A New Generation is Rising

Areté is ancient Greek, denoting moral excellence and virtue, specifically living up to your full potential and God-given calling. The apostle Paul exhorts those who follow Christ to set their minds on areté or 'excellence' (Philippians 4:8).

A delegate is one designated to act for or represent someone else. Areté Academy attendees are known as 'Delegates' because as Christians, we are commissioned to serve as Christ's delegates in this world. Areté Academy Delegates are reminded by this designation that they are representatives of Christ within their callings as outstanding professionals.

Criteria for selection are based primarily upon academic achievement, spiritual and intellectual maturity, professional leadership potential, and demonstrated Christian commitment and engagement.

Areté Academy is open to university students and young professionals between 20-35 years old. We do not apply strict limits to this age range as our priority is to equip and connect individuals who shape law and culture in their nations. Applicants can come from all academic disciplines and must have completed at least their first year at university prior to attendance. Candidates are encouraged to apply specifically for the programme in the region in which they will be living and working long-term.

You should apply to the programme based on the location of your long-term professional trajectory. Each Academy’s content is informed by the international institutions and strategies of its region. For example, if you are studying abroad but intend to build your professional life in your home country or region, apply for the programme where you’ll be based long-term. In case of doubt, please reach out and our team would be glad to advise you.

Full competency in the English language is required to attend any Academy. You must be able to confidently understand, speak, and discuss in English. For the Latin American Academy, full fluency in English and Spanish is required.

Yes. All application items must be uploaded to your online application account by midnight on the deadline date (in the time zone in which the programme will take place). It is your responsibility to remind recommenders of the deadline date for their letters of recommendation.

Yes. Unofficial transcripts are accepted. Please make sure any unofficial transcripts include the full list of your completed university courses and grades obtained in each course.

Yes. However, you are required to indicate the use of AI in your essays and you are fully responsible for the accuracy and veracity of the content. If you use AI without reference, it will negatively reflect on your application and may impact the selection committee’s decision.

You will be asked to provide the names and email addresses of your recommenders in the Letters of Recommendation section of the online application. An email will automatically be sent to the recommenders with an online recommendation form. After the recommender submits the form online, it will be sent directly to the Areté Academy selection committee.

The application deadline and notification date are displayed on the specific program application. The typical time frame of review and selection is 6-7 weeks after the application deadline. Applicants who are accepted will then have approximately one week to accept the offer by providing additional information online.

Due to the generosity of those who support this programme, ADF International is committed to covering the lodging, educational materials, and meals for each Delegate during the Academy. Delegates are responsible for travel costs to and from the Academy, as well as any personal expenses incurred while attending.

We know that travel cost may be difficult for some applicants to afford. We encourage you to do what you can to fundraise the travel costs locally. You can ask your church or church leadership (bishop etc.) to finance your attendance, start a crowdfunder, or apply with a local foundation who supports educational initiatives. Please talk to our team if you don’t find a solution — we’d be happy to advise you.