Zaytuna | Permaculture Design Certificate Course
Source: https://zaytuna.edu/Permaculture-Design-Course-Summer-2026
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:15
Zaytuna | Permaculture Design Certificate Course
Permaculture Design at Zaytuna College
Apply Now
Summer 2026
Permaculture Design Certificate Course
What is the Permaculture Design Certificate Course?
Zaytuna College's 72-hour Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) course includes two days of field visits, spanning a total of 14 days. The course is led by permaculture consultant and
instructor Mr. Rhamis Kent. Upon successful completion, participants receive an internationally recognized certificate.
The curriculum offers a comprehensive introduction to permaculture design, based on the principles pioneered by Bill Mollison, the renowned Australian biologist and author, known as the
“father” of permaculture. Hosted at Zaytuna College’s Upper Campus, the Summer 2026 session will take place from May 31
st
- June 13
th
, 2026
with the weekends dividing classroom activities scheduled for field trips.
The total cost of the course which includes tuition fees of $1500 and on-campus residency at $1100 per person is $2600. The on-campus residency fees apply to only those who opt for
accommodation at Zaytuna campus. Limited spaces will be available and they are not guaranteed. Those who do not apply for accommodation pay only the tuition fees. For people looking for
alternatives locally, Airbnb and Vrbo can provide listings that are comparatively affordable and relatively close to campus (searching within 94707, 94708, and 94709 zip codes).
What is the course about?
The ZCELL PDC course covers a wide variety of topics with a particular focus on the philosophy, ethics, and principles that inform the design of sustainable living systems tailored to various
landscapes and climates. The ultimate aim is to create, through design, a harmonious integration of people & place that results in mutually beneficial arrangements. Topics include
the application of permaculture ethics & principles to food production, home design & construction, use of appropriate technologies, and alternative economic structures & systems.
Instruction includes classroom learning, outdoor activities such as composting, and volunteering in the permaculture garden, all under the guidance of experienced staff. Field visits to
permaculture sites in the Bay Area are also part of the course. View our course schedule.
What is Zaytuna College?
The PDC course will take place at Zaytuna College, which is a Muslim liberal arts college that offers a
BA in Liberal Arts and
Islamic Studies
and an
MA in Islamic Texts
. The PDC course is open to all, and its participants attending the program are asked to abide by the
College’s policies on general conduct and expectations.
Please read our policies here.
Key Program Dates
Start time of PDC:
May 31st, 2026 (9:30 am)
Ending time of PDC:
June 13th, 2026 (6:30 pm)
Closing application date and time:
May 8th, 2026 (6:30 pm)
Applicants Interviews:
May 9th - 11th, 2026
Announcement of Summer 2026 ZCELL PDC Members:
May 13th, 2026
Course Schedule
About the Instructor
Mr. Rhamis Kent
is a consultant with formal training in mechanical engineering (University of Delaware, B.S.M.E. ’95) and permaculture-based regenerative whole
systems design serving as a registered certified Permaculture Design instructor with PRI Australia. He is a former co-director of the Permaculture Research Institute (PRI), a member of United
Designers International (UDI), and on the Supervisory Board of The Netherlands-registered non-profit Ecosystem Restoration Camps Foundation.
Rhamis serves as a Zaytuna College scholar-in-residence overseeing its permaculture garden under Zaytuna's ZCELL (Zaytuna College Center for Ethical Living and Learning) initiative.
Rhamis currently serves as a Trustee and an Implementation Team member at Plant for Peace Foundation (UK) and was a key contributor to the India-based Shivansh Farming initiative of the Hans
Foundation.
Rhamis has taught permaculture design (formal certification and short intensive courses) in Palestine/Occupied West Bank, Egypt, Greece, Ethiopia, Yemen, Turkey, Thailand, Malaysia, Italy,
Spain, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, Australia, and the United States (Michigan, California, and Vermont). He has also performed consultancy work on projects in Spain, UAE, Qatar, Saudi
Arabia, Lebanon, Oman, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Somaliland, and Western Sahara.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many candidates can attend the course?
We receive
numerous
applications for
each session. Following a thorough review of all submissions, we admit 20-22 candidates based on classroom capacity.
How much hands-on experience is included?
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
P
ermaculture
G
arden.
Who is an ideal candidate for the Permaculture Design Course?
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.
Where will I be staying?
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.
What amenities will be provided for residential candidates?
Units will include a shared bathroom and kitchen.
Lunch
prepared in the College's kitchen
will be provided on every class day. H
alal 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.
Will there be parking?
Yes, course participants will have free on-campus parking for the duration of the course.
Do I have to be Muslim to attend?
No, all are welcome.
Is there an age limit for attending the program?
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.
What is the cost for this course?
The tuition fee is $1500 for the
approximately three
week
s long
course. Accommodation is available for
an
additional
$1500, covering
20
nights, lunch, and snacks.
What should I wear for the course?
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.
Summer
s 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.
What is the refund policy?
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.
Are scholarships available?
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.
How do I get around Berkeley and the Bay Area?
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
.
Are there required or recommended readings for the course?
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
.
Whom should I contact to learn more about the program?
Please email us at
permaculture@zaytuna.edu
for any further
questions about the program.
I am an international student. Does Zaytuna College offer visa assistance?
Zaytuna College does not serve in any capacity in the process of securing visas for PDC course participants. Visitation to the United States is facilitated through the provisioning of tourist
visas issued by the appropriate authorities.
Contact Us
For additional questions and information, please email
permaculture@zaytuna.edu
.
The course will be located at Zaytuna College's upper campus located at 2750 Marin Ave., Berkeley, California, 94708.
