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 upon academic achievement, intellectual and spiritual maturity, professional leadership potential, and demonstrated Christian commitment. 

Areté Academy is open to university students from all academic disciplines who have completed at least their first year at university prior to attendance, and young professionals (including PhD and post-doc students) within the first years of their professional careers. If you have questions regarding eligibility, please contact us. Candidates are encouraged to apply specifically for the programme in the region in which they will be living and working long-term.  

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. 

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. 

If you wish to send the request for recommendation directly to the recommenders yourself (rather than utilize the automated process) you may instead request a copy of the recommendation form be provided to you by email, and it is then your responsibility to transmit that document to your recommenders. After they complete the recommendation, they (or you) can return the completed form to the Areté Academy staff at [email protected].  

Applicants will be notified by email approximately six (6) weeks after the application deadline. Applicants who are accepted will then have approximately one week to accept the offer by providing additional information online. 

ADF International covers lodging, educational materials, and meals for each Areté Delegate during the Academy. Delegates are responsible for travel costs as well as any personal expenses incurred while attending Areté Academy.