Take the time to discover the true reality of what it means to experience the person of Christ in your life. We don’t simply fill our heads with information but we engage in transformation! And we don’t do it alone, we live in community together and engage in daily discipleship. Faith in action here at Capernwray prepares for a life in Christ wherever He may take you! Let the life of Jesus shine through you so that this world can see God’s power in action.
BDM stands for Bible… Discipleship… and Mission
We run two courses per year and they are full-time and residential
BDM 1 is a 20 week course made up of two terms (10 weeks and 10 weeks with a 2 week break).
BDM 2 is a 12 week course. Click here for information regarding BDM 2, 2020
The courses are complete in themselves and so can be taken on their own or students can add on one of our Aussie Road Trips. You do not need to take BDM 1 before doing BDM 2.
Students must be 18 prior to the commencement of the course.
Bible
Students will be encouraged to have a strong confidence in the Word of God as authentic, reliable and clearly life-related. This will come through the quality teaching in class but also personal study, research and reflection. We cover some Bible books in reasonable depth (Old and New Testaments), Apologetics, Biblical Overviews as well as teach students how to study Biblical passages. We want each student to leave Capernwray confident and with a strong conviction that the Bible is the Word of God
Discipleship
Students are challenged to think clearly and prayerfully about what it means to have Christ at the centre of their lives – which is discipleship. Being a real Christian has radical implications which are very demanding but actually provide the most fulfilling way to live. We try to build strong personal relationships with students through small group times, one to one discipleship times and social interaction (eg we invite small groups of students into our homes, go out for coffee etc).
Mission
We give students many opportunities to express their faith out into the Christian and non-Christian community. As Christians we are called to be ‘salt’ and ‘light’ to a confused and frustrated world. We give specific training and opportunities for students to develop their ministry skills. Students are assigned a weekly ministry which include, youth groups, school scripture, community service, and nursing homes. They also spend a week serving in a church locally or regionally.
Winter Bible School
Short Term Bible School
A course for people wanting to take time out to study God’s Word in a more focused way than possible in every day life.
Winter Bible School is designed for anyone looking for a short term Bible school. Get nurtured and refreshed for your life and walk with Christ. Each week is stand alone, so you can enroll for all 6 weeks or just for 1 or 2.
This is a residential course however if you are a local and would like to join us please contact [email protected] for prices.
The minimum age for Winter Bible School is 21yrs.
Online Bible School
We are very excited to introduce our new on-line Bible School!
While this can never replace the actual all round experience of coming to Capernwray, this will bring back memories for past students and introduce new students to our ministry. More importantly it will give you an opportunity to get into God’s Word and be reminded of the truth that Christ is the heart-beat of the Bible.
To find out more go to
Leadership Internship Training
PUTTING LESSONS INTO PRACTICE
TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL… (2nd year course)
We offer 8 weeks of further Biblical Studies and practical training with the option of taking a placement in a Church or Ministry somewhere in Australia for 12 weeks. Then a week back at Capernwray for review and reflection.
The idea behind LIT is that our students will take the extra step into their training and leave with significant practical experience of ministry. The placement is unique to each student, you could be a youth leader in a Church or on an evangelistic mission team. The options are endless.
This course is designed for students who have completed previous studies at a Torchbearers centre or other Bible School.
Available Dates and Lecturers
20 – 25 Sept: Al watson / Peter Thomas – John / Israel Background
27 – 2 Oct: Peter Thomas – Hebrews
4 – 9 Oct: Ministry Team – Evangelism / Discipleship
1 – 6 Nov: Stuart Batterham – Nehemiah/Minor Prophets
8 – 13 Nov: Ray Andrews – Abiding Life
15 – 20 Nov: Craig Millowick – The 10 Commandments
22 – 27 Nov: Peter Thomas – Titus
Taste & See
Don’t want to commit to a whole Bible School course without first giving it a try?
Come to Capernwray Australia for just a week and see if it something you want to do … only for $120. So thats full accommodation, all meals and lectures for the week. Even if you aren’t thinking of attending the full semester but want to do a week, thats cool with us come anyway!
