All I can say is that Hillsong College was the best experience of my life. Over the next few paragraphs I will try my best to encapsulate into words what a phenomenal impact that going to Hillsong Leadership College (or the official name “Hillsong International Leadership College”) for three years had on my life.
When you get to Hillsong College:
1 – God calls…
It’s a little hard to express my gratitude to God for asking me to go and do Leadership training at Hillsong College. I think this is my first point. You must feel called to do it, if God isn’t in the decision to go to College, then don’t do it. Your not doing Hillsong Church any favors by being there, the thing to remember is that it’s not about you, it’s about what God can do in you by placing you in that house. It’s an amazing place to be in regardless of whether you are called to be planted there or not. But imagine how much sweeter it would be if you were meant to be there, not just because it’s Hillsong.
2 – Get planted
The best thing that God in me when I first rocked up was give me a revelation about being planted. It was so strong that I thought I would be there the rest of my life. He basically said to me to shut up and learn, to leave my own thinking behind and embrace all the revelation that He wanted to give me at Hillsong. This not only included revelation from the word, but also allowing myself to receive revelation while submitted to strong leadership. In all areas of my life, God chose college at Hillsong to deal with much of my thinking. It was such an immersive experience allowing the word from the pulpit on Sunday’s to small lectures during the week to mold and shape me into the man God wants me to be.
3 – Serve
To get the most from Hillsong College, the best thing I can recommend is to get a revelation on serving. Throw yourself into it and see what God will do. It’s a great place to see your heart tested. I can vividly remember the first conference I served (Colour Conference in March) and all the things that God brought to the surface through that experience. It was tough, I had to reach deep to finish that week, but I can honestly say that God pulled off some miracles in me. Predominantly God showed me that he wanted me to serve Him, and not man. Otherwise I would constantly look for validation through the words of men, rather than God’s.
4 – Enlarge
Get ready to enlarge your thinking. If there is one place that can enlarge your thinking, it’s Hillsong! There is so much vision there, you can’t not be effected by it. It’s easy to allow yourself to become hardened to change. But my suggestion is to embrace it. As a church, we need to roll with the times in order to be relevant to the times! Hillsong is a great place to learn how to be relevant, while dogedly staying true to the truth of God’s word.
5 – The Why behind the How
At Hillsong, there is a reason for doing everything. If there is no reason to do something, then don’t do it. If it’s not relevant to the present, then there’s no reason to do it! Serving at Hillsong is very intentional and focussed.
6 – Passion and Purpose
Before Hillsong, I was merely dating God, now the true romance has begun, and I can honestly say, there is no turning back. While at College I fell in love with God and His word, and He began to reveal to me His plans and purposes for my life. I remember driving somewhere up behind church one day and asking Him what He wanted me to do with my life. I heard three words… “Build My Church”. I can say the from that moment on, no matter what church I’m in, I would always be connected, relevant and purposeful in the house of God, whether I was at Hillsong or now serving at Generation Church on the Gold Coast.
7 – Change your thinking
There are so many different things that God addressed in me while at college. If you are set in your ways and don’t want to change, I suggest asking God to soften your heart to His word and to people. To make the most out of College, always be learning, enlarging, growing and moving forward. This requires one of the most painful processes, addressing wrong thinking that you might have. There was, and still is, many areas that I want to grow in, it never stops, and it doesn’t get easier. But my suggestion is to run to correction, whether it’s in the form of a word from your leader, from the pulpit on Sunday or direct from God and His word. So many people lose, because that refuse to listen and learn because they think they know what is right and cling desperately to their opinions. I could not express it more strongly, run to correction and all the goodness that it can bring you. It’s where pride is defeated, and God is victorious in your life.
Final Thoughts:
I hope that these few points will help you in your decision to go to college. Think carefully about your reasons for going. Are you certain it’s where you are called to be, go for it! God want’s to train and equip the next generation of leaders and He is using Hillsong church (along with many other churches) to do so.
Anyway, feel free to leave a comment if you have any more questions. I will also try and answer your questions as best I can.
Getting to Australia:
#1 Obtaining an Australian Student visa
Make sure that you go through the correct channels to get a student Visa, listed below are a few government websites that will provide invaluable information about living an studying in Australia. There are also some great websites with free eligibility assessments as well.
#2 Course costs:
- Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs – Hillsong College page
Includes course costs in Australian dollars – click on each course at the bottom for more information on each course. - Currency calc
#3 Insurance:
Health insurance varies for overseas students depending on the health fund, but a general rule is that it’s about AUD$75 per three months.
{ 47 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for you help matt! Those were some really good points and thank you for your time.
