CORE3001 Pilgrimage Elective
Korea (World Youth Day) Pilgrimage 2027
The School of Philosophy & Theology invites you to South Korea in Semester 2, 2027 for CORE3001: Pilgrimage. This course is an eligible CORE elective which could count towards the successful completion of your undergraduate degree!
The pilgrimage
Students will travel across a range of culturally and historically significant sites across Seoul, Suwon and Jeonju in South Korea - blending history with interactive cultural activities, international connections and faith development.
The journey culminates in events across World Youth Day week, where hundreds of thousands of young people from across the globe are anticipated to gather with the Holy Father in celebration and spiritual reflection. Pope Francis chose the verse "Take courage! I have overcome the world" from John 16:33 as the theme for World Youth Day Seoul 2027. This unique experience inspires pilgrims to grow in their personal courage, faith and leadership while exploring one of the most dynamic and culturally rich cities in Asia.
You will be accompanied throughout by Notre Dame academics from the School of Philosophy & Theology. Places are limited, so we encourage you to apply now.
Important information
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When is the pilgrimage?
This course is expected to take place during Semester 2 2027 from 29 July to 10 August. During this time, and leading up to the international travel component, you will attend some online workshops to prepare you holistically for your pilgrimage.
International Travel Dates: 29 July to 10 August 2027 (inclusive)
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Eligibility requirements
There are several requirements that must be met to be eligible for CORE3001 Pilgrimage. You must:
- Be a domestic student (Australian citizen or permanent resident).
- Successfully complete CORE1000 Foundations of Wisdom by the end of Semester 1, 2027
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree at the University of Notre Dame Australia where the CORE3001 Pilgrimage elective course can contribute towards completion of your degree.
- Have completed a minimum of one year of study at the University of Notre Dame Australia by Semester 2, 2027
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Possess a valid passport that covers both the duration of the pilgrimage and three months after your return.
- Be reasonably fit and able to undertake the travel requirements of this course.
If you have any questions about these eligibility requirements, don’t hesitate to contact us.
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Fees and OS-HELP Loan
Fees
The overall cost of the international travel component in CORE3001 is estimated at between $6,400 and $7,000. This estimate is inclusive of all airfares, accommodation, group meals, activities, transfers and travel insurance. In addition to this amount, students should budget at least $700 for personal spending and individual meals depending on their travel style and needs.
Students must choose how they would like to fund the international travel component of this course. You will be able to self-fund, apply for the government OS-HELP loan or apply for the International Core Grant.
OS-HELP Loan
The OS-Help loan is intended to provide financial assistance to students with a commonwealth supported place, who wish to pursue a portion of their studies overseas. Your OS-HELP loan will be added to your HECS-HELP liability (if applicable).
Each student is eligible to apply for a maximum of two OS-HELP loans during their degree, and this option is only available for students who have completed at least one year of study.
If you're interested in applying for OS-HELP, please check the eligibility criteria and application process. Applications for OS-HELP should be made only after you have successfully secured a place in the CORE3001 Pilgrimage and support to apply will be provided.
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International Core Grant
The International Core Grant aims to support students who have experienced financial or educational difficulties to participate in Study Abroad programs at the University.
This grant is specifically designed for those enrolled in an International Core Curriculum course such as CORE3001 Pilgrimage. The grant will cover necessary travel expenses, such as international flights, accommodations, required activities/excursions and included group meals. Recipients of the International Core Grant will have their travel booked for them by the University.
Who is eligible for the International Core Grant?
To be considered for the International Core Grant, you will need to demonstrate financial hardship and/or challenging circumstances that have impacted your education, such as:
- Being the first person in your immediate family to attend university.
- Relocating from a regional or remote area to attend universit.
- Experiencing a disability or ongoing medical condition.
- Being an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.
- Having carer or sole parenting responsibilities.
- Experiencing displacement; such as having an out of home care, refugee or asylum seeker background.
What does the International Core Grant cover?
- Return airfares
- Accommodation
- Transfers to and from accommodation
- Meals: group meals (typically one to two per day)
- Compulsory day trips and activities
- Limited bursary
Some individual expenses may not be included:
- Individual meals
- Discretionary spending
How do I apply for the International Core Grant?
Simply fill out the International Core Grant section as part of your online application for the International CORE3001 Pilgrimage.
You are asked to provide the following supporting documents:
- A personal statement (up to 500 words) explaining your situation and how receiving the International Core Grant would enable you to participate in the pilgrimage.
- Other applicable evidence to support your application such as:
- Proof of receipt of Centrelink payments
- Proof of regional address
- Evidence of disability or ongoing medical condition
- Evidence of responsibilities of caring for another person who needs ongoing support due to a long-term medical condition, a mental illness, a disability, frailty, or the need for palliative care
- Proof of humanitarian visa
- Any other relevant supporting documents
Successful International Core Grant applicants will be notified at the same time as they are advised of the outcome of their application to participate in the international course.
The deadline to apply for the International Core Grant is the same as the overall application deadline for the CORE3001 Pilgrimage course.
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Application process
1. Application
Submit your application online through our CORE3001 Pilgrimage Application Form. Complete the International Core Grant section of the application (if applicable).
Applications will close on Wednesday 30 September 2026 at midnight (AWST). As places are strictly limited, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
2. Interview
As part of the application process, you will be contacted for an in-person interview.
Interviews will be conducted in September and October 2026.
3. Acceptance
You will be notified of your application outcome within three weeks of applications closing.
4. Enrolement
If you are accepted, you will be provided with a permission code to enrol into CORE3001 Pilgrimage via the student centre.
You will be emailed an invoice showing all fees and due dates for your payment. The email will also include a payment gateway link. You will be able to pay using a card of your choice.
Please note that a non-refundable deposit will be required to secure your place in the course. This deposit will contribute to required travel costs such as accommodation, transport, required activity/entry tickets, and group meals.
Contact us
If you have any questions about this pilgrimage or the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Core Curriculum
Email: corecurriculum@nd.edu.au
School of Philosophy & Theology
Email: philosophytheology@nd.edu.au
Fremantle: 08 9433 0137
Sydney: 02 8204 4175
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