Catalyst Discipleship Adventure (12-week)

12 transformative weeks of immersive teaching, experiential learning, missional engagement and community.

This 12-week Discipleship Adventure begins with a week in the wilderness; resembling where Jesus began His ministry and laid down the foundations of discipleship. You will encounter Him in a fresh way and experience authentic community. Following the wilderness week, you will settle into campus life at Avondale University for immersive, experiential, communal, missional learning. You will begin to rediscover yourself in Jesus, unfold your spiritual gifts, and embrace your gift-based missional calling. You will have the opportunity to team up with local pastors and churches to engage in weekly community service projects and to practice the missional skills acquired in class. Be equipped and prepared to live a life of service and discipleship.

Join the Next Intake

Sunday 2nd August – Friday 30th October, 2026

Itinerary Summary

Sunday August 2: Move in Day at Avondale Campus from 9am-5pm

Monday August 3: Orientation Day

Tuesday August 4 – Sunday August 9: Bus departs Avondale for Wilderness Experience at Bungonia National Park.

Monday August 10: Courses Commence on Campus at the Catalyst Hub

Monday September 21 – Friday September 25: Mid Semester Break (no classes scheduled for this week).

Monday October 5: Public Holiday (No Classes)

Friday October 30: Graduation Banquet Evening. Each participant may invite up to two guests.

Monday November 2: Move Out Day* (from 9am-5pm). Free Accommodation covered up to this date.

If you need to move out before this date, an earlier vacate can be arranged. Please note that all dormitory vacates must take place during business hours (Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm). If you wish to remain on campus beyond this date, you will be required to apply for an accommodation extension.

See more videos at https://www.youtube.com/@Catalyst_I4D/videos

Course Information

Tuition

The total tuition fee for the 12-week program is AUD $1,309, payable in two parts.

A $500 deposit is required upon submission of your enrolment into Catalyst. The remaining balance of $809 will then be invoiced and can be paid either in full or through instalments.

If you have a sponsor or require alternative payment arrangements, please contact us to discuss the options available to you.

Accommodation

i) Avondale University Dorms

Catalyst students are eligible for a full Accommodation Sponsorship on behalf of the SDA church. This means you will not have to pay weekly rental fees however you will need to pay a refundable room bond (Equivalent to four weeks rent). Please see Avondale Accommodation Webpage for further details Accommodation.

Due to demand, it is recommended you lodge an application well in advance. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee you a room. 

Residential Hall Buildings

Watson Hall – Single and Twin Share (Males)

Andre Hall – Single and Twin Share (Females)

Ella Hall – Single rooms only (Females) 

Payment Terms & Conditions

All residential offers are subject to the following conditions and payment terms: 
• Compulsory meal credit package 
• Refundable room bond (Equivalent to four weeks rent) 
• Room Rent in advance (Equivalent to two weeks rent)^ 
• Meal credit in advance (Equivalent to two weeks of your selected meal credit) 

^ Catalyst students are eligible for the Accommodation Sponsorship are exempt from this requirement. 

ii) Off Campus Local Accommodation

For applicants with families, late applicants, or those who are not allocated a dormitory, we will make every effort to assist in arranging suitable alternative accommodation nearby.

Catalyst Accommodation is fully sponsored by the South Pacific Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Meals

i) If you have applied for on-campus accommodation and received an offer, you will be required to purchase a meal credit package, see below.

Meal Credit Packages 2026 (for on campus residents)

Option 1 $136.50 – Perfect for students who prefer to cook some meals for themselves. 
Option 2 $273.00 – Perfect for students who want the added convenience and social connection.

Avondale charges the residents the meal credit package fortnightly with the rent and transfers the meal credit value to their ID card to be used at 7@Avondale. Unused weekly meal credit is rolled over each fortnight. Meal credits must be used before the end of each calendar year.

7@Avondale provides food service on the University Lake Macquarie campus provides a healthy range of vegan and vegetarian food options. Meals are provided via a “buffet style” dining room, or from a café menu including hot and cold beverages, fresh-cooked pizzas, and other menu items. Residents may use the meal credits at any time to purchase breakfast, lunch, or dinner as well as snacks throughout the day from 7@Avondale. 

During the mid-semester study breaks when the number of students on campus is reduced 7@Avondale may operate using a limited menu. 

Residents who stay on campus outside during non-class time can use any remaining available credit to purchase food items at 7@Avondale. If a resident has used up their meal credit they can pay via EFTPOS. 

Payment Terms & Conditions

All residential offers are subject to the following conditions and payment terms: 
• Compulsory meal credit package 
• Refundable room bond (Equivalent to four weeks rent) 
• Room Rent in advance (Equivalent to two weeks rent)^ 
• Meal credit in advance (Equivalent to two weeks of your selected meal credit) 

^ Catalyst students are eligible for the Accommodation Sponsorship and are exempt from this requirement. 

ii) If you are residing off campus, you will be responsible for arranging and covering the cost of your own meals.

Sponsorship Arrangements

Sponsorships are arranged directly by the applicant. We encourage you to speak with your local church pastor about potential sponsorship opportunities, either within your church or conference. If you have secured a sponsor, we can arrange a separate payment process. Please reach out to us so we can assist you.

Information for International Applicants

Catalyst proudly welcomes applicants from around the world. We can support eligible international students in applying for a Special Program Visa (408) for the duration of the course. Please note that this visa does not allow entry before or after the course dates and does not permit paid employment.

While visa fees and medical checks are your responsibility, our team will guide you through the process every step of the way. We recommend starting your application early so we can help make your Catalyst journey possible.

International applicants (citizenship/passport outside Australia or New Zealand):
Please contact us to receive support with the visa process and the International Application Form.

Australian or New Zealand citizens/passport holders: Please complete the Domestic Application Form.

Register Your Interest

If you’d like to chat with us about our programs, register your interest below and we’ll be in touch!

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