DTS student
This is more than a course – it’s a movement.
Your DTS with YWAM is your invitation to step into a global story of transformation – and your part starts with an elective.
Whether you’re drawn to serving on our medical ship, reaching young people, sharing truth through media, or ending bible poverty, your elective is where faith meets action. Each track is designed to give you purpose-filled impact from the ground up.
Global Health
Join the team bringing hope to remote villages in Papua New Guinea through our medical ship, dental trailer, and land-based outreach. Whether you’re in healthcare or just willing to help, you’ll serve real needs – from practical health campaigns to Bible distribution and community development.
Youth Ministry
Step into high-energy outreach through school programs, adventure camps, and discipleship spaces like our ropes course and youth café. You’ll build genuine connections, speak life over the next generation, and discover what it means to lead with love.
Radio & Media
Capture and share stories that matter. You’ll work hands-on with our media and radio teams, broadcasting truth across the airwaves and online – while shining a light on issues like Bible poverty and the needs of isolated communities in PNG.
Worship & Music
Use your love for music to build the Kingdom. This elective helps you develop as a worshipper – not just on stage, but in heart and lifestyle. Through creative sessions and outreach, you’ll bring God’s presence to communities through music, prayer, and connection.
Location
Townsville, Australia
We are located in the centre of beautiful Townsville. A tropical city near the Great Barrier Reef, cafés, and palm-lined beaches – this is your training home base. It’s more than a great place to live for a few months; it’s a hub for youth ministry, community outreach, and missional living.
Frequently asked questions
Which visa do I apply for?
The visa process is something we walk you through nearer the time if you are offered a place on your course. Please do not start your visa process before talking with one of our team members on the phone.
Are there any extra fees I need to be aware of?
You need to budget the following:
- Flights to get to Townsville and back
- Immunisations
- Visa and Insurance are extra to course costs (please note that any other visa onshore may include extra fees)
- Personal expenses like snacks, toiletries, mosquito repellant
- Extra medical expenses
Do I need a return plane ticket?
Once you’ve paid for your course, you need to budget for your flights to get to Townsville and back. You do not necessarily need a return ticket and can enter Australia without one. Some students like to travel after the course, but make sure you save enough to purchase a ticket home at the end of your course.
Do I need Health Insurance?
All overseas students on a Student Visa must have health insurance, it is a requirement for your visa. You can only be covered by Medibank Overseas Student Health Cover on your Student Visa which we will purchase on your behalf once you have paid your deposit. The only exceptions to this are students from Norway, Belgium and some Swedish students. Please see the National Department of Health website for more details. If you are from Australia or New Zealand you will not be on a visa and will not need to purchase Overseas Student Health Cover.
What happens after DTS?
DTS is an incredible time of transformation where you will have opportunity to process many things about your life. After succesful completion of the DTS, some people may decide to return home and get involved in their local communities, others may decide to do further study, or work with other missions organisations, some may decide to stay on with YWAM in Townsville, or at another location.
If you find you’d like to stay on with YWAM Townsville, you will have the option of joining our two-year staff internship program. During this program you will receive further mentoring and hands-on experience. You will also have the option of doing one (or more!) of our vocational training courses. This training can be completed at your own pace, online – matched with practical application during your staff placement.
Do you have DTS for families?
Yes! We love having families in missions. If you are wanting to do DTS as a family then please contact us and we would love to chat! There will be lots to talk about, depending on the size of your family, ages of your children and heart for missions. We would encourage you to apply first and we will journey with you through your application.
At this point we do not have a specific family DTS cost, each spouse pays the full DTS fees. Food and accommodation is discounted for children.
How old do you have to be for DTS?
You must be 18 years old to do a DTS. If you are 17 when you apply for DTS but turn 18 in the first few weeks then it might be possible, please get in touch with us about this. Most of our DTS options are for up to 35 years of age, but if you older, feel free to contact us!
Is there a beach?
Yes! And it’s a 15 minute walk from the campus 
Can I work whilst I do my DTS?
DTS is a full-time course which means you’re going to be pretty busy! You’ll have things on in the morning, afternoons and most evenings, as well as school activities at the weekend. Your visa may have limited working conditions.
I am a parent and have some questions, can I talk with someone on the phone?
Yes of course, please go to our Contact Us page and either give us a call or an email, we would love to chat.
You were made for impact. This is where it begins!
Let your faith take you places. Let your life speak hope. Say yes to a journey that could change everything!
