Permaculture Design at Zaytuna College

We receive numerous applications for each session. Following a thorough review of all submissions, we admit 20-22 candidates based on classroom capacity.

In addition to classroom instruction, candidates will gain hands-on experience in composting, participate in two field visits to permaculture projects which will require them to help with those projects apart from simply a tour, and have the option to volunteer in Zaytuna’s Permaculture Garden.

Anyone interested in building sustainable ecological systems, fostering intentional communities, and living as a conscientious steward is encouraged to apply. There are no specific prerequisites, but candidates should be able to engage with college-level reading, writing, and comprehension.

We offer a residential option for candidates needing accommodation during the course. The cost is $1500 for 20 nights. Accommodation will include shared units, with basic furnishings, a bathroom, and a kitchen. Candidates may share a unit with another participant of the same gender.

Units will include a shared bathroom and kitchen. Lunch prepared in the College's kitchen will be provided on every class day. Halal and vegetarian lunch options are available. In addition, we also serve coffee and snacks to the candidates. Transportation between the lower and upper campus will also be available.

Yes, course participants will have free on-campus parking for the duration of the course.

No, all are welcome.

Participants must be 18 years or older. Those between 14 and 18 may apply with parental consent, but the course is recommended for those who can fully commit to its rigorous demands.

The tuition fee is $1500 for the approximately three weeks long course. Accommodation is available for an additional $1500, covering 20 nights, lunch, and snacks.

As a Muslim liberal arts college, Zaytuna places great importance on modesty. We ask that you maintain modest attire and show respect toward your cohort members, instructors, and College staff. Summers in the Bay Area are cold and rainy, so please bring warm clothing, including jackets and umbrellas. Comfortable, durable outfits and sneakers are recommended for outdoor activities, including composting and volunteering in the permaculture garden.

No refunds will be provided once the course begins. Candidates who withdraw more than a week prior to the course start date will receive a full refund (if paid in full). A 50% refund will be issued to candidates withdrawing one week before the course start date. Scholarship recipients are not eligible for refunds.

Zaytuna College offers a 25-50% tuition scholarship to 25% of the candidates (5-6 students). Scholarships are intended for those who demonstrate a strong potential to apply permaculture principles but may face financial constraints. Scholarship applicants must attend interviews from May 5 – 9, 2025. 

Note: Candidates who accept a scholarship and pay the remaining fees are not eligible for a refund if they later decide not to attend. There are no discounts available for accommodation. 

The upper campus, where most instruction will take place, is located atop the Berkeley Hills. Public transportation is available through the AC Transit bus #65, (https://www.actransit.org) which connects to the UC Berkeley campus, downtown Berkeley, and the lower Zaytuna campus. For schedules, fares, and Clipper Card information, please refer to the SF Bay Transit website: https://www.bart.gov. 

Yes, the primary text is Permaculture: A Designer’s Manual by Bill Mollison. This book can be purchased at a discounted rate from the Zaytuna College Bookstore. A list of recommended readings is also available on the bookstore website. The students will have access to the student discount of 10%. Please use the code "Permaculture25" to receive the student discount.

Please email permaculture@zaytuna.edu for any further questions about the program.