Discover the Transformative Power of the Bible with Our Discipleship Bible School (DBS)
Do you want to connect deeply with God through the Bible and uncover its relevance for your life today? Are you ready to dive into historical and cultural contexts to gain fresh biblical insights?
Our Discipleship Bible School (DBS) is a 3-month immersive journey designed to help you explore the entire Bible, understand each book in its original context, and see how it fits into the overarching biblical story. It’s in English and we have a great community.
Experience a high-quality, affordable DBS in one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and beautiful cities, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia—a city rich in culture and vibrancy. Whether you’re seeking spiritual growth, deeper biblical understanding, or a stronger connection with God, this program is perfect for you.
Join us for an unforgettable season of discovery and transformation!
Join us September 2025! Apply now
What’s involved in a DBS?
Be equipped to confidently share the Biblical narrative, encompassing its historical events, the nature of God, and His plan for redemption.
Explore the Bible in chronological order with guidance from experienced teachers from around the world.
Receive training to properly interpret the Word of God, disciple individuals, and equip churches.
Encounter God as you see His story unfold through the school and let His Word transform your life.
We offer affordable Discipleship Bible Schools (DBS) in a vibrant, English-speaking hub in Southeast Asia. Located in a safe city with a rich variety of cuisines and a melting pot of cultures, this is the perfect place for students to deepen their connection with God. You’ll thrive in an international community where you can grow spiritually and discover your God-given purpose. This culturally diverse environment provides the ideal setting for transformation, personal growth, and community building.
Our DBS offers a dynamic and supportive space where you’ll not only study the Bible but also experience the real-world impact of God’s word in an authentic, cross-cultural context. Join us in this inspiring and safe location to explore your faith, your purpose, and how you can make a difference in the world.
YWAM EA runs one DBS each year, which takes place in the fourth quarter, usually in September. However, it’s a high-quality, immersive program designed to provide a deep and comprehensive understanding of the Bible in its historical and cultural context. You can apply for this school to be part of an exciting opportunity to grow in your faith and knowledge of God’s Word.
We encourage you to pray and go forward with confidence. We love our YWAM family of ministries. There are so many great locations. Do you want to stay in your country or go somewhere different? Do you love a certain type of food? What’s your budget? We also encourage you to reach out and begin communications so that you can ask questions and get a feel for the location. Remember, the right place for you is where you will grow in your relationship with God, grow in your foundations of the word and fulfill your calling. Don’t hesitate to ask us for advice. We are here to help you through the process with confidence
You must have first graduated from a DTS which is the entry level school in YWAM. We are a full immersion program so we ask that all participants join us for the whole experience. You must apply and send in your references. We encourage our students to be 17+ years old and to have graduated from high school.
DBS costs vary according to location. Our DBS is one of the cheapest around. We know how important it is to get a foundation in the word. We love to make things accessible for people! For the most accurate pricing details, check our website or reach out directly for specific information
This is a great question. It’s possible to do both, one after the other. There is no exact right answer. Some people will benefit from first doing college and then doing a DBS and seeing what the Lord has in store for the future. Others will enjoy doing a DBS before university as it can be a great foundation for all that’s ahead. We also offer an associates degree with us that’s certified by the University of Nations. A DBS is part of that!
Do YWAM if you want to experience God in a practical way, apply not just theology but grow in character and share Him with others. We are called by God to know God and make Him known. YWAM is one tool that God uses and it’s a privilege to serve Him!
This will depend on your personal needs and lifestyle. You choose what you want to eat for lunch. You can grab a bowl of noodles or a burger. Prices are around 9-20rm a meal (about 2-4 USD). Sometimes people like to go out for a movie or to explore. In that case, you may want about 20 USD for a fun day out.
Yes, if your parents want to come visit, we would love to have them. It would be best to communicate with the course leader to look at a convenient time for their visit. DTS is usually a very full schedule. Maybe they want to come for graduation? Let’s chat about it.
You’re parents would be welcome to stay with us, or we can find them a hotel close by.
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Once you register for the Discipleship Bible School (DBS), we will send you a detailed packing list to help you prepare for your time with us. In general, you can expect to need comfortable clothing for both warm weather, personal items for daily life, and some travel essentials. We’ll also provide specific guidance on any items you may need for activities, community life, and cultural immersion. Stay tuned for your packing list! We want to make sure you’re fully prepared and ready for an amazing experience.
Malaysia is a beautiful and diverse country located in Southeast Asia. Known for its tropical climate, Malaysia offers a vibrant mix of cultures, languages, and cuisines, making it a fascinating place to live and explore. The country is very safe and widely recognized for being a welcoming destination for people.
In Malaysia, English is commonly spoken, making it an easy location for international students and visitors to navigate. You’ll find a blend of modern cities, lush rainforests, and beautiful coastlines, all while experiencing a rich cultural heritage that includes Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences.
Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia is an excellent choice for those wanting to explore a new culture while still being able to communicate in English.
For more about Malaysia, check out this link about Malaysia’s cultural diversity.
We come from all over the world! Our community is made up of a diverse mix of nationalities and ages, creating a truly international atmosphere. During your Discipleship Bible School (DBS), you’ll be surrounded by about 50 passionate individuals, most of whom are aged between 18 and 28 years old. We celebrate our differences, knowing that these diverse backgrounds enrich the learning experience and help build a dynamic and inclusive environment.
Kuala Lumpur has a tropical climate, so it’s warm and humid year-round. In September, expect average highs of 31°C (88°F) and lows of 23°C (73°F). By March, the temperature rises slightly, with highs around 33°C (92°F) and lows of 24°C (75°F). It’s common to experience daily rain showers due to the tropical weather, and temperatures typically range from 22°C to 32°C throughout the year. Be sure to pack light, breathable clothing.
Absolutely! As a participant in the Discipleship Bible School (DBS), you will have the opportunity to get involved in our various ministries during your time with us. Whether it’s through outreach activities, community service, or other hands-on experiences, you’ll be able to actively contribute and grow in your faith. We believe in empowering our students to put what they’re learning into action, and serving alongside our team is a fantastic way to apply the teachings and experience God’s work firsthand.
The DBS schedule is designed for both spiritual and academic growth. Each day starts with worship and intercession, followed by morning classes where you’ll dive into the word, historical context and an understanding of the books we are studying. In the afternoons, you’ll join small groups to read and discuss Scripture together. We focus on building community and spiritual maturity, ensuring you have opportunities to connect with others while deepening your understanding of God’s Word.
We’re excited to receive your application! To get started, head over to www.ywamea.com/sign-up. If you’re planning to join the DBS, we recommend applying early so you have time to submit references, book your flights, and make all the necessary arrangements. The sooner you apply, the better prepared you’ll be for the upcoming program!
Both DBS and BCC are great courses to do. They are both 12 week courses. The DBS has a broader focus and aims to help students understand the big picture and overarching narrative of Scripture. You will chronologically read through the Bible. And there will be daily readings, lectures and discussions to help you understand the context and what the Bible is really saying. There’s also an emphasis on personal application and discipleship. The BCC has more intensive study projects, research, and will study various books of the Bible in depth. Also the BCC is a 3 month course that’s a “core course” taken from the School of Biblical Studies, which lasts 9 months.