Become a monthly supporter of the College. Are you with us?
Join 12000 Strong
Permaculture Design at Zaytuna College
Apply Now
Summer 2026
Permaculture Design Certificate Course
What is the Permaculture Design Certificate Course?
Zaytuna College's 72-hour Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) course includes two days of field visits, spanning a total of 14 days. The course is led by permaculture consultant and
instructor Mr. Rhamis Kent. Upon successful completion, participants receive an internationally recognized certificate.
The curriculum offers a comprehensive introduction to permaculture design, based on the principles pioneered by Bill Mollison, the renowned Australian biologist and author, known as the
“father” of permaculture. Hosted at Zaytuna College’s Upper Campus, the Summer 2026 session will take place from May 31
st
- June 13
th
, 2026
with the weekends dividing classroom activities scheduled for field trips.
The total cost of the course which includes tuition fees of $1500 and on-campus residency at $1100 per person is $2600. The on-campus residency fees apply to only those who opt for
accommodation at Zaytuna campus. Limited spaces will be available and they are not guaranteed. Those who do not apply for accommodation pay only the tuition fees. For people looking for
alternatives locally, Airbnb and Vrbo can provide listings that are comparatively affordable and relatively close to campus (searching within 94707, 94708, and 94709 zip codes).
What is the course about?
The ZCELL PDC course covers a wide variety of topics with a particular focus on the philosophy, ethics, and principles that inform the design of sustainable living systems tailored to various
landscapes and climates. The ultimate aim is to create, through design, a harmonious integration of people & place that results in mutually beneficial arrangements. Topics include
the application of permaculture ethics & principles to food production, home design & construction, use of appropriate technologies, and alternative economic structures & systems.
Instruction includes classroom learning, outdoor activities such as composting, and volunteering in the permaculture garden, all under the guidance of experienced staff. Field visits to
permaculture sites in the Bay Area are also part of the course. View our course schedule.
What is Zaytuna College?
The PDC course will take place at Zaytuna College, which is a Muslim liberal arts college that offers a
BA in Liberal Arts and
Islamic Studies
and an
MA in Islamic Texts
. The PDC course is open to all, and its participants attending the program are asked to abide by the
College’s policies on general conduct and expectations.
Please read our policies here.
Key Program Dates
Start time of PDC:
May 31st, 2026 (9:30 am)
Ending time of PDC:
June 13th, 2026 (6:30 pm)
Closing application date and time:
May 8th, 2026 (6:30 pm)
Applicants Interviews:
May 9th - 11th, 2026
Announcement of Summer 2026 ZCELL PDC Members:
May 13th, 2026
Course Schedule
About the Instructor
Mr. Rhamis Kent
is a consultant with formal training in mechanical engineering (University of Delaware, B.S.M.E. ’95) and permaculture-based regenerative whole
systems design serving as a registered certified Permaculture Design instructor with PRI Australia. He is a former co-director of the Permaculture Research Institute (PRI), a member of United
Designers International (UDI), and on the Supervisory Board of The Netherlands-registered non-profit Ecosystem Restoration Camps Foundation.
Rhamis serves as a Zaytuna College scholar-in-residence overseeing its permaculture garden under Zaytuna's ZCELL (Zaytuna College Center for Ethical Living and Learning) initiative.
Rhamis currently serves as a Trustee and an Implementation Team member at Plant for Peace Foundation (UK) and was a key contributor to the India-based Shivansh Farming initiative of the Hans
Foundation.
Rhamis has taught permaculture design (formal certification and short intensive courses) in Palestine/Occupied West Bank, Egypt, Greece, Ethiopia, Yemen, Turkey, Thailand, Malaysia, Italy,
Spain, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, Australia, and the United States (Michigan, California, and Vermont). He has also performed consultancy work on projects in Spain, UAE, Qatar, Saudi
Arabia, Lebanon, Oman, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Somaliland, and Western Sahara.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many candidates can attend the course?
We receive
numerous
applications for
each session. Following a thorough review of all submissions, we admit 20-22 candidates based on classroom capacity.
How much hands-on experience is included?
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
P
ermaculture
G
arden.
Who is an ideal candidate for the Permaculture Design Course?
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.
Where will I be staying?
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.
What amenities will be provided for residential candidates?
Units will include a shared bathroom and kitchen.
Lunch
prepared in the College's kitchen
will be provided on every class day. H
alal 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.
Will there be parking?
Yes, course participants will have free on-campus parking for the duration of the course.
Do I have to be Muslim to attend?
No, all are welcome.
Is there an age limit for attending the program?
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.
What is the cost for this course?
The tuition fee is $1500 for the
approximately three
week
s long
course. Accommodation is available for
an
additional
$1500, covering
20
nights, lunch, and snacks.
What should I wear for the course?
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.
Summer
s 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.
What is the refund policy?
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.
Are scholarships available?
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.
How do I get around Berkeley and the Bay Area?
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
.
Are there required or recommended readings for the course?
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
.
Whom should I contact to learn more about the program?
Please email us at
permaculture@zaytuna.edu
for any further
questions about the program.
I am an international student. Does Zaytuna College offer visa assistance?
Zaytuna College does not serve in any capacity in the process of securing visas for PDC course participants. Visitation to the United States is facilitated through the provisioning of tourist
visas issued by the appropriate authorities.
Contact Us
For additional questions and information, please email
permaculture@zaytuna.edu
.
The course will be located at Zaytuna College's upper campus located at 2750 Marin Ave., Berkeley, California, 94708.
Become a monthly supporter of the College. Are you with us?
Join 12000 Strong