The Full-Time Experience
Full-time study is our primary study mode, giving you the complete SMBC experience. Be fully immersed in community, with rich fellowship that builds a cohort of peers, providing encouragement and support for years to come.
“Setting aside three years to intentionally focus on theological studies, in community and under pastoral-hearted teachers was a great privilege.”
– Christine, SMBC Master of Divinity student
Two 12 week semesters
The SMBC year is split into two semesters, each has 12 weeks of lectures and community events. On top of this there are a additional weeks including:
- Research weeks
- Exam weeks
- College Mission
- SMBC Conferences
Classes Monday to Friday
SMBC classes run 5 days a week, mostly in the daytime, with 1-3 evening lectures per semester.
SMBC’s comprehensive full-time schedule provides an immersive learning experience that broadens your theological perspective, strengthens your spiritual foundation, and refines your practical ministry skills.
15-20 hrs in class per week
You will get invaluable extended class time, sitting under the academic teaching and spiritual mentorship of our lecturers. Classes are interactive, with active class participation to maximise your learning opportunity.
Studying full-time and on campus gives you focussed space for your academics, while maintaining balance for study, reflection, and community life.
All full-time students at SMBC complete the Certificate in Bible and Missions (CBM) alongside their accredited course. The CBM recognises the additional features of your full-time experience, including participation in community events, spiritual formation groups, cross-cultural mission awareness, ministry skill workshops, and practical ministry involvement.
This certificate is designed to deepen your spiritual formation, build gospel-shaped character, and develop practical ministry skills. It complements your academic learning and helps prepare you for a lifetime of gospel service in Australia and around the world.
Access to lecturers beyond classroom
Studying full-time means you’ll benefit from extensive one-on-one time with our expert faculty, who serve as both teachers and mentors in your study journey.
Lecturers actively make themselves available to answer your questions, whether about class topics, assignments, theological complexities or practical ministry skills.
Lunches on campus
Cooked meals are included for full-time students.
Food is a central community space for SMBC where students and lecturers sit side by side to share a meal, learning and life.
Conversations continue after classes, as you reflect and sharpen your learning amongst your peers and faculty. Meals are a key time to enjoy meaningful conversations and fellowship.
Community gatherings and events
On top of classes, full-time students attend community gatherings to deepen your spiritual growth, build lasting relationships with classmates and faculty, and be thoroughly prepared for effective ministry.
Full-time students are grown through:
- Monday Chapel
Students worship together, and practise their preaching alongside their peers - Tuesday Ministry Matters
Every week a host of mission organisations gather, alongside visiting speakers. Hear and connect with global and local ministries and missions - Wednesday Principal’s Hour
A central meeting point in our week, the whole community gather as the SMBC Principal and faculty open God’s word - Wednesday Fellowship Groups
Students meet in small groups, hosted by faculty members, to enjoy fellowship and prayer - Annual Centre Conferences
Our two Centres each host a bi-annual conference – focussing on preaching and pastoral ministry for one year, and cross-cultural mission the alternate year. These multi-day events bring respected, authoritative speakers to share their wisdom and experience.
Benefits of Full-Time Study
Full-time on-campus study offers a unique opportunity for focussed, accelerated growth in your theological and spiritual formation.
For those able to, we highly recommend this transformative intensive experience – both for the deep learning and the meaningful friendships that extend far beyond your time at SMBC.
We believe the best learning happens in the context of relationship. That’s what studying on-campus is all about. You will be part of a diverse learning community, with formative conversations, peer support, and skill sharing.
FAQs
What is full-time study?
The Government considers you a full-time student when you’re enrolled in an Australian University of Theology (AUT) course and taking three to four subjects each semester.
At SMBC, full-time students also join our Certificate of Bible and Ministry (CBM) program. This is our own special certificate program designed to enhance your learning experience and personal growth alongside your AUT studies. The CBM focuses on developing both your knowledge and character to give you the best possible foundation for ministry.
Do I have to live on campus to study full-time at SMBC?
You can study full-time at SMBC as a:
Residential student
Living on campus means you benefit from theological education in the context of living in community, an invaluable experience for your spiritual formation and for whatever ministry God has in store for you. This option includes affordable rent, meals included, and no transport needed to study.
Day student (non-residential)
Day students travel to and from college each day. They get full access to classes, faculty, library, morning tea, and lunches in community. You get to experience the rich community life, meaningful discussions, and fellowship that make SMBC unique during your time on campus each day.
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