THanks Matt…my boyfriend and I are really seeking God’s will for our lives right now. Hillsong has recently come up and been laid on both of our hearts. I guess we are just waiting on the Lord. We’ll go where He leads. Thanks for writing that blog. It was definately helpful to me.
Thanks Matt!
Laura D
I’m at the college at the moment. It’s very interesting to read your post. Makes me think.
Hi Matt! How exciting to find you. Was searching through the web for college graduates. I’m still at college, doing the new degree program. What an awesome season!
When were you at college? What did you do? What are you up to now?
Suzie
I am wondering if you could share how you paid for your tuition at Hillsong?
hey i wuz wondering how much the housing cost wuz. im planning to go to the hillsong college next year or two, and am calculating an estimate on how much it would cost me. So you would be lots of help to tell me about the average cost for housing. God bless
Wow. I’m heading off to the college this January and I just want to thank you for puttting it so well. You’ve just reminded me of what it’s all about and why God has directed me there. Praise God!
Hey Matthew -
Thanks for posting that info about Hillsong College. I was wondering if you could give some other info about it though. I have been comparing college cost and narrowing down my options. And found that Hillsong is the same cost as a couple of four year schools in America. I know God calls and we are to follow. But I know we have to plan somewhat for the future also.
So from what you know what career options are they if you graduate from Hillsong Leadership College. It seems like a regular 3 year training school for ministry except that it’s selling point is it’s Hillsong. So you know the quality of leadership and teaching there. From your own experience though… Is going to Hillsong college limiting in the future career wise? Thanks!
Tyler -
HI. Good to read about your experiences at Hillsong. I am a pro musician and involved in Church worship in UK (should I say frustrated with some Christian ‘musicians’ attitude toward doing your best and continual learning) anyway, am praying about the future, training in leadership with a focus on using music in ministry, and what God is calling me to… looking at Hillsong, Aus. One Q for you… Schooling for my 11 year old son… any recommendations?
Look forward to hearing from you.
Tim H
Thanks your comments. Now I’m so struggling to decision for going the college. your comments so help me. Peace be with you.
Hey Matthew! You don’t know me, but I stumbled upon your blog looking up information for HIllsong. I’m an 18 year old Floridian girl that’s getting ready to go to college, and I’m looking into Hillsong as a possibility in one or two years. My heart is worship arts, and my goal is to someday start a Christian concert venue/youth center. Anyways, I have some questions and I’d like to just chat with you about your time there and see if it might be something that God has for me. My email is radioactive_emokid@hotmail.com, my myspace link is above, or you can contact me through AIM at zamwesellthepunk. Thanks so much and God bless!
-Britt.
Hey, Im 4rm R.S.A (South Africa) and your article is really cool!! It’s amazing how the change of perspective and attitude in doing God’s work can turn things around and open the door to more of God in your life!! Being in love with God is absolutely Rockers!! I do not have words to describe it! Keep Strong and God Bless!!
Hey Matt,
I’m really glad I found your site. I would like to get more direct information about the college, because I can’t seem to find the cost, and I’m not sure how the educational system works in Australia. What is Certificate VI and what does it imply? I wanted to take the one-year course on Youth Ministry and maybe a Performing Art, but I’m not sure how that works out. If you could give me more information, I’d be so grateful.
Thanks a lot and God bless!
Tnx Matt for ur words..they r really inspiring, I’m Joel from Nigeria and by Gods grace I am into the music ministry too and I al sold out to HIM, 2 times my visa application to college has been denied, but God told me that he delayed me b,cos he wanted me to attain a good level in HIM.
I have reapplied and I know that all things will work together for good…God bless and increase u Matt, and to everyone who has a heart for God
Hi!
I wish I had found this site earlier. Especially this entry. But God works in mysterious ways and His timing is always perfect. The “passion and purpose” part really spoke to me. I have that written in eyeliner on my bathroom mirror; its been there for a couple of months. “Surrender and trust” are there too.Your words are like yet another confirmation that I am in God’s will. See…
I got in at Hillsong and will be starting there in January ‘07. I am very exited, nervous too, the Acceptance Pack has a whole lot of rules in it.
May you experience God’s prosperity in all that you do, my friend.
SHALOM.
Hey matt sometime in sep 05 i said i reapplied for a visa..to Gods glory i have been granted a student visa to study at hillsong..I will be resuming this Jan..its really going to be as awesome experience..I’M IN FOR A BLAST…HOPE U REPLY ME SOON ON joelplayspiano@yahoo.com…
hello matthew!!
thanks for all those informations about hillsong Australia!
I’m a french girl and i’m wondering about my future and god’s will for my life!