Dates and Fees
BDM 1
2021
Jan 31 – July 02 (20 weeks)
$97352022
Jan 30 – July 02 (20 weeks)
$9735
LIT
2021
July 18 – Sept 10/ Dec 10
9 weeks $3670; 21 weeks $5300
Winter Bible School
2021
July 25 – Sept 3
6 weeks $2565 or $460 per week2022
July 24 – Sept 2
6 weeks $2565 or $460 per week
BDM 2
2021
Sept 19 – Dec 10 (12 weeks)
$58402022
Sept 18 – Dec 09 (12 weeks)
$5840
VISA INFORMATIONApply now
* Applications for internationals close 1 month prior to the commencement of each course. (Please note that it can take up to 8 weeks to process your visa)
** Applications for Aussie Road Trips are limited, applicants from the Outback Road Trip may be moved to a Coastal team upon acceptance due to space.
Combine a BDM course with the Aussie Road Trip and get $250 off
Combine both BDM courses and receive $500 off
Complete the full year with (BDM 1, ART & BDM 2 in any order) and receive $750 off
Frequently Asked Questions
General Bible School Questions
Are there any prerequisites for applying?
All applicants must provide a Police Check from their home country with there application. This is required because our students work with children and vulnerable people.
Applicants from Non-English speaking countries are required to complete (or have completed in the past 2 years) a proficiency in English Test – Level 4.5 or equivalent. We suggest the following tests: International English Language Test www.ielt.org or Test of English as a foreign language www.toefle.org (This is only required for students applying for BDM 1)
What does a regular week look like?
Please click here to see a sample timetable for our BDM programs.
Are lectures compulsory?
Yes – Attendance at all lectures is compulsory with the only reason for being absent is when you are sick or on a ministry commitment. Lectures are scheduled for mornings and evenings, leaving afternoons free to study and complete assignments.
What is accommodation like for students?
Sleeping accommodation is on a shared basis, with up to 4 people per room. We have a number of rooms with ensuite bathrooms while others have a communal bathroom. We provide all bedding, including sheets, blankets, pillow and doona. You will need to bring your own towel.
What age do I need to be to attend?
International students will need to be 18 years of age or older to be eligible for the required visa. In some cases we may accept Australian students who are 17.
Can I enrol in more than one course?
Yes – We highly recommend that students do more than one course. You can do our courses in any order. (you don’t need to start with BDM 1)
Can vegetarian or special needs menus be accommodated for?
The catering department will do their best to accommodate those people who require a special diet for medical reason and you must provide a medical certificate. If your diet is a lifestyle choice we may not be able to cater for all your needs and you may need to substitute with your own food.
Can married couples apply?
Yes – we have a number of small units we can use for married couple, we generally can only accept 1 or 2 a semester so it is good to apply early.
What is the average age of students?
We have students from 17 to 35 attending Capernwray with the average age of our students around 19 – 20.
Can students from African Nations Apply?
While we would love to have students from African Nations apply to our Bible School it is extremely difficult to get the required visa. We have had many African students apply but unfortunately not one has had a visa application approved. Before applying to our school, we recommend looking into your visa options and the likely hood of your being accepted.
Immigration Questions
Do I have to have medical / Travel insurance?
Yes – All international students MUST have appropriate and current medical insurance while staying in Australia it is also highly recommend that you get travel insurance as well. Medical and travel insurance is for your own protection, you must provide us with a copy of your insurance paperwork on arrival at Capernwray.
Do I need a Visa for Bible School?
Yes – All international students (excluding New Zealand) need a Visa to study at Capernwray Australia. Click here for more information on Visa’s
Can I apply for a Student Visa?
No – Capernwray is not an accredited school and therefor you cannot apply for a student visa. Please see the visa information document in the previous question.
Where can I apply from my Visa?
Once accepted into our program you will need to visit www.homeaffairs.gov.au/Trav to apply for a visa.
Fees & Payment Questions
What currency are the fees in?
All fees listed on our website are in Australian Dollars
What is included in the fees?
All meals, accommodation, lectures and use of the washing machines are included in your fees.
You will need extra money for wifi, use of the dryer, any personal item you may need to buy and you will need money for weekend trip and if you are coming for BDM 1 you will need to have enough money for the 2 week break where all students must leave campus.
How do I pay my application fee?
The most effective method for all application is by credit card. You can make a secure payment at the end of your online application. Our application fee is $50AUD
How do I pay my deposit & fees?
The easiest way to pay your fees is by using the following link. https://capernwrayaustralia.org/pay-students-fees/
When do I need to pay my deposit?
You will need to pay your deposit as soon as possible after you are accepted into the course. Your place is not secure until we have received this payment. The registrar will forward you more information with your acceptance letter. Please note your deposit is non-refundable.
When are my full fees due?
Your full fees are due 4 weeks prior to the start of the course.