Gap Year With Purpose?

Explore a Christian Gap Year with YWAM Medical Ships — deepen your faith, equip your character, and make a global impact through missions.

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“Join thousands of individuals who embark on this life-changing journey each year!”

“For many students, a gap year is about crystallising their decision-making, developing self-directed and self-regulation skills, broadening their competencies and self-organisation and perhaps their confidence.”

Professor Andrew Martin, Sydney University

What does it look like?

22 weeks of Discipleship Training School (DTS)

A 22 week adventure that includes 13 weeks of missions training in a live-learn environment followed by a 9 week outreach. Discipleship Training School – 11290NAT – Certificate III in Discipleship.

6 Months of entering your Skill Track

An additional 6 months furthering your new skills and experience in your chosen specialised elective. See your options below.

Your Christian Gap Year includes specialised electives that shape your focus

Hospitality

DTS (1st Half)

  • Serve in our café an hour a week
  • Serve people through hospitality during outreach

Skill Track (2nd Half)

  • Master barista skills through full-time volunteering in our café
  • Hands-on experience in customer service

Global Health

DTS (1st Half)

  • During elective times, learn different health programs
  • On outreach, contribute to community development initiatives

Skill Track (2nd Half)

  • Introduction to Global Health Development Course (IGHD) – HLT31220 Certificate III in Basic Health Care
  • Study in Papua New Guinea and get practically equipped to change lives

Radio & Media

DTS (1st Half)

  • Get exposure to our on-site radio station
  • Share the impacting stories of your outreach team

Skill Track (2nd Half)

  • Introduction to Radio & Media Course – CUA31020 Certificate III in Screen and Media
  • Learn audio production and broadcasting skills
  • Produce your own show while volunteering in our on-campus radio station, reaching 42,000 listeners

Youth Ministry

DTS (1st Half)

  • Lead youth development programs during lecture
  • Youth ministry programs during outreach

Skill Track (2nd Half)

  • Adventure-based learning and youth programs through High Ropes
  • Develop key group facilitation skills through full-time volunteering

“This Christian Gap Year will equip you with the tools you need to face life with confidence and faith.”

– Abrie van Wijk, DTS Student

Investment in your Christian Gap Year

The experiences and growth you’ll gain during your Christian Gap Year are invaluable. Here’s what you can expect in terms of costs.

First Half Costs (January – June)

Discipleship Training School

24 Jan – 25 Jun 2027
Cost: $6,490 AUD + $1,000–$1,800 for outreach travel (regardless of elective chosen). Includes tuition, accommodation, meals, and outreach expenses. The DTS involves 13 weeks of lectures with ministry placements and elective times, followed by 9 weeks of outreach.

Second Half Costs — Skill Tracks (July – December)

Global Health Track

18 Jul – 17 Dec 2027, Papua New Guinea
6,000 PGK (C nation), 12,800 PGK (B nation), 15,800 PGK (A nation) course fee + outreach travel expenses. See your nation category. Your course fee includes 14 weeks of missions training and 9 weeks of outreach: meals, accommodation, laundry facilities and airport transfers during training; meals, accommodation and field supplies on outreach. Outreach travel expenses cover flights, ferries, buses or other transport to your outreach location, determined once it's finalised. Excludes travel to/from Port Moresby, PNG visa, and immunisations.

Radio & Media Track

18 Jul – 17 Dec 2027
Cost: $2,900 AUD course fee. Accommodation available starting at $215/month. Meals available on campus at $5.75 for lunch & dinner for daily sign-ins. The course involves 22 weeks of placement and lectures.

Youth Ministry Track

18 Jul – 17 Dec 2027
Accommodation available starting at $215/month. Meals available on campus at $5.75 for lunch & dinner for daily sign-ins. A 6-month full-time volunteering position at the YWAM Campus, centering on hands-on experience in youth development through the high ropes and youth engagement through our precinct.

Hospitality Track

18 Jul – 17 Dec 2027
Accommodation available starting at $215/month. Meals available on campus at $5.75 for lunch & dinner for daily sign-ins. A 6-month full-time volunteering position at the YWAM Campus, centering on hands-on experience in our YWAM Cafe developing barista skills.

The Ultimate Gap Year

Interested? Contact us for more info