I love music and I ‘d like to serve God with the worship, by singing..and i thought about this college..but i don’t know if god wants me to do it.So if you agree i’d like to chat with you on msn if you hav it to have more informations about it! If you don’t want it is not a pb i will understand !
so be blessed!
hope to hear from you soon!
hi matt!
my name is ashley and i’m from the US. i’m considering hillsong for worship arts in jan. 08. i was wondering if many ppl go to hillsong after they get a degree in worship or if it’s possible to go straight to hillsong and still be accredited in the states afterwards.
thanks!
Matthew,
Thank you so much for your blog. It has made me even more excited to attend Hillsong, and has built my confidence that this is where God is calling me to.
hey mathew!
this is an awesome website..ive been wanting to know someones opinion on how hillsong college was..im really interested in going..i have a question though..what exactly does the college look for in a student?Does is look at your GPA..or is it just a colege u go to for intrest? kind of a dumb question..but still.Can you help? thank you!
Hi Matthew
You won’t believe what a relieve it is to see such an amazing website. Something informative and someone that actually offer to help. I’ve been browsing on Hillsong college’s web for ages. It is a great dream of mine to be able to go to Hillsong college and learn and live the word of God in a way never imagnined.
The problem is I’m looking for funding. I’m working at the Mount Grace Spa in South Africa as a Beauty Therapist which is an amazing place and I’ve learnt alot of myself and my relationship with God.
I always wanted to work in God’s company, reaching out to the lost, missguided or yearning young people of the world and show them what God is all about.
Well all I realy want to know is if you know of an organisation or someone that would be able to help me with funds.
Thanx
Lots of Blessings
Carolien
I have been accepted into hillsong college and will be attending in jan 08. This information helped a-lot at preparing me for the experience or at least making me feel more prepared. Thanks
Hey Matt! I was just searching the college since i start it up here in about 4 days. I think I live in your old house and I recognized the name from old paper stuff in the garage! lol.
So, good words, awesome to hear of your journey. And yes, God definately builds up whatever He starts before you even get here. The romance is so awesomely found between bible class and squalking birds.Have THE best day,
nicole
( bass. waca stream. randomly surfing the net at midnite)
Matt,
Thank you for your post!! I really feel a call from God to pursue training in worship arts, and Hillsong College has come up yet again in my search for where God wants. Your section on “when you get to Hillsong College” with all the points really hit home to me and reminded me to keep on the God and heart checks when pursuing something this big. Thanks again!
~Melody
God is good. Thanks for posting, it encouraging seeing both the ways God’s blessed you and to see the excitement others have to attend. I’ll be attending jan 08 and it’s neat to know God has and is bringing people, friendships grounded in Him, together already. Thanks man. Feel free to email me kupish@mac.com
hello matthew,
i have finally made a decision to follow GOD and His will for my life and part of that by His revelation is to attend Hilsong.
there is a some fear i am experiencing because in 2001 i was charged with a felony for selling cocaine, but that is another mess turned message. i think about admission ,visas and any thing that i fear would hinder me from attending hilsong.
there is a quiet vioce that tells me to be quiet and walk, i know GOD is in control but i want to know now if
there is no exception for my past.
frank v , be Blessed
Hi Matt;
Thank you so much for posting this. Reading what you had to say was a real encouragement. I am finishing up highschool and I am seeking God with all my heart as to where He wants me to go. I know He is calling me into ministry, but through researching colleges, Hillsong College has really been on my heart for the past few months. I am praying God will open up a way for me to go! Thank you again, and keep rockin out for Jesus!!!
Hey Matt,
I realise you wrote this post just over 3 years ago, but I’d like to join the long list of people who have thanked you for writing this blog.
I live in the UK and have a pretty decent job which, under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t really want to leave, but my girlfriend and I are making the step and planning to do Hillsong College in January next year.
We haven’t as of yet booked flights, applied for a place on the course, or applied for visas yet…but just the idea that we are planning to move out of our home country for a year is already starting to blow my brain. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me. So thank you for the practical help listed in this post, and I’m sure it will come in handy.
As a young couple (aged 21 & 23) would you recommend we apply to the Hills campus or the City campus???
Jamie
Thanks Matt, good stuff, I’ve also written some articles about my time there which may provide further insights to potential students. Click the name above to go to the blog.
I am living in Namibia and I want to know if it is possible to the Hillsong training on a correspondence basis since I am married and have 3 beautiful little girls that I have to take care of, I am the worship leader of our church and have just finished my pastoral studies and i want to make further studies in worship.
Thank
Very well put out. I’d say the things mentioned very well describes what to expect. A year at Hillsong College will change your life. Just be ready to let God do just that!
hey Matt!
i was wondering the same thing Lory Arnold wrote….how did you pay for all your tuition at hillsong?..did you have a job? can we work while at Hillsong college?….ive been trying to see how much the housing and tuition is going to be….if you could please let me know this information it would be VERY helpful. thank you!!
Hey matt i was wondering if hillsong college helps with any careers once graduated or is it just for ministry?
God bless
I think it’s great for work life. I always felt it was a great idea to spend a year before college, like a “Gap” year and bible college. The other option is to do bible college after college. It’s a great way to prepare you as a leader for the marketplace.
The first year of bible college is all about you, dealing with core issues and getting bigger in yourself. For me personally I learn’t a huge amount about the nature and character of God, and in learning who God is, you learn who you are and what you are called to.
I think this is particularly important for people wanting to do liberal arts courses, those courses can be utterly soul destroying and you will need steel going into them. I have seen young people fall away from the faith because they didn’t have the spiritual foundation needed to make it through with their faith in one piece.
This blog is absolutely phenomenon.I plannining to come to HillS.Your piece is just must read.Thnxs.Well’ a few questions though.I want to do you ministry for an year @H.S
1.Whats the cost for that.
2can you work and raise your tution, housing and other college expenses while at Hill.S.
3.does H.S help with any careers after u graduate.
Thanks Matt.
I think this is great. I have been thinking about Hillsong to do some grad work. I live in the US, and have heard great things about the school. But I think your first point was what really hit home. “Am I called to go?” I want to be called… I feel like God’s calling me somewhere… how do I know its Hillsong? How do I know where God wants me to go?
Thanks for your entry. I appreciate the insight.
Hi Matt, I live in the US and am working toward going to Hillsong College for praise and worship. Being a 21 year old guy, and having never moved out of the country… I was wondering how hard it is to find somewhere to live in Sydney. I have also heard that it is hard to attend Hillsong and maintain a job as well. I dont know if that holds any truth, just curious. It would be great hear from you and possibly ask some other questions.
I would sincerely appreciate the help!
Hard and expensive to live in Sydney. Not wise to try to work extensively whilst trying to grasp a deeper insight and revelation of God.
yours
annie
I’m sure you’ve answered this in the past, but approximately how much should I budget for the first year of schooling? Tuition+Living expenses. I know that the first year’s tuition is about $3,800 USD. Just curious!
Thank you, this blog has been so helpful!
Brad
Funny (in the ‘God is the master of irony’ sort of funny) that you emphasize being called, and making sure that you are definitely called by God. I attended Hillsong college for a few weeks shy of a year – I just couldn’t finish. God was stretching me and growing me in ways that were incredibly uncomfortable and it had to do with learning about people. I learned that some people can be cruel, and others can have the biggest heart you’ve ever seen. My mother called me home before my year was up because she was very nervous about the economy, and I was glad to go. Yes, I had great friends, but I still felt dreadfully alone in Sydney.
Funny, after having some space to heal and think about what God has shown me, I feel drawn back. Quite strongly. My point… If God has called you somewhere, first of all you REALLY should listen, and secondly, He is full of mercy. If you don’t do something perfectly the first time through, He gives you time to reflect. My encouragement to anyone that is thinking about going is to listen to that still, small voice, and never give up hope. He is the supplier of strength beyond what you can imagine.
Oh, and if you DO decide to go to Hillsong college, expect to come back nothing like the person who stepped on the plane in the beginning.
Hi, for a long time I had always felt like missions or music was where God would place me but I couldn’t decide which one. About a month ago I felt God’s call to music and Hillsong kept popping up and then I started to feel God’s call to Hillsong College…I live in the US and there are some people who discourage me from going because of the cost and how far away I would be. But if God wants me to go there than I want to go there. Could I have a quick chat with you, maybe you could help me clarify some things…my email is tswatters23@yahoo.com
Thank you
i really want to be there since 5 years ago
now, i want it again after i forgot about my dream to be there
but few seconds ago you really made me think
i want to go for my own self or for HIM … (?)
now i know that i have to pray
to ask HIM , does my dream is HIS calling or not…
^_- thank you, please pray for me….
Hi Maristya,
Yes! The right thing to do is pray about it!
What you could do it start making preparations and ask God to close or open doors.
Thats the best thing to do if your not sure!
regards,
Matt
hi,
thanks for sharing your experiences.
They’re really helpul and they made me thinking…
I pray about going to Hillson in July 2010 and I’m really excited what is going to happen….
Dear partners in Christ.
I’m so interested to join Hillsong college because i’m commited to God and i want to serve him but Bible studies are needed. the only thing that prevents me to join this college is money. i can not afford studies overseas since i stem from a low income family. if there is how to apply for scholarship, please feel free to contact me.
God bless you.
hey matt, it is great to hear from somone who actually went to college at hillsong. i feel strongly that God wants me to pursue an education at hillsong for worship arts. i was wondering is it hard to get excepted into the college?
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, strength and hope.
My daughter is planning to attend Hillsong College July2